SafeWork inspectors will visit construction sites in Wollongong this week, targeting high-risk harms and the hygiene of site amenities including lunchrooms and toilets.
New South Wales Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson, said as part of a regional crackdown on the construction industry, SafeWork Inspectors will be focusing on hygiene, height safety, moving plant operations, and controlling risks related to falling objects.
“This blitz has been triggered by a series of serious incidents in the area and a number of complaints of unsafe work via our Speak Up app,” Minister Anderson said.
“In the middle of a pandemic, all workplaces have an obligation to undertake precautions to ensure the safety of everyone on their site – and that extends to common areas.”
Minister Anderson said cleanliness of a site can be a good indicator of safety and work standards.
“A safe construction site starts with a clean site and we’re seeing an unacceptable drop in housekeeping standards across the construction industry,” he commented.
“Having a well-maintained site is also a good indicator of the quality of the work being done. If the site managers can’t be bothered to take care of the toilets, there’s a good chance that building standards will be haphazard as well.”
The Minister added that those who do not prioritise safety can expect a visit not only from SafeWork, but from their team of building inspectors, who will be looking into the quality of work to make sure it’s up to NSW’s high standards.
“It’s high time every single construction site in NSW got the message – shoddy workmanship and lack of safety on site is not acceptable. Up your game, or you can look forward to attention from the regulator,” he said.
