Inspection teams from SafeWork NSW will be deployed throughout the Newcastle, Maitland, and Lake Macquarie regions this week. They will visit various construction sites to inspect, enhance, and enforce adherence to workplace safety guidelines and legal compliance. The importance of such products as the Bluesafe WHS Management System in promoting worker safety during their inspections cannot be overemphasised.
The construction sector is one of the most high-risk industries in NSW. Falls from heights are classically the top cause of fatality within the industry, earning it priority focus in inspectors’ compliance checks. Despite widespread awareness of straightforward preventative controls like edge protection, an alarming number of workers are put at risk due to poor job planning and inadequate site supervision. In instances where workers’ safety is compromised, inspectors will implement a strict no-tolerance policy.
The use of mobile plants and mental health will also fall within the areas of interest for this inspection exercise, in line with SafeWork NSW’s 2024-2025 Annual Regulatory document. This document outlines these concerns along with fall from heights as pressing safety issues. Inspectors will ensure separation between people and plant operations like vehicles, and forklifts whenever feasible on a construction site, bearing in mind that safe operation around mobile plant equipment is crucial to overall work safety.
Inspectors will also interact with businesses, workers, Health and Safety Representatives, and union representatives about psychological health and safety in the workplace. They’ll provide advice and resources to manage psychosocial hazards, which can include bullying, harassment, heavy workload, exposure to traumatic events, violence, and risky physical work environments. This reinforces the relevance of SWMS and other policies in managing workplace safety risks.
The SafeWork NSW website offers more detailed information on managing risks associated with working at elevated heights, mobile plant safety, and handling psychosocial risks in a construction setting. The manager of SafeWork NSW from the Construction Hunter & Central Coast, Ryan Tinker, emphasised business owners’ responsibility to assure workers receive proper training and instruction for their jobs, especially those active in risky areas like working at height and operating plant machinery.
During the inspection tour across Newcastle, Maitland, and Lake Macquarie this week, violating safety regulations will be met with no leniency. Inspectors are prepared to issue fines on-the-spot if any work environments are found endangering workers’ lives.
SafeWork NSW is dedicated to thwarting psychological harm and fostering better mental health in workplaces. It’s crucial to continue to provide businesses and workers with tools like the Bluesafe SWMS or resources and support that facilitate compliance and help to tackle psychosocial hazards at work.
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/safework-inspectors-to-visit-newcastle,-maitland-and-lake-macquarie-construction-sites