WorkSafe ACT focus on formwork safety

Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe has advised that WorkSafe ACT will be ensuring that building companies carrying out work involving large-scale formwork on construction projects in the ACT are taking all the necessary steps to meet their obligation to ensure the safety of this work.

WorkSafe ACT has recently commenced an investigation into the cause of the collapse of a partially constructed bridge on the Barton Highway.

“While the exact cause of this incident remains unknown at this stage, WorkSafe ACT is working with all other bridge construction projects to ensure that adequate safety procedures relating to formwork are in place,” McCabe said. “WorkSafe ACT will also be liaising with other companies that perform large-scale formwork on construction sites around Canberra.

“The situation that occurred [at the bridge] should serve as a reminder to both employers and workers that workplace safety should never be overlooked. In particular, the Work Safety Act puts an obligation on employers to take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure that work is carried out safely.

“Failure to meet this obligation can have serious ramifications, not only for workers and the general public, but in terms of the legal responsibilities of those who fail to comply with the Territory’s laws.”