Safety inspections planned for north-western Sydney construction sites

Falls from heights are the number one killer on NSW construction sites so construction sites across north-western Sydney can expect a visit from SafeWork Inspectors this week who will be targeting unsafe working systems across all building trades.  

Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson, said following a number of incidents on worksites throughout the state, inspectors will be on the ground focusing on high risk activities, to ensure workers on construction sites are kept safe. 

“Inspectors will be undertaking a compliance blitz on construction sites to make sure those most at risk from workplace injury are protected by safe systems of work,” Mr Anderson said. 

“Far too often our inspectors identify concerns with the way scaffolding is set up and other dangers involving working from heights so we will be targeting this area in particular.

“Falls from heights are the number one killer on NSW construction sites with most people who are seriously injured or killed falling from a height of four metres or less,” Mr Anderson said. 

Following the NSW Government’s introduction of the strongest workplace legislation in the country earlier this month, heavy on-the-spot fines will be issued to anyone who puts workers’ lives at risk through unsafe or unlicensed work activities. 

“We’re lifting workplace safety in NSW by making it everyone’s responsibility, and sending a clear message that those who puts workers at risk can now face jail time,” Mr Anderson concluded.  

For more information on SafeWork’s operations and work health and safety advice, visit www.safework.nsw.gov.au