Section 26A Tracker — Every Code, Every Obligation, Documented
Maps all 34+ NSW Codes of Practice to your operations, tracks compliance status, and generates evidence documentation for each applicable code.
Code mapping
Of 34+ Codes in NSW, the system identifies which apply to your industry and operations.
Based on your industry and the work activities you perform, the system identifies the applicable Codes of Practice from the 34 WHS-era codes approved in NSW. Construction businesses may have 14 or more applicable codes. Steel fabrication may have 16. Every PCBU has a minimum of 7 universal codes that apply regardless of industry.
Compliance documentation
For each code, record whether you follow it or use an alternative approach. Document the evidence.
For each applicable code, the system provides a structured template to document either compliance (with evidence references) or alternative approach (with justification). Evidence can include risk assessment references, procedure documents, training records, monitoring data, and inspection findings.
Alternative approach justification
When you diverge from a code, the system structures the documentation to demonstrate equivalent or higher protection.
Section 26A requires that any alternative approach provides a standard of health and safety that is equivalent to or higher than the standard required under the Code. The system structures this documentation with fields for the specific code requirement, the alternative approach used, the evidence that the alternative provides equivalent or higher protection, and the review date.
What happens without Section 26A compliance tracking
From 1 July 2026, SafeWork NSW asks to see your evidence that you comply with the Code of Practice for Welding Processes. You know you follow good practice, but you have no documentation mapping your practices to the code's specific requirements. Under Section 26A, "we follow good practice" without documented evidence is not a defence. You must produce documentation showing either code compliance or a justified alternative approach. You cannot produce it because it does not exist.
How It Works
Map
System identifies which of the 34+ codes apply to your industry and operations. Universal codes applied to all businesses.
Document
For each applicable code, document compliance with evidence or alternative approach with justification. Structured templates guide the process.
Maintain
Review dates ensure documentation stays current. When codes are updated, the system flags affected records for review.
Compliance Mapping
| Regulation | Section | Requirement | How This Module Meets It |
|---|---|---|---|
| WHS Act 2011 (NSW) | s.26A (from 1 July 2026) | PCBU must comply with applicable Code of Practice or demonstrate equivalent/higher standard | Structured documentation for each applicable code — either compliance evidence or alternative approach justification. |
| WHS Act 2011 (NSW) | s.275 | Approved Codes of Practice — courts may have regard to compliance or non-compliance | Complete audit trail of code compliance status for each applicable code, available for court proceedings. |
| WHS Act 2011 (NSW) | s.27 (officer due diligence) | Officers must know which codes apply and ensure compliance processes exist | Dashboard view for officers showing code compliance status across all applicable codes. |
Industries That Rely on This
See this module in action.
We will walk you through every capability with your industry's hazards and your state's legislation. 30 minutes. No obligation.