Who it applies to
A manufacturing premises using power and employing 10 or more workers, or 20 or more without power.
What you must have
- Registration and a licence for the factory before it starts work, renewed on the date the licence states.
- Prior approval of the building plan for a new factory or a major extension.
- A Safety Officer once you cross the headcount your State sets, and a safety committee where hazardous processes are run.
- Fencing of dangerous machinery, safe lifting tackle and pressure plant that has been tested and certified.
- First-aid boxes, clean drinking water, toilets, and a canteen or crèche once the numbers require them.
What you must record and file
- Registers of adult workers, leave with wages, overtime and accidents.
- An annual return, and a notice of every reportable accident or dangerous occurrence.
How inspections go
An Inspector may walk in at any reasonable hour. Keep the licence, the latest safety audit, test certificates and the accident register where you can hand them over in minutes.
This is working guidance for your team, not legal advice. Confirm the details against the current text of the law and your State's rules before you rely on them.
Frequently asked questions
Do we need a new licence when we add a shift?
Not usually, but the licence states the maximum number of workers and the power installed. Adding a shift can breach either, so check before you do it.
Who signs the annual return?
The occupier, or the manager if the occupier has named one. The person who signs answers for it.
What counts as a reportable accident?
Any accident that kills a worker or injures one badly enough to keep them away for 48 hours or more, and every dangerous occurrence whether or not anyone was hurt.
How long must registers be kept?
Keep them at least as long as your State rules say, and treat three years as the floor. Evidence stored here is kept, and cannot be edited.