Released 25/07/2017
Joint media release with Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA
Over the last week WorkSafe ACT inspectors joined forces with SafeWork NSW to undertake a targeted operation on construction safety on both sides of the border.
Between 6-12 April the inspectors conducted targeted 57 checks of both residential and commercial construction sites in Googong and Goulburn in NSW and also Denman Prospect in the ACT.
A key focus of the checks were around height safety, electrical safety, correct paperwork and general site safety. This activity complements WorkSafe ACT’s proactive scaffolding audit, which is currently underway.
Through the joint operation, teams issued 31 improvement notices, 5 prohibition notices and worked to re-educate industry.
Minister for Work Safety and Industrial Relations Rachel Stephen-Smith said the operation was not only an important way to check compliance and increase safety awareness on construction sites, but it also furthered the strong partnership between the jurisdictions.
“With so many workers in the construction industry working in Canberra and our surrounding NSW region, it is important that we work together to deliver consistent, safe practices no matter which side of the border you’re on,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“The ACT Government is committed to continuing to improve safety outcomes for the Canberra region and this operation is the latest in a series of collaborations between our two jurisdictions, which recently included support from SafeWork NSW at the Royal Canberra Show, to provide expertise on the safety of rides.
Minister for Regulatory Services Gordon Ramsay said many of the challenges on ACT work sites were similar to those across the border and the joint exercise also worked to streamline processes where possible while ensuring safety.
“We know that many construction companies operate both in the ACT and NSW and so it is important to make conditions easier in this environment, while maintaining the primary focus on safety,” Minister Ramsay said
“This is a key focus for Access Canberra but also for SafeWork NSW – we want to make it easier for industry to identify and mitigate risk on sites without being bogged down in reams of paperwork.
“It is about working smarter and with a strong safety and risk focus.”
NSW Innovation and Better Regulation Minister, Matt Kean also explained the importance of this vital work.
“The NSW Government remains committed to cutting red tape while maintaining important safety standards on construction sites,” said Minister Kean.
“This cross-border collaboration is imperative for the safety of workers in both NSW and the ACT.
“Cracking down on dodgy operators in both jurisdictions will help ensure those doing the right thing in the construction industry can go about their work safely.”
A breakfast was held this morning at the Canberra Institute of Technology’s High Risk Training Facility to acknowledge the conclusion of this operation and the ongoing cooperation between jurisdictions.
“We would like to thank industry for their support of such activities and ongoing acknowledgment that we all have a role to play in keeping our sites safe,” Ms Stephen-Smith concluded.
- Statement ends -
Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases