Safety First, Spirits Second: How a Sydney Hospitality Group Became a Compliance Legend

The Sydney hospitality scene is buzzing, but behind the craft cocktails and boutique whiskeys, there's serious business - especially when it comes to compliance.
Our client isn't just a stellar operator of prime Sydney venues; they are also a respected boutique distiller. They cater to everyone from thirsty CBD workers grabbing an after work drink to functions from intimate to large scale. They are great at what they do, but recently they faced a major compliance hurdle that many in the industry are struggling with.

The Spark: Why Safe Work NSW Came Calling

When allegations of sexual harassment relating to another Sydney hospitality group emerged, an industry-wide audit by Safe Work NSW was triggered, specifically targeting compliance with Respect@Work legislation.

Our client was among those audited and while their team and culture were already strong, the audit revealed some gaps in compliance. Our client decided to address the issue head on and engaged Employee Matters as experts in this area.

The Six-Week Sprint: Calling in the Experts

The deadline was tight - six weeks, mandated by Safe Work NSW—but the goal was ambitious: completely overhaul their systems to mitigate the risk of sexual harassment.

The Game Plan: Real Risks, Real Solutions

Our approach wasn't about simply printing a new policy manual. It was about listening and acting based on the lived experience of their team.

1. Employee Consultation: Our consultant worked directly with the employees—the bartenders, the venue managers and the wider team, to understand where the real risks lay in their day-to-day operations.
2. Building a Risk Register: Based on those conversations, we collaboratively developed a detailed Risk Register. This document identified and assessed specific risks inherent to hospitality:
   • Interacting with intoxicated patrons.
   • Working late hours.
   • Internal reporting dynamics.
3. Actionable Controls: For every identified risk, we developed clear, practical controls. This meant designing new processes and training that the team could actually use, moving compliance from a piece of paper to a daily operational standard.

The Payoff: Setting an Industry Benchmark

We are proud to share the final outcome. Not only was the project finished in the tight timeframe mandated, but the results were impressive:

1. Full Compliance Achieved : Our client received the official green light from Safe Work NSW, confirming they now meet all the requirements of the Respect@Work legislation.
2. Recognized as the Best : Safe Work NSW praised the outcome, specifically noting that the comprehensive risk register and assessment we developed for our client was one of the best and most thorough they had seen.
3. Peace of Mind : Today, our client isn't just compliant; they are confident. Their employees feel valued and protected, knowing that robust, expert-led processes are in place to effectively manage and mitigate risks. It proves that you can run a fun, high-energy business and maintain the highest standards of safety and respect.

Is your business ready for the next compliance audit?

The Respect@Work laws are here to stay, and regulators are actively enforcing them. Don't wait for a high-profile incident to trigger your audit. Let Employee Matters help you turn compliance challenges into a competitive advantage.

Ready to build an industry-leading risk framework?  

Get in touch with Employee Matters today to discuss how our HR advisory services can transform your business: