WHS Compliance is Crucial for Managers
Property managers in Australia are facing increased scrutiny under the model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act. This legislation imposes severe penalties for non-compliance, with individual liabilities reaching $2.4 million for directors and senior managers.
Corporations can be fined up to $3.9 million for failing to meet safety obligations, and this rises to $11.8 million for the most serious breaches. These figures highlight the importance of having robust systems in place to manage contractor compliance.
The year 2024 saw 317 WHS prosecutions across the nation, and this number is expected to grow. Forsite, an Auckland-based property technology company, offers a comprehensive solution to help property managers ensure compliance and reduce risks.
Forsite’s platform integrates contractor management through online portals, mobile applications, and on-site kiosks. This approach ensures that contractors meet compliance standards before accessing sites, and it monitors compliance in real-time to identify and address lapses swiftly. This system is designed to protect organisations by providing a full digital record of every compliance action.
Nathan Cheeseman, CEO of Forsite, emphasised the importance of straightforward risk management. He said, “Managing personal and organisational risk shouldn’t be complicated.” Forsite’s technology is already trusted by leading property firms in New Zealand, such as PMG and Bayleys. The company is now bringing its expertise to the Australian market, where WHS penalties are indexed annually to the Consumer Price Index, further increasing potential financial exposure.
With courts finding that assuming contractor compliance is insufficient, having a documented, proactive system is crucial. Forsite’s solutions provide the necessary evidence to demonstrate due diligence, safeguarding organisations against hefty fines.
Founded in 2016, Forsite has been dedicated to closing the compliance gap for property and facilities managers. Its ecosystem provides a digital record of every compliance action, offering peace of mind to those responsible for managing site safety.
As WHS penalties can reach up to $11.8 million for organisations, a robust compliance system is not just advisable but essential. Forsite’s solutions address this need by offering portfolio-wide visibility over site risks, which are formally logged, assessed, and tracked to resolution.
Last updated: 29 June 2026, 12:00 pm
