It’s not often that the government gives you something for nothing, but SafeWork NSW is changing that with a $1000 rebate for small businesses. If you’ve been thinking about making your workplace safer, now is the time to do it. The SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate can help you cover the costs and make your business a safer place for everyone.
What is the SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate?
The SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate is a $1000 rebate for small businesses who purchase and install eligible safety equipment and other safety related products. The rebate is available for businesses with 50 or fewer employees, and is designed to help them cover the cost of safety improvements.
Who is eligible for the SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate?
There are some eligibility requirements other than just being a small business. They include:
- Be registered and operating in NSW
- Have an Australian Business Number (ABN)
- Have 50 or fewer employees
- The business must be your main source of income
- Charities and not-for-profits are eligible to apply
- The application must be in the name of the registered business owner
- The business owner must complete an eligible SafeWork NSW education activity in the 12 months prior to applying
These requirements may change, so be sure to check with SafeWork NSW before you apply for the rebate.
Who is not eligible for the SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate?
There are a few businesses who are not eligible for the SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate including:
- Businesses that have already obtained the rebate in the last five years. This includes businesses that have more than one ABN and have already claimed a rebate with one of them.
- Co-owner of an ABN where one owner has already received a rebate (you can only use the same ABN once)
- Business owners whose main source of income is not from their business
- Large companies with more than 50 workers
- If a business owner has already received a rebate for the safety item/s from the Commonwealth, a State, a Territory, or a local government, they won’t be able to get another one.
- Subsidiary of a larger business, government departments, councils and voluntary associations
If you are not eligible for this rebate, you may be eligible for other rebates, so be sure to keep an eye out or ask your accountant or bookkeeper.
What is an eligible SafeWork NSW education activity?
To be recieve the SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate you must participate in an eligible SafeWork NSW education activity in the 12 months prior to applying. An eligible education activity includes either a webinar, inspector visit or eligible event.
Webinar
Beginning on July 1, 2022, the owner of the business is required to participate in and finish the webinar titled “SafeWork NSW Small Business Easy to do WHS.”
You are also eligible to apply if you have successfully completed a qualifying SafeWork NSW webinar before to July 1, 2022. In order to be eligible, you need to have finished the webinar within the past year.
Inspector Visit
You can schedule a workplace advice visit if you own a small business with up to 50 employees or are a sole trader.
In order to help you make your workplace safer, a local SafeWork NSW inspector will offer recommendations for WHS that are specific to your company and industry during these visits.
Eligible Events
There are also a range of other events that you can participate in or attend to recieve the SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate including:
- field days
- presentations
- industry events
- business forums
- workshops
What safety equipment is eligible for the SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate?
There are a range of safety equipment and products that are eligible for the rebate.
Unfortunately, safety documents are not part of this program but there are plenty of other items to choose from! Your invoice, receipt or bank statement must show at least one purchase was made on or after 1 February 2022 to be eligible for the $1000 rebate.
Here are just a few of the most common items which are eligible for the SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate:
- scaffolding
- portable ladders
- void or pit covers
- physical restraint barriers and guard rail systems
- traffic management, signs or bollards
- restraint supports for tools
- personalised over ear hearing protection
- soundproof covers for noisy machinery
- sound absorbent surfaces, barriers or screens
Check here for the official complete list of safety items that are eligible. Note that this may change at any time, so it is best to check the SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate website prior to making any purchases.
How do I apply for the SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate?
You can apply for the rebate by filling in the online application form. You will need to provide your contact details, ABN, evidence of completing the safety activity and also proof of purchase of safety equipment or products. If you have everything ready the application will take about 10 minutes to complete online.
It is important to note that you can only use the same ABN once. If you have applied for the rebate in the past, you will not be eligible to apply again.
When will I receive the SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate?
You will receive the rebate within 4-6 weeks of your application being approved
If your application is unsuccessful, you will be notified within 10 working days and given the reason why your application was not successful.
Appeals process
If you believe that your application was unsuccessful due to an error, you can lodge an appeal by emailing the Small Business Rebate team at sbr@safework.nsw.gov.au within 28 days of receiving notification that your application was unsuccessful.
The SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate is a great way to help your business save on safety expenses. Be sure to check out the eligibility requirements and how to apply so you don’t miss out!
How can Safe-R Outcomes help your business?
Our Professional subscriptions contain many essential documents including:
- WHS Management Plans / Safety Manuals
- SWMS (if the job entails high risk tasks)
- a range of SOPs, Registers, Toolbox Talks, Checklists and Policies
These can all be downloaded and are not blank templates, so can be used immediately.
We also provide Induction training to help you on-board new employees and contractors.
As you can see it is all done for you so it makes it nice and simple. You can find out more on the Industries and Professions page.
If you’re concerned about the time commitment and knowledge required to implement the correct documents, procedures and training for forklift safety, Safe-R Outcomes can help. We strive to reduce the time and cost for businesses to implement their legally necessary safety requirements.
