WorkSafe ACT continues inspection of construction sites

WorkSafe ACT will continue its inspection of residential construction sites, following the second death on a site in as many months. WorkSafe ACT issued 70 notices for safety breaches at 28 construction sites during a 10-day period in mid to late January 2020, including 19 Prohibition Notices which led to the closure of sites that presented an imminent safety risk to workers.

Work Safety Commissioner Greg Jones said the industry must demonstrate its commitment to safety and protecting workers, to prevent further loss of life or serious injury. “Most of the companies in the Territory are doing the right thing, but even a small oversight or risk ignored can lead to severe injury or death on a work site. We will be using all of the powers we have to enforce the work health and safety standards that Canberrans rightly expect in high-risk workplaces like construction sites. If that means we need to issue fines, infringements or shut down worksites, then that’s what will be done,” Jones said.

WorkSafe ACT is still investigating the deaths of a 47-year-old man and a 60-year-old man, and has encouraged business owners and site managers to review the latest WorkSafe ACT Safety Notices.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/dima_sidelnikov