Safety improvement notices issued to domestic construction sites

WorkSafe Victoria inspectors issued almost 60 improvement notices to domestic construction businesses working in Melbourne’s east last week in a bid to reduce the number of workplace injuries.

The inspectors visited just over 100 businesses and issued 58 improvement notices over the one-week period, requiring businesses to fix health and safety breaches. Another 44 issues were identified, but were able to be dealt with on the spot.

Housing constructions sites in and around the City of Casey were the first to be targeted as part of the 12-month long Operation SafeSite. "The campaign provided a good opportunity for our inspectors to start a conversation about the importance of safety as many of the businesses were quite receptive to the visits,” said WorkSafe Regional Director Melinda Collinson.

Failure to maintain electrical tools and equipment, to ensure safe access from sites, to provide and maintain site security, housekeeping and work at height were some of the common issues identified by inspectors.

“Hazards within the construction industry are often well known and can be prevented. Simple steps can make a real difference to workers and their families,” Collinson said.

“Not all injuries are life threatening but many, such as those caused by slips, trips and falls, dangerous manual handling and machinery, are painful, costly and sometimes permanent."

"Domestic construction sites are constantly changing and with different businesses stopping and starting at different times it’s important safety remains a priority at all times.”

Operation SafeSite will target five suburban and regional areas over the next 12 months. The next blitz is expected to take place in Melbourne’s north later this year. Inspectors will conduct follow-up visits in the coming weeks to ensure businesses have fixed the identified health and safety breaches.