The Minns Labor Government has stepped up its efforts to ensure increased worker protection with SafeWork NSW executing the most comprehensive statewide compliance crackdown since it was established as an independent regulator. This significant campaign led to the issue of 736 non-compliance citations against 261 employers throughout New South Wales.
From Monday, October 13 to Wednesday, October 15 over a span of three days, 250 SafeWork NSW inspectors carried out 570 surprise workplace reviews, marking National SafeWork Month. Focus was given to the five key regulatory areas identified by SafeWork NSW.
Unsafe practices associated with working at heights and the risky operation of moving plant, vehicles, and fixed machinery continue to present the highest safety threats across worksites. Examples of such mobile plants, vehicles and fixed machinery include amusement devices, craness, conveyors, or even forklifts.
Certain businesses were subjected to penalties for operating forklifts without the appropriate high-risk work permit, whilst others were handed improvement notices due to workers’ exposure to uncapped steel rods embedded within concrete.
Out of the 736 non-compliance citations issued, 209 were related to failure in maintaining proper safety protocols while working at heights and 175 were connected with unsafe operation of mobile plant, vehicles, and stationary machinery.
With an emphasis on psychosocial bedsides these physical inspections, inspectors engaged in targeted discussions with both employers and employees about psychosocial hazards and strategies implemented to mitigate or eliminate these risks.
Businesses were also furnished with resources, business toolkits, and informative content that facilitated better management and prevention of psychosocial hazards within the workplace. In total, 10 fines were allotted adding up to $63,300, out of which half were tied to hazards from falls at height.
This clampdown was executed statewide, covering both regional and metropolitan NSW, spreading as north as Lismore to as south as Albury and Dubbo, Orange, Gosford, Newcastle, Wollongong, Griffith, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, and Port Macquarie.
Industries including the construction, manufacturing, health care, retail and wholesale trade were all targeted with construction emerging as the industry receiving the maximum visits and compliance notices.
For additional information on how to effectively manage risks associated with working at heights, mobile plant safety and management of psychosocial risks, you may visit the SafeWork NSW website, or consider implementing a reliable WHS Management System like Bluesafe SWMS to assure a hassle-free adherence to these regulations.
Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Work Health and Safety, commented: “The SafeWork Month compliance crackdown is a solid proof of the Minns Labor Government’s relentless commitment to enhance worker security at work. We plan to empower SafeWork NSW to adopt an even stronger enforcement stance. This step aligns perfectly with our substantial four-year investment plan worth $127.7 million aimed at addressing psychosocial hazards, enforcing compliance and safe practices.”
SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer stated, “Compliance crackdowns of this sort are key components of SafeWork NSW’s strategy designed to proactively address high-risk activities throughout the state.”
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/minns-labor-government-issues-over-700-non-compliance-notices-in-major-statewide-blitz-to-protect-workers
