The Labour Hire Authority (LHA) is increasing its focus on host businesses, especially in industries where labour hire is used in roles supplementary to a business’s core activities – such as hospitality.
Labour hire is commonly used in the commercial cleaning sector, particularly at high-turnover venues such as pubs and clubs. Supplementary roles like security, maintenance, and cleaning are often filled through third-party providers. Trainees and apprentices are also frequently sourced through group training organisations, adding complexity to employment arrangements and risk management.
Cleaning and security roles in the spotlight
The current campaign aims to ensure host businesses understand they share responsibility for the safety of labour hire workers. SafeWork inspectors are carrying out site visits and engaging directly with businesses to assess compliance, focusing on industries where labour hire is heavily relied upon, such as cleaning, manufacturing, food processing, transport, warehousing and construction.
Under work health and safety laws in NSW, both labour hire firms and host employers must manage risks and protect workers. This includes providing site-specific inductions, appropriate training, supervision and access to safe equipment. Inspectors will also review whether roles assigned to labour hire staff match their experience and training levels.
SafeWork NSW has warned that the complexity of labour hire arrangements should never result in diluted safety standards. With a rising number of workers engaged through external agencies, regulators are concerned that accountability may be unclear or overlooked, particularly in industries such as cleaning where staff are often working alone or outside regular hours.
The compliance push also extends to ensuring proper record keeping, risk assessments and consultation with workers and their representatives. Businesses found to be in breach of their obligations face fines, prohibition notices or further legal action.
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said labour hire workers deserve the same protections as any other employee. “We must be given safe systems of work, relevant training, and equipment to do their jobs without risk,” she said.
SafeWork NSW’s Labour Hire Code of Practice outlines the responsibilities of all parties involved in these arrangements. The regulator encourages businesses using labour hire to review their current systems and consult the code to ensure full compliance.
For more information on obligations for labour hire, including in the cleaning and hygiene sector, visit the SafeWork NSW website.
