How to Use the NSW $1000 SafeWork Rebate to Protect Lone Workers
Lone workers - such as in-home carers, late-shift retail staff, or remote field workers - are an essential part of many businesses, often operating in isolated or high-risk environments. Supporting their safety is not only a legal responsibility but a human one. With up to 20% of home care workers injured on the job each year, proactive safety solutions are vital.
One avenue for funding lone worker safety is the New South Wales (NSW) Government offers the $1000 Safework Small Business Rebate Scheme, which provides financial assistance to small businesses aiming to improve workplace safety. They can use the amount to purchase safety items for protecting workers.
In this blog:
Here’s how the rebate works—and how you can use it to better protect your team.
What is the SafeWork NSW Rebate?
Launched in 2018, the rebate offers up to $1,000 for small businesses and sole traders in NSW to spend on safety improvements. You pay for an eligible item upfront, and then SafeWork reimburses the cost.
Eligible purchases include:
Two-way radios
Monitoring systems
Fall detectors and PPE
Anti-slip materials, cattle panels, and more
Eligibility Criteria
If you’re considering applying for the rebate, here are the requirements you must meet:
Be a small business or sole trader based in NSW
Have 50 or fewer full-time employees
Be registered with an Australian Business Number (ABN)
Have attended an eligible SafeWork NSW event or webinar, or completed an online course
Charities and nonprofit organisations can also apply. When applying for the rebate, the application must be in the name of the business owner.
What Can the Rebate Be Used For?
The rebate covers a wide range of safety improvements, including but not limited to:
Personal alarms for lone workers
Safety equipment and tools
Modifications to machinery
Training programs
Safety technology, such as monitoring devices for lone workers
For comprehensive information, here is a list of eligible safety items for the rebate.
Related reading: 13 Tips for Managing Ill or Injured Workers
Why Was the Scheme Introduced?
Workplace safety is a cornerstone of NSW’s occupational health and safety regulations. Small businesses often face financial barriers when implementing safety measures, which can lead to compromised safety standards.
The SafeWork rebate was introduced to alleviate such financial pressures, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can prioritise safety for their workers. It is funded and administered by SafeWork NSW, which is New South Wales’ workplace health and safety regulator.
Lone Worker Safety: A Growing Concern
Lone workers face unique challenges and risks, which results in high rates of injury and illness. For instance, about 200 workers were fatally injured in 2023, compared to 195 in 2022. These cases occur due to:
Limited access to immediate assistance in emergencies
Higher exposure to physical risks, such as falls or equipment malfunctions, placing the work-related injury rate at 3.5%
Increased vulnerability to mental health issues due to isolation
The rebate can help address some of these problems, providing business funds for safety improvements, installations, and devices.
Related reading: 22 Health and Safety Tips for Night Shift Workers
Industries with Lone Workers
Lone workers are prevalent across various industries, where the workplace is far or has limited communication and safety equipment. Such industries include:
Healthcare – Some home care workers have to attend to clients alone in remote areas
Construction – Tradespeople often work alone on remote sites.
Agriculture – Farmers and agricultural workers frequently operate in isolated areas.
Retail – Staff working late-night shifts in convenience stores or petrol stations.
Addressing these risks is crucial for ensuring their well-being and compliance with work health and safety (WHS) laws developed by Safe Work Australia.
Steps to Leverage the Rebate for Lone Worker Safety
Here are the key steps you need to take to qualify for the rebate:
1. Identify Lone Worker Risks
Begin by conducting a risk assessment to identify potential hazards faced by your lone workers. Common risks include:
Working at heights
Handling hazardous materials
Operating in remote locations without communication
A thorough risk assessment should involve consulting with employees to understand their challenges, reviewing past incident reports to identify patterns, and considering environmental factors, such as weather and terrain.
2. Choose Suitable Safety Solutions
Once you’ve identified the risks, consider investing in solutions such as:
Lone Worker Devices – GPS-enabled devices with panic buttons and two-way communication.
