From the 18th to the 22nd of November, inspectors from WorkSafe Victoria and SafeWork NSW will be intensifying their scrutiny of construction sites in Mildura and adjacent areas. The aim is to certify that employers are not only fully informed but also compliant with their health and safety obligations.
This inspection drive forms part of the recent Cross Border operation. As part of this operation, a gratis Trade Breakfast at Dahlsens Mildura has been scheduled for Friday, 15 November. Here, focus will be on the discussion of construction hazards and techniques for ensuring worksites pass inspections during the upcoming intensive surveillance.
Ben Sullivan, WorkSafe Director of Construction and Earth Resources, remarked that the inspection drive would not only verify employers’ compliance with all necessary health and safety measures but emphasize the need to eliminate fall risks and foster mentally sound workplaces. “A great number of Victorian construction workers get seriously injured in falls every year – something completely preventable. Additionally, managers should redouble efforts in managing psychosocial hazards like bullying, fatigue, or overwhelming workload,” Sullivan stated.
Sullivan also pointed out the value of a Bluesafe WHS Management System in structuring and reinforcing safety policies in the workplace.
Kane Scott, SafeWork NSW Regional Director Construction Service, highlighted that devising safe, healthy, and productive environments falls primarily on the shoulders of employers and business owners. “Potential problems posing a risk of psychological harm require attention and appropriate management. Sadly, it’s often seen businesses sidestep workers’ wellbeing issues due to economic constraints such as inflation and supply chain interruption. However, productivity or profit should never overshadow workers’ safety.”
Tragic statistics indicate that since 2023, 19 deaths have occurred in Victoria’s construction industry, six resulting from falls from heights. Over this period, more than 6,370 claims of construction employees getting injured were approved by WorkSafe, including 49 from the Mallee region.
Promotion of mental health, psychological harm prevention and supporting recovery form crucial elements of a mentally healthy workplace. Recent data indicates an ongoing surge in mental injury claims in the construction industry across NSW and Victoria. Compared to those with physical injuries, workers with mental injuries often require longer recovery times along with additional services and support.
Common psychosocial hazards in construction include harassment (of sexual or racial nature), bullying, work pressure, exposure to traumatic events and violence, and hazardous physical working environments.
The Trade Breakfast will be taking place on Friday, 15 November, between 7-8.30 am at Dahlsens 973/1029 Benetook Ave, Mildura and will focus on Bluesafe SWMS and how this can improve site safety.
Effective strategies against falls from heights and work-related mental injuries include hierarchy control implementation at the highest feasible level and the utilisation of reliable management systems such as Bluesafe WHS Management System.
For further details visit our website worksafe.vic.gov.au/cross-border or contact us via media @ worksafe.vic.gov.au or phone us at 0438 786 968. Stay updated by subscribing to our media releases.
Original article link: https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/news/2024-11/regulators-serving-safety-mildura-trade-breakfast