Safety inspections necessary after Christmas shutdown

WorkSafe Victoria has called on the building industry to lay the foundations for a safe year as most of the state’s building sites opened for business this week.

The call comes as new figures show that there were seven construction deaths in 2007, one less than in 2006.

The fatalities were caused by electric shocks (2), crushing, falls from heights (2), impact by a moving vehicle and impact by a falling brace.

“We want to look back at the end of this year and know that everything possible was done to prevent serious injuries and loss of life on building sites,” said WorkSafe’s Construction and Utilities division director, Chris Webb.

“That requires the industry to take action now and not wait until after a near-miss or injury.”

Webb said it was essential that those in charge of building sites made safety their first priority after the Christmas–New Year shutdown.

“With equipment idle and construction work not performed for almost a month, it is important that inspections are made before any work recommences.”

“This includes inspections for deterioration or damage to structures, tampering with equipment and theft.”

Webb also reiterated issues around apprentice safety.

“With many apprentices also beginning work at this time of year, it is essential that everyone understands that ‘initiations’ and ‘pranks’ are not on,” he said.

“They can cause serious and permanent injuries and cannot be tolerated in the modern workplace.”