WorkSafe to examine construction safety in the South-West
Issue Date: - Wednesday, 11 November 2009
WorkSafe will conduct an inspection program of construction sites in the South-West region next week.
WorkSafe inspectors will conduct inspections in the South-West area, including Margaret River, Busselton, Dunsborough, Augusta and Yallingup, for a week from November 16.
WorkSafe Director of Construction, Regional and Primary Industries, Chris Kirwin, said today that the inspection campaign aimed to improve construction safety standards in the South-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,” Mr Kirwin said.
“We have conducted similar inspection campaigns in this region over the last couple of years and found some concerns with electricity and falls from height, but standards of safety on construction sites in the South-West have generally been quite high.
“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 cards, and that Safe Work Method Statements are in place for high risk construction work.
“Inspectors will also be taking a close look at scaffolding – edge protection in particular - 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 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.
Media contact: Caroline De Vaney 9327 8744 or 0408 927563 (media enquiries only).