Falls from heights in focus at SafeWork NSW construction symposium
22 Aug 2024•BlueSafe Team•Source: SafeWork NSW
SafeWork NSW is launching its second biennial Building and Construction Symposium in Parramatta, with falls from heights a major focus. Seven regional roadshow events will follow in September and October.
The symposium brings industry and government representatives together to work on major health and safety issues affecting construction across NSW.
SafeWork NSW issued $1 million in fines relating to the management of workers at height during the 2023/24 financial year. Falls remain a key priority, with compliance campaigns targeting dangerous behaviour under the SafeWork NSW Building and Construction Work Health and Safety Blueprint 2023-2026.
Panel discussions will explore safety during the housing and infrastructure boom amid a skills shortage. Other topics include protecting and empowering at-risk workers, mental health issues affecting workers and new research into women in construction.
SafeWork will also explain the new industrial manslaughter offence, which allows prosecutors to hold a business or individual responsible for a workplace death caused by gross negligence.
The regional roadshow will visit Newcastle, Port Macquarie and Ballina in September, followed by Merimbula, Wollongong, Albury and Dubbo in October.
Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said: “This event will focus on how work health and safety solutions can keep workers out of harm’s way, while also saving time and money for businesses.”
Curtin said participants would receive updates on construction industry trends, issues and initiatives, alongside SafeWork services including the Site Supervisor Workshop Series, safety podcasts and targeted awareness campaigns.
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