WorkSafe ACT enforces residential construction safety

WorkSafe ACT inspectors have visited 10 residential construction sites in Taylor as part of Operation Safe Prospect, to improve safety in the residential construction industry. The inspectors issued 23 improvement notices, four prohibition notices and four infringement notices to the value of over $11,000.

Jacqueline Agius, Work Health and Safety Commissioner, urged the industry to lift its safety standards, stating that the level of non-compliance with work health and safety is not good enough.

“The industry has been on notice since February 2020, and we have given them plenty of warning that we will issue notices and fines to anyone who disregards safety standards. In September and October (to date) we have visited residential construction sites in Watson, Ginninderry and now Taylor, and issued almost 100 notices due of safety issues in these locations,” said Agius.

Agius added that the investigators saw the same issues at residential construction sites across the country, including scaffolding safety and risk of falls from heights, site security, poor housekeeping, and a lack of basic facilities like toilets for workers.

“It’s time for the residential construction industry to lift its game and improve health and safety standards for all workers, so they can go home safely at the end of their shift,” said Agius.

Inspections will continue at Greenfields sites across Canberra, as part of Operation Safe Prospect.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Andy Dean