SafeWork NSW targets Central Coast construction sites

The operation will focus on SafeWork NSW’s regulatory priorities and hazards that pose the greatest risks to construction workers. Inspectors will visit sites to check that businesses are meeting their safety obligations.

Businesses found not to be complying may receive improvement, prohibition or penalty notices.

During the visits, inspectors will engage with workers, businesses, health and safety representatives and union delegates. They will provide advice and resources on managing psychosocial hazards, including harassment, bullying, unreasonable work pressure, exposure to traumatic events, violence and hazardous physical working environments.

The Central Coast visits form part of SafeWork NSW’s regular proactive compliance program in the Central Coast and Hunter region, as well as across NSW.

A statewide compliance operation in July resulted in 506 notices for non-compliance. These comprised 435 improvement notices, 61 prohibition notices and 10 fines totalling about $50,000.

Although many sites were meeting their obligations, the July blitz identified continuing risks to construction workers from poor job planning, insufficient site supervision and inadequate preventative measures, including edge protection for work at heights.

SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer described this week’s operation as part of the regulator’s efforts to increase its visibility, engagement, compliance and enforcement. She said: “There is no excuse for unsafe practices on construction sites.” She also said: “Every worker has the right to go home safely at the end of the day.”

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