Illawarra construction project signs safety agreement

WorkCover NSW and the builders of the Wollongong Central Shopping Centre expansion have signed a partnership agreement to enshrine the highest standards of workplace safety and injury management during the life of the $200 million project.

The agreement involves WorkCover and builders Hansen Yuncken Pty Ltd working in partnership to ensure potential work health and safety issues are identified and dealt with proactively.

The Acting General Manager of WorkCover’s Work Health and Safety Division, Peter Dunphy, said the partnership agreement committed both parties to communication, consultation, cooperation and industry leadership.

“WorkCover works with businesses and employee representatives across the state to ensure the safety of around three million workers in NSW, spread across more than 265,000 businesses,” he said.

“The construction industry is one of NSW’s highest risk industries with 9253 injuries and illnesses, including 10 fatalities during 2010/11. So this agreement is very important.

“Through this partnership agreement, WorkCover and Hansen Yuncken will look at ways to reduce any work health and safety risks to workers over the life of this important local development.

“WorkCover acknowledges that those dealing with risks on a daily basis are well placed to assist with the development of specific and effective work health and safety solutions, and by working collaboratively, we aim to deliver practical, cost-effective solutions which provide sustainable improvements to work health and safety, injury management and return-to-work programs within the highest risk industry segments.”

Hansen Yuncken NSW and ACT State Manager Adam Towner said the agreement would have wide-ranging benefits due to the large scale of the project and ensure greater cooperation in safety standards.

“This is a very large project for The Illawarra and one we’re very proud of,” Towner said.

“This $200 million expansion of Wollongong Central over the next two years will see around 7500 construction workers spend more than 1.5 million man-hours bringing to life a vibrant new retail destination that proudly reflects the rich culture and natural beauty of The Illawarra.

“That’s why we’re also very proud to sign this alliance with WorkCover. Through this agreement we aim to further improve the already-high work health and safety standards we set for ourselves.

“We are 100% committed to this agreement and see it as a critical link to improving work health and safety during this development.”