Safety Alerts & Updates
For All Technicians – Australia-Wide
We’re proud to bring you the third edition of our Safety Newsletter — created especially for our technicians working across Australia. At The Kraftsmen, safety is more than policy — it’s part of how we work —on every site, in every state, every day.
In this edition, we cover:
- National Safe Work Month and the SafeTea initiative
- New hazard data tools to explore job risks
- Chemical notification rules in NSW
- New hearing test requirements in QLD
Whether you’re on-site or managing projects from afar, this newsletter gives you the latest safety updates, compliance changes, and practical tools to help you stay ahead. Let’s keep building a safety-first culture — not just ticking boxes, but looking out for each other.
Grab a cuppa, it’s time for SafeTea!
This October, Safe Work Australia invites workplaces to host a SafeTea — a relaxed catch-up over a tea, coffee, or snack where teams can chat about safety, health, and wellbeing. Whether it’s a quick toolbox talk or a proper morning tea, it’s a chance to open up about what’s working (and what’s not) when it comes to staying safe on the job. The free event kit includes posters, conversation starters, and planning tips to make it easy. Techs — take five, get your team together, and start a conversation that could make a real difference.
Check out the SafeTea Event Kit
Discover the new Beta Occupational Hazards Dataset
Safe Work Australia’s fresh Beta Occupational Hazards Dataset (BOHD) offers a fascinating peek into how different jobs stack up when it comes to exposure to various hazards — from noise and awkward postures to deadline pressure and chemical contaminants. Through interactive dashboards, you can explore hazards “by job,” hazards “by risk type,” or build your own custom charts.
Some highlights? About 30% of occupations report weekly exposure to contaminants; over 79% involve regular deadline pressure; and many jobs involve awkward body positions or noise exposure.
It’s experimental data, so tread carefully — but it’s exactly the kind of tool our techs should explore for themselves to see which hazards are front and centre in your role.
Dive in, experiment, and share what you find.
NSW Focus: Hazardous Chemicals Notifications
Visit Safework NSW for Hazardous Chemicals Notifications
If your storing, using or handling Schedule 11 hazardous chemicals above the legal thresholds, you’re likely required to notify SafeWork NSW — it’s not just the head contractor’s job.
This notification helps Fire & Rescue NSW respond safely in an emergency and keeps regulators aware of risks on site.
You’ll need to provide:
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- A list of where chemicals are stored or used
- A clear site plan
- An emergency plan lodged with Fire & Rescue
- Up-to-date contact and business details
You also need to update your notification if things change — like new chemicals, new storage areas, or decommissioning tanks. And don’t forget: you must keep a chemical register with Safety Data Sheets (SDS) available to any workers who may be exposed.
Why it matters:
No notification = non-compliance — and a slower emergency response if something goes wrong.
Check your responsibilities, talk to the site manager, and make sure you’re covered.
Queensland Focus: Mandatory Audiometric Testing from 29 July 2025
Visit Worksafe QLD for audiometric testing requirements
Starting from the 29 of July 2025, Queensland introduced new rules requiring audiometric (hearing) testing for workers who must wear hearing protection due to noise levels exceeding the exposure standard.
Key requirements:
- New workers: hearing test within 3 months of beginning noisy work.
- Existing workers: tests must be repeated every 2 years.
- Employers must arrange and fund these tests and keep accurate records.
- Non‑compliance may attract penalties (max 60 penalty units).
- Noise in workplaces can’t always be eliminated, but its impact can be managed. This new regulation ensures early detection of hearing damage and pushes for stronger noise control strategies.
Why it matters to you:
Testing is now more than an optional health check — it’s a legal requirement tied to your work. If you perform tasks with significant noise exposure, expect the company to organise your test, monitor your results, and review controls if any hearing shift is detected.
Use these links to access safety rules, resources, and support in your state
NSW: safework.nsw.gov.au
QLD: worksafe.qld.gov.au
VIC: worksafe.vic.gov.au
WA: worksafe.wa.gov.au
SA: safework.sa.gov.au
TAS: worksafe.tas.gov.au
NT: worksafe.nt.gov.au
ACT: worksafe.act.gov.au
Written by Scarlett of The Kraftsmen
