SafeWork NSW inspectors head to snowfields ahead of 2023 ski season

With early snow falling across the alpine regions, workplace safety inspectors have arrived on the slopes of NSW snowfields to ensure workers and visitors alike enjoy the ski season in a safe work and recreation environment.

SafeWork NSW launched the alpine ski area safety compliance program with an industry roundtable involving all snowfield operators to discuss the safe operation of passenger ropeways, including chairlifts and gondolas.

Following the roundtable, SafeWork NSW engineers began visits to Thredbo Kosciuszko, Perisher Blue, Charlotte Pass, and the reopening Selwyn snowfields to inspect passenger ropeways and ensure there are appropriate protections around moving plant as well as induction and safety systems in place for itinerant workers in seasonal workplaces.

It is a regulatory priority of SafeWork in 2023 to better protect seasonal workers in NSW by improving industry compliance with work health and safety obligations.

SafeWork NSW will be onsite and continuing to maintain this safety priority with inspectors scheduled to visit Perisher, Selwyn, Charlotte Pass and Thredbo throughout the rest of the snow season.

Commenting on the inspections, NSW Minister for Work Health and Safety, Sophie Cotsis stated "the early snow was a nice surprise that will have workers, skiers and snowboarders excited for the season ahead.

“Our hardworking inspectors wasted no time arriving on the snowfields this week to meet with operators, inspect chairlifts and gondolas and ensure workers are appropriately trained.

“The beginning of the snow season is the busiest time of the year as thousands of workers move into these areas. We want business and workers to start the season with a safety-first attitude.

“Protecting seasonal workers and improving WHS compliance is a SafeWork priority in 2023. Collaboration between the government, operators, their workers and the public are key to realising this goal.”

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