The two regulators conducted a joint operation from 18-22 November – visiting 36 building sites in Mildura and the surrounding area.
WorkSafe inspectors issued 22 improvement notices during 22 site visits, including 10 addressing site security issues, seven for inadequate facilities, two for electrical issues, two for housekeeping and one for not having a coordination plan. Inspectors also identified hazards that were able to be immediately addressed, including electrical meter box security and a scaffold issue.
SafeWork NSW Inspectors issued one prohibition notice for unsafe confined space work but were encouraged to see a reduction in instances of non-conformance in relation to other high risk construction work, such as work at heights. A further 42 improvement notices were issued predominately for site security and signage, amenities, electrical testing and tagging and failure to produce white cards.
The operation had a strong education component, including presentations at a trade breakfast attended by about 40 local tradies and suppliers.
WorkSafe Director of Construction and Earth Resources Ben Sullivan said inspections weren’t just about catching people doing the wrong thing, but were also a chance to talk about safety, ask questions and share information and resources, as well as ensuring sites operate safely.
“Cross Border operations are all about building awareness around critical safety issues facing construction workers in Mildura and beyond – including falls risks and psychosocial hazards like bullying, extreme workloads and fatigue that present a real issue in the industry,” Mr Sullivan said
“While most employers do the right thing, safety is not something you can set and forget, particularly in construction which is consistently one of our most dangerous industries.”
SafeWork NSW Director of Operation for South Region, Ainslie Lalor said while there were some amenities not up to standard and lapses in site security, the site visits were generally well received.
“These regular cross border construction projects are not only an opportunity to inspect work sites and ensure construction workers are being kept safe, it’s also a great chance to meet with the tradies of places like Buronga and GolGol to personally discuss work site safety,” Ms Lalor said.
“We saw a number of extremely hot days during the operation which meant the amount of high risk construction work we encountered, such as roofing, was lower than expected. However, all our interactions contributed to improved work, health and safety standards at the sites we visited and along with the advice we shared and ongoing consultation these standards should be maintained.”