Monitoring Systems – Software that tracks worker locations and alerts supervisors in case of emergencies.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – High-visibility clothing, helmets, and gloves.
Other advanced solutions include drones for remote monitoring, wearable technology like fall detectors, and mobile apps.
3. Attend a SafeWork NSW Event or Training
To be eligible for the rebate, you must participate in a SafeWork NSW event or complete an online course. These sessions provide valuable insights into workplace safety and compliance.
The training covers popular topics like risk management strategies, legal obligations for employers, insurance, injury management, and practical demonstrations of safety equipment.
4. Purchase and Implement the Safety Measures
After attending the required training, purchase the safety solutions best suited for your business. Ensure all purchases align with the rebate’s eligibility criteria. Implementation should include training employees on the proper use of new equipment and establishing protocols for emergencies. Also, test and maintain safety devices regularly to ensure they’re working well.
Related reading: 12 Ways to Manage Workplace Fatigue: Strategies for Healthcare Workers
5. Apply for the Rebate
Submit your application through the SafeWork NSW website. You’ll need to provide:
Proof of attendance at a SafeWork event or training.
Receipts or invoices for the purchased safety solutions.
Details of how the solutions address the identified risks.
If your business or partner has received the rebate within the past five years, you might not be eligible to apply.
Benefits of the NSW Safework Rebate Scheme for Lone Worker Safety
Here are the benefits that the NSW rebate offers businesses looking to improve their worker safety:
1. Financial Relief
The $1,000 rebate offers crucial financial assistance, making safety upgrades more accessible to small businesses. This reduces the financial burden of implementing essential measures, allowing businesses to prioritise worker safety without compromising other operational needs.
2. Enhanced Compliance
Implementing safety measures helps businesses comply with NSW workplace safety laws, reducing the risk of fines or legal issues. This not only reduces the risk of fines or legal issues but also promotes a culture of compliance and accountability within the workplace.
3. Improved Worker Well-being
Investing in safety solutions creates a more secure and supportive work environment, helping employees feel valued and protected. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, higher morale, and improved productivity across the workforce.
4. Risk Mitigation
Proactively addressing safety hazards minimises the likelihood of workplace accidents, ensuring a safer environment for all. Fewer incidents also mean reduced downtime, lower compensation claims, and less disruption to business operations.
5. Reputation Building
Demonstrating a commitment to safety builds trust and enhances your business’s reputation as a responsible employer. A solid safety record can attract new clients, retain loyal customers, and appeal to job seekers looking for a secure and ethical workplace.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Some businesses fail to secure the rebate because of several reasons, including:
Failing to Meet Eligibility Requirements – Ensure you attend a SafeWork NSW event or training before applying for the rebate.
Incomplete Documentation – Double-check that all receipts and forms are accurate and complete.
Choosing Ineligible Solutions – Verify that your purchases align with the rebate’s guidelines.
Neglecting Follow-Up Training – Employees must be regularly trained on new safety measures to ensure their effectiveness.
Be sure to understand all the eligibility requirements before applying.
Ensure Lone Worker Safety with Tunstall Healthcare
The NSW $1000 Safework Small Business Rebate Scheme is a valuable resource for enhancing lone worker safety. Following the steps outlined in this guide allows you to create a safer work environment while reducing financial strain.
Prioritising lone worker safety solutions is not only a regulatory requirement but also a critical component of fostering a responsible and sustainable business. Take the first step today by attending a SafeWork NSW event and exploring eligible safety solutions. Your lone workers—and your business—will thank you for it.
At Tunstall Healthcare, we offer safety and health products to support the work of lone workers. For example, the Tunstall Gem4 allows you to call for assistance in the event of an emergency or you can opt for the Tunstall Gem5, a 3-in-1 product featuring a watch, personal alarm, and fall detector.
Contact us today to learn more about our safety and health products that qualify for the NSW rebate.
Further reading: How Assistive Technology and Connected Care Can Keep Lone Workers Safe
