Construction site collapses trigger safety blitz

Structural collapse at construction sites is being targeted as a safety issue, following a range of incidents over the past few months.

WorkSafe Victoria inspectors are conducting a safety blitz, focusing on buildings and associated structures under construction.

Over the past month, their inquiries have included an incident where a timber-frame wall struck a 17-year-old worker in Donvale, a situation involving temporary hoarding falling down near pedestrians in a shopping area at Campbellfield and a scaffold collapsing onto a footpath in North Melbourne.

“We’ve seen the tragic aftermath of structural collapses at construction sites and the reality is that it just should not happen,” said WorkSafe Executive Director of Health and Safety Marnie Williams.

“We want to be very clear to builders and contractors that they have a responsibility to ensure walls, roof structures, floors, formwork and pre-cast panels are appropriately installed, supported or braced during construction work and if they fail to do so, there could be deadly consequences.”

During their site visits, WorkSafe inspectors will raise awareness of structural collapse risks and provide practical information and guidance to builders and contractors on the risks and safety measures required.

“Our aim is to assist the industry in preventing structural collapses during construction work but, ultimately, if inspectors identify that someone has failed in their duties to provide and maintain a safe workplace they will take appropriate enforcement action,” Williams said.

16 workers and three members of the public have been killed since 2001 due to structural collapse at construction sites.

For more information on construction safety, visit: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/construction.

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