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When it comes to workplace safety, every dollar matters especially for small businesses trying to balance compliance obligations with everyday running costs. What many owners don’t realise is that SafeWork NSW offers a Small Business Rebate of up to $1000 to help offset the expense of purchasing essential safety equipment.
This rebate makes it easier to invest in critical items such as dangerous goods cabinets & cages, materials handling equipment, safety showers, and eye wash stations—all of which play a vital role in protecting workers from harm.
How the rebate works
Unlike a loan or tax deduction, the rebate is a direct reimbursement. If your NSW small business has recently invested in workplace safety equipment, you may be eligible to recover part—or even all—of the cost.
For instance:
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Installing a flammable goods cabinet to store hazardous chemicals safely.
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Setting up a safety shower or eye wash station to ensure rapid decontamination in case of spills or splashes.
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Purchasing powered air respirators to reduce exposure to airborne risks.
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Adding manual handling aids like trolleys or lifting equipment to protect against strain injuries.
All of these may fall under SafeWork NSW’s eligibility criteria, provided they address a real hazard in your workplace.
Eligible safety items
SafeWork NSW outlines a clear list of safety equipment that may qualify. These include:
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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): powered air respirators, cut-resistant gloves, protective eyewear, or clothing.
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Chemical safety storage: compliant flammable goods cabinets and segregation systems.
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Emergency response equipment: safety showers, eye wash stations, spill kits, or fire extinguishers.
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Ergonomic and manual handling solutions: adjustable platforms, lifting aids, or workplace trolleys.
If the item directly reduces workplace risks and aligns with SafeWork guidance, it’s worth checking if you can claim it.
The claim process
The process is designed to be simple. Businesses first complete an eligible safety activity such as a webinar, workshop, or consultation. After that, you submit proof of purchase for your safety equipment, along with evidence that your business meets the rebate criteria. Once approved, SafeWork reimburses the cost—up to $1000.
Why it matters
This rebate is more than just a financial bonus. It’s a chance to upgrade your workplace safety standards without shouldering the full cost.
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A safety shower or eye wash station can mean the difference between a minor scare and a serious injury.
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A flammable goods cabinet can prevent an accident from becoming an emergency.
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Proper respiratory protection can safeguard your workers’ long-term health.
For small businesses, these improvements aren’t just about compliance—they’re about keeping people safe, healthy, and able to work with confidence.
✅ Takeaway: If you’re a small business in NSW, it’s worth checking whether your past or planned safety purchases are eligible under the SafeWork NSW Small Business Rebate program. You might be able to recover up to $1000 while strengthening safety where it matters most.
