Safeguard Formwork – NCC and WHS updates 2025

Construction sites across Australia are gearing up for some important changes. The National Construction Code (NCC) and WHS law changes are just around the corner, and they bring key implications for builders, contractors, and anyone managing temporary works such as formwork and scaffolding.
If you’re involved in planning, supervising, or delivering structural work on-site, you need to understand these updates and how they impact you.

What’s changing in the NCC 2025?

The NCC is updated every three years, with the 2025 edition focusing more heavily on performance, sustainability, and safety in high-risk areas of construction.

For temporary works, there are three key shifts to be aware of:

1. Increased performance requirements for temporary structures

Builders will need to demonstrate that all temporary structures (including formwork and scaffolding) meet performance-based safety outcomes, not just prescriptive standards. This includes structural integrity under various load conditions and wind loads.

2. Focus on product compliance and traceability

New rules emphasise the need for certified, traceable materials and equipment. This will impact formwork systems and props, requiring clear documentation and evidence of compliance.

3. Alignment with WHS regulations

The NCC 2025 aims to work more closely with WHS laws to reduce overlap and confusion. This means temporary works will be more tightly regulated in line with workplace safety obligations.

WHS law changes impacting temporary works

In parallel with the NCC changes, several states and territories are updating their WHS laws to reinforce safety in temporary structures. Here’s what to watch for:

1. Stricter responsibilities for PCBUs

The term ‘Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking’ (PCBU) is key in WHS law. Under the new provisions, PCBUs will have more direct responsibility for the safety and compliance of temporary works.

2. More rigorous risk assessments

The NCC and WHS updates 2025 will require more detailed risk assessments for tasks involving scaffolding, formwork, and props. This includes clear documentation of hazards, controls, and review procedures.

3. Penalties for non-compliance

Expect increased scrutiny and harsher penalties for breaches, especially in high-risk areas like working at heights or supporting concrete loads.

Why it matters for formwork and scaffolding

These changes will affect costs and methods of construction for all houses and apartments, and the acceptability of standard building materials. Temporary works are often where risks are highest and standards vary the most. With the new NCC and WHS updates in 2025, the bar is being raised.

Builders and contractors will need to:

Ensure all formwork and scaffolding systems are fully certified and compliant.
Maintain clear documentation for inspections, maintenance, and approvals.
Choose suppliers who can provide verified data sheets, engineer certifications, and traceable component tracking.

This is particularly relevant for modular systems, props, and edge protection, which are products that may previously have been used based on habit, not certification.

What to look for in compliant systems

To stay ahead of the curve, here are some features to prioritise:

Engineer-certified systems: Ensure your formwork and scaffolding come with updated compliance documentation aligned to NCC 2025.

Built-in safety mechanisms: Anti-pinch props, wind-resistant locks, and ground-level assembly all support WHS best practice.

Load-tested components: Check the maximum capacity and ensure it matches your site needs.

Product traceability: Opt for systems with serialised parts or digital records that confirm quality and origin.

These features will help you pass audits and reduce risk for your team.

How Safeguard supports compliance

At Safeguard, we’ve always prioritised safety and compliance. That’s why our formwork and propping systems are:

Fully certified to meet or exceed NCC performance standards.
Designed with safety-first features like wind locks, anti-pinch mechanisms, and ground-level setup.
Supplied with up-to-date documentation for simple approval and inspection.

We stay across regulatory changes, so you can relax and know you’re working with a construction partner you can trust.

Prepare now, not later

The NCC and WHS updates for 2025 are coming fast. Until they are finalised, practitioners should continue working under the current NCC version until further notice. Builders and contractors who start preparing now will be in a stronger position to stay compliant and avoid costly delays.

Speak to your engineers, review your current systems, and work with suppliers who take compliance seriously. Your site’s safety and your reputation depend on it.

Need help reviewing your formwork gear or preparing documentation? Get in touch with the Safeguard team today.

1300 971 603 | info@safeguardformwork.com.au

What builders and contractors need to know about the new NCC and WHS updates for 2025.