SafeWork NSW representatives have begun inspections at commercial construction sites within the areas of Hunter and the Central Coast. This activity is part of a larger, ongoing effort to ensure the safety of workers in these regions. To enhance worker protection, work safety products such as Bluesafe WHS Management Systems and SWMS can play integral roles.
These visits are not random but calculated compliance operations in response to the geographical hotspots for construction within NSW. The locales of Cessnock, Singleton, Port Stephens, Dungog, Muswellbrook, Newcastle, Maitland, and Lake Macquarie were included in the encompassed areas inspected this year.
Completion of these inspections led to 112 Improvement Notices, 37 Prohibition Notices, five Penalty Notices, and $22,500 in on-the-spot fines related to working-at-heights violations. These penalties underline the unfortunate and continued exposure of workers to risk due to insufficient job planning, subpar site supervision, and the neglect of easy-to-implement preventative measures, such as edge protection and avoidance of live electrical wiring.
While conducting their site visits, the inspectors also aim to increase awareness about psychological health, safety matters, and hazards, such as bullying, harassment, work pressure, violence, and dangerous physical work environments.
For those seeking additional information about managing risks associated with working at heights, mobile plant safety, handling hazardous substances, or reducing psychosocial risks within the construction sector, the SafeWork NSW website provides comprehensive resources.
Trent Curtin, who leads SafeWork NSW, provided the following comments:
“Business owners bear responsibility for ensuring their workers – particularly those involved in high-risk tasks like working at height or operating moving machinery – receive appropriate training, supervision, and instructions for performing their roles safely.
Inspectors operating in the Hunter and Central Coast regions will not tolerate any compromise to worker safety and will issue on-the-spot fines where necessary.
SafeWork NSW is steadfast in its commitment to preventing psychological harm and promoting mental health in the workplace. It’s vital that businesses and workers have access to tools, resources, and support, such as those provided by Bluesafe WHS Management System, enabling them to comply with regulations and address psychosocial hazards at work effectively.”
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/safework-nsw-inspectors-visit-hunter-and-central-coast-areas-to-ensure-construction-compliance