Construction and trades in 2026: the risks, the rule changes, and what to do about them

Construction businesses manage crews, subcontractors and award obligations across multiple sites, and the compliance ground keeps shifting. 46% of construction businesses have found a payroll error, 3,472 construction companies went insolvent in 2025-26, and wage theft is now a criminal offence carrying penalties of up to $8.25 million. This fact sheet breaks down the numbers, the five regulatory changes hitting the sector, and the practical steps to close the gaps.
Guides 4 September, 2026
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Construction and trades in 2026: the risks, the rule changes, and what to do about them

What’s inside?

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The numbers that matter:

Insolvencies, fatalities, payroll errors, and why 1 in 3 construction calls to our advice line are about pay and awards.

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Regulatory changes explained:

The 1 July 2026 award increase, wage theft criminalisation, the new contractor test, and expanded silica duties.

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Psychosocial safety in focus:

Why mental health claims are the fastest-growing injury type in construction, and what WHS law now requires.

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Action checklist:

Practical steps for each change, from reviewing pay against the Building and Construction Award to putting a silica risk control plan in writing.

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