Border safety blitz targets falls and mental health on building sites

Education was a major part of the operation. Dozens of local workers attended presentations at a trade breakfast, while information sessions reached more than 300 TAFE students and young apprentices.

WorkSafe inspectors issued four improvement notices: two for falls hazards, one for an electrical safety issue and one for the absence of a Safe Work Method Statement. A further 14 issues were addressed immediately.

Common issues included incomplete scaffolds, site security, elevated work platforms, secondary guarding, safety observers and amenities. Inspectors also discussed employers’ obligations to address psychosocial hazards that could pose health and safety risks, including bullying and fatigue.

WorkSafe Director of Construction and Earth Resources Matt Wielgosz said inspections provided opportunities to discuss safety and share information and resources, alongside identifying problems. "Getting the word out about safety is a big part of these operations and it's in everyone's interests to ensure that construction sites on both sides of the border operate safely," Mr Wielgosz said.

Mr Wielgosz said most employers did the right thing, but expressed disappointment that a small number continued to overlook falls risks. He described the recent spate of construction falls as distressing.

SafeWork NSW issued one penalty notice and two prohibition notices over falls issues, including incomplete scaffolding and work at height without fall protection. It also issued 36 improvement notices covering site security, amenities, electrical safety, excavation, and licence and registration issues.

SafeWork NSW Regional Director Construction Services Laurence Richey expressed disappointment that inspectors continued to find common risks such as falls and electrical hazards, as well as amenities below required standards. He said the two regulators had worked together since 1988, targeting border areas including Albury/Wodonga, Echuca Moama and around Yarrawonga.

"Falls from heights, in particular falls of between two and four metres, are the number one killer in the construction industry and SafeWork Inspectors will continue to focus on this risk, and issue improvement and penalty notices where people are not taking the right precautions."

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