SafeWork NSW safety blitz concludes, total of 96 notices handed out

SafeWork NSW safety blitz concludes, total of 96 notices handed out

SafeWork NSW recently undertook a safety inspection blitz across regional NSW worksites, from Ballina to Tweed Heads, following a spate of serious incidents on construction sites in the area.

While SafeWork makes no secret and even publicises the safety blitzes, inspectors handed out a total of 96 notices last week, with 72 improvement notices, 16 prohibition notices and eight on-the-spot fines.

Laurence RicheySafeWork NSW Director of Regional Construction explained that the notices applied to a range of concerns, including a lack of fall protection to electrical compliance issues.

“It was really disappointing to walk onto sites which have serious falls risks, as well as scaffolds with missing parts or evidence that unlicensed workers had altered or removed scaffolding components,” Mr Richey said.

“Fines of up to $3,600 were issued for falls risks, while prohibition and improvement notices were issued for risks from falling objects and not managing moving plant.

“Builders can expect further ongoing visits as we continue to check compliance, take enforcement action, and apply sanctions where any risks are observed.

“We want to remind the construction industry that falls from heights are the number one killer on NSW building sites. More than 12,000 workers were injured after a fall from a height between 2014 and 2017. Sadly 25 died, while more than 240 were permanently disabled.

“Ongoing construction blitzes by SafeWork will be occurring right across both metropolitan and regional NSW in 2021, with findings like these a wake-up call for the construction industry is needed to immediately lift their standards,” Mr Richey said.

SafeWork NSW has reminded those in the construction industry that they can refer unsafe businesses or poor quality construction to the Office of the NSW Building Commissioner.

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