ARTICLE · 07 JULY 2026

WHS And OHS Regulatory Update: July 2026

LegalVision

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From 1 July 2026, approved codes of practice in NSW are legally enforceable, meaning businesses must either comply or prove their alternative controls meet an equivalent standard.

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Summary

From 1 July 2026, approved codes of practice in NSW are legally enforceable, meaning businesses must either comply or prove their alternative controls meet an equivalent standard.
Union entry permit holders now have expanded powers to inspect digital work systems where a WHS breach is suspected.
A recent court decision resulted in a $472,500 fine after a worker’s death, highlighting that simple, well-known safety controls must be in place before an incident occurs.
This article is a plain-English guide to recent work health and safety (WHS) developments in New South Wales, written for business owners and officers operating in NSW.
It has been prepared by LegalVision, a commercial law firm that specialises in advising clients on work health and safety law.

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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