SafeWork NSW visits alpine region to ensure snow resort safety - Snowy Mountains Magazine

SafeWork NSW is visiting all the state’s snow resorts this week to conduct proactive checks on operations to confirm workers and visitors are being kept safe. Inspectors are following up on their initial visit earlier this year to ensure safety standards are being upheld and understand the safety implications of the snowfall as the season progresses. The 2025 alpine ski area safety compliance program kicked off in May with the annual industry roundtable involving all snowfield operators, WorkSafe Victoria and chairlift manufacturers. They discussed numerous important issues, including control measures to manage the impact of sudden strong wind events on chairlifts and gondolas and the safe operation of passenger ropeways. “NSW ski resorts offer a unique, ever-changing and often hazardous environment and are visited by over a million people each season,” said SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer. “Those heading to Perisher, Thredbo, Selwyn or Charlotte Pass resorts can rest assured that SafeWork NSW continues to monitor and interact with all ski resort operators to ensure workers are properly trained and that safety standards are being met.” NSW ski resorts are always evolving, and some highlights being checked this year include: Perisher's $26 million high-speed six-person chairlift that opened at the end of June 2025 and is located at Australia's highest lifted point at 2042m.Thredbo’s 1.5km elevated toboggan track amusement device, the southern hemisphere’s first-ever year-round alpine coaster.Selwyn’s rebuild following 2020 bushfires that reopened to the public in 2023.Charlotte Pass which is Australia’s only snow resort accessible by over-snow transport vehicles alone in winter. The inspector’s checks targeted SafeWork NSW regulatory priority areas including: Fixed and mobile plant safetyFalls from heightsMachine guardingManaging worker psychosocial hazards and risks. SafeWork NSW said they are committed to securing safer and healthier workplaces for all NSW workers including seasonal workplaces such as ski field operators. The organisation undertakes a range of activities throughout the season to protect workers and ensure compliance with work health and safety (WHS) laws. “Improving work health and safety compliance is a SafeWork NSW priority, with collaboration between the government, operators, their workers and the public key to realising this goal,” said Janet Schorer. Workers can report any WHS issues to SafeWork, with the option to report anonymously through the “Speak Up Save Lives” website, call SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 or report psychosocial hazards online using the SafeWork Psychosocial Hazards Report Form. 

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