WorkSafe to examine construction safety in the Mid-West
Issue Date: - Wednesday, 28 May 2008
WorkSafe will conduct an inspection program of construction sites in the Mid-West region next month.
Seven WorkSafe inspectors will conduct around 100 inspections in the Mid-West area, including Geraldton, Dongara and Kalbarri, for a week from June 9.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today that the inspection campaign aimed to improve construction safety standards in the Mid-West region.
"Campaigns like these aim to raise awareness of hazards in the targeted industries, and also to remind those involved of their responsibilities in minimising the risk of injury," Ms Lyhne said.
"Inspectors will be taking a general look at construction sites, but there will be some specific areas on which they will concentrate.
"They will be checking that workers on construction sites have undergone the compulsory Construction Safety Awareness Training and hold current and valid blue cards.
"Inspectors will also be taking a close look at scaffolding, and paying close attention to WorkSafe priority areas including electrical safety and safe work at heights.
"The inspectors will also take the opportunity to encourage small construction businesses to take advantage of the ThinkSafe Small Business Assistance Program, which offers businesses with less than 20 employees a free three-hour assessment by an independent safety and health consultant.
"The Mid-West campaign follows a very successful campaign in the South-West of the State in 2006 that resulted in positive feedback from WorkSafe inspectors about the level of compliance with workplace safety and health requirements.
"The inspectors who went to the South-West reported that the safety standards of construction workers in the region were generally of a high standard, and I trust we will find similar standards in the Mid-West region.
"The program of regional inspection campaigns is all about increasing awareness of workplace safety in the regions, but inspectors will not hesitate to issue notices where they discover breaches of the laws."
Further information on construction safety can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.