If you’re running a manufacturing business, here’s a wake-up call: SafeWork SA has already recorded 22 workplace fatalities this financial year, with manufacturing accounting for 18% of these deaths. That’s nearly one in five workplace deaths happening in your industry, and authorities are taking notice.
The result is that SafeWork SA has announced it will be ramping up site visits and compliance audits to tackle non-compliance.
Prison time for safety negligence
The stakes have never been higher. Since industrial manslaughter laws were introduced in 2024, employers aren’t just facing fines anymore, they’re potentially facing prison time. “Since the introduction of the industrial manslaughter laws in 2024, employers could face steep penalties or prison time if they’re found to have neglected the safety or wellbeing of workers,” warns Stephen Blackie, Portfolio Manager of Workplace Health and Safety Show.
SafeWork SA Executive Director Glenn Farrell doesn’t mince words about what’s causing these deaths: “Fatigue, short cuts and poorly maintained plant and equipment are all possible killers, but the associated risks can all be eliminated or appropriately managed through a strong commitment to safety. Businesses have a work health and safety obligation to put the safety of their people first.”
The agency has announced they’re ramping up site visits and compliance audits specifically to tackle non-compliance.
The three main culprits Farrell identifies, fatigue, shortcuts, and poorly maintained equipment, are telling. These aren’t freak accidents or unforeseeable incidents. They’re preventable deaths caused by systemic issues that many businesses struggle with:
- Fatigue often stems from understaffing, overtime culture, or poor shift management. For growing manufacturers trying to meet demand with lean teams, this is a particularly dangerous trap.
- Shortcuts typically happen when production pressure outweighs safety protocols. When deadlines loom and costs mount, safety procedures can become the first casualty.
- Poorly maintained equipment is often a result of deferred maintenance, budget constraints, or simply not having proper maintenance schedules in place.
For SME manufacturers, these issues can feel like inevitable trade-offs. But with industrial manslaughter laws now in effect, they’re trade-offs that could land you in prison.
While the regulatory pressure is mounting, there’s also unprecedented innovation happening in workplace safety. At the recent Melbourne Workplace Health and Safety Show, which saw a record-breaking 5,543 visitors, companies were showcasing game-changing safety solutions.
Festool launched their new EXOActive wearable exoskeleton, designed to reduce physical strain on workers. TruGard debuted what they’re calling a world-first innovation in forklift barrier technology. These aren’t just incremental improvements, they’re fundamental shifts in how we think about protecting workers.
“Seeing a new safety innovation early gives professionals the chance to assess its value, influence its development, and position themselves and their organisations as proactive leaders in safety,” explains Blackie.
For manufacturers, being an early adopter of safety technology isn’t just about compliance, it’s about competitive advantage. Companies that can demonstrate cutting-edge safety measures may find it easier to attract talent, win contracts, and avoid the costs associated with workplace incidents.
The Sydney show: Your chance to get ahead
The Workplace Health and Safety Show returns to Sydney from October 22-23, 2025, at The Dome, Sydney Showground. With over 180 suppliers showcasing the latest in safety equipment, technology, PPE, and AI-driven workplace safety solutions, it’s positioning itself as a must-attend event for manufacturers feeling the pressure.
The timing couldn’t be better. As authorities ramp up compliance campaigns and the manufacturing sector faces increased scrutiny, the show offers more than just product demonstrations. It’s offering over 40 hours of free educational content, including targeted seminars for high-risk industries.
The High-Risk Safety Summit will cover everything from fall prevention and mental wellbeing to workplace safety culture and evolving safety standards. For manufacturers dealing with the realities of industrial equipment, height work, and hazardous materials, these sessions could be the difference between compliance and catastrophe.
Beyond equipment: The culture challenge
What’s becoming clear is that workplace safety isn’t just about better equipment or stricter protocols. It’s about culture. The Safety Leadership and Culture Summit at the Sydney show will feature some of Australia’s most senior OHS leaders sharing practical strategies for fostering effective safety cultures.
For SME manufacturers, this cultural shift can be particularly challenging. When you’re competing on tight margins and managing lean teams, creating a safety-first culture can feel like a luxury you can’t afford. But with industrial manslaughter laws now in effect, it’s a luxury you can’t afford not to have.
The Workplace Wellbeing Summit will tackle another often-overlooked aspect: mental health and worker wellness. Fatigue, one of the three main killers Farrell identified, isn’t just about physical tiredness. It’s often tied to stress, poor work-life balance, and mental health challenges.
The bottom line for manufacturers
Here’s what every manufacturing business owner needs to understand: the safety landscape has fundamentally changed. The combination of increased fatalities, new industrial manslaughter laws, and ramped-up compliance campaigns means business as usual is no longer an option.
“It’s essential for manufacturers to remain vigilant and proactive about changing safety regulations, emerging risks and innovative solutions,” Blackie emphasizes. “The Workplace Health and Safety Show offers factory leaders and safety professionals everything they need to protect their workforce and meet these challenges head-on.”
The good news? Registration is free if you register in advance. Wait until the door, and it’ll cost you $75. But given the potential costs of non-compliance, that might be the least of your worries.
For manufacturers, the message is clear: invest in safety now, or face the consequences later. With 22 workplace deaths already this year and authorities promising increased scrutiny, the time for action is now.
“Workplace Health & Safety Show gives you the insights, strategies and connections to strengthen compliance and protect your workforce,” concludes Blackie. “It’s where you’ll meet safety leaders, discover game-changing solutions, and learn from others facing the same challenges. There’s no better place to exchange ideas and stay ahead, don’t miss it!”
The question isn’t whether you can afford to attend. It’s whether you can afford not to. More information is available here.
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