NT’s construction campaign

NT WorkSafe has adopted into regulation the National Standard for Construction Work [NOHSC:1016 2005].

NOHSC introduced the standard last year after construction was given a high priority in the effort to reduce overall workplace death and injury.

On average, 49 building and construction workers have been killed at work each year in Australia since 1997-98 and people working in construction are more than twice as likely to be killed at work than the average worker in all Australian industries.

Following the adoption of the standard, WorkSafe has announced it will be conducting increased enforcement activity in the construction industry throughout September and October.

Businesses that are not meeting safety obligations will be "identified, provided appropriate advice and where appropriate, issued with notices including on the spot fines", said the regulator.

Particular emphasis will be placed on electrical safety, working at height, fencing, the operation of cranes and competency of crane operators.