Five Workplace Deaths in NSW Spark Safety Warning

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A recent surge in workplace fatalities across New South Wales has prompted urgent calls for renewed vigilance and compliance with safety protocols. In just four days, five people lost their lives in separate workplace incidents, serving as a stark reminder of the risks faced by workers in high-risk industries and the critical importance of robust safety measures

The fatalities, which occurred in diverse settings including manufacturing, construction, and logistics, involved both employees and visitors. One particularly tragic case saw a 77-year-old man fatally struck by a forklift while visiting a factory in Griffith. In another, a 28-year-old man died after falling from scaffolding at a construction site.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis expressed her condolences to the families and colleagues of the victims, stating, “Five deaths in four days is a tragedy and my condolences are with families, friends and colleagues of those who have sadly lost their lives”. She emphasised the ongoing responsibility of business owners: “Business owners must ensure their employees are always practising safe work practices, and, as we head into February, these deaths serve as a tragic reminder to make sure workplaces are up to date with safety equipment and compliance”.

SafeWork NSW has reiterated the need for employers to ensure all workers are properly trained and instructed in safe work practices. The agency has developed a comprehensive toolkit for business owners, offering guidance on topics such as working with electricity, forklifts, farm safety, and working at heights.

Workers and concerned individuals are encouraged to report unsafe conditions anonymously via the SafeWork hotline (13 10 50) or the Speak Up Save Lives app.

As investigations into the recent incidents continue, authorities stress that every workplace fatality is preventable, and that safety must remain the top priority for all employers and workers across the state.

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Source:

Five Workplace Deaths in NSW Spark Safety Warning - NSCA Foundation, May 2025