South West safety inspection program reveals some problems, but generally good standards
Issue Date: - Monday, 29 December 2008
A WorkSafe targeted inspection program of construction sites in the South-West of WA has revealed some areas of concern, but generally good compliance standards.
Seven construction inspectors from Perth and regional WA conducted 50 investigations in the area from Bunbury to Augusta from December 8 to 12.
Inspectors issued 26 improvement notices and 15 prohibition notices, along with verbal directions to inform the industry in the South-West of their obligations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act and Regulations.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today she was pleased with the positive feedback given by WorkSafe inspectors about the levels of compliance with workplace safety and health requirements.
“The inspectors who went to the South-West reported that the safety standards of construction work in the region were generally high,” Ms Lyhne said.
“Despite the overall good performance of the construction industry in the South-West, some areas of concern did emerge from the inspection program - for instance, we’re still very concerned at the number of unsafe work practices and breaches found in relation to electricity.
“After a similar campaign two years ago, inspectors reported that there were some local issues involved, including the fact that it was difficult to get portable electrical equipment tested and tagged because local electrical contractors were not providing this service.
“And although action was taken at the time to ensure that local contractors did provide this service, it seems that problems still exist with the testing and tagging of electrical equipment.
“The other continuing area of concern we have is the prevention of falls from height – this was the second most common problem found on construction sites in the South-West.
“It is absolutely crucial that action is taken on every risk in the workplace and that safe work practices are in place on every construction site in the State, even with the constraints of any regional issues.
“Both electricity and falls from height are priority areas for WorkSafe, and a large amount of time and resources are dedicated to reducing the number of injuries and deaths that involve these issues.
“We do acknowledge the specific difficulties encountered in regional areas, and we were pleased to note the positive attitude of the construction industry in the South-West and the proactive approach to workplace safety and health taken by many involved in the industry there.”
Media contact: Caroline De Vaney 9327 8744 or 0408 927563 (media enquiries only).