New plan to reduce construction deaths

Reducing the number of construction deaths and accidents is the focus of a new plan launched by the NSW Government.

Between 2013–14 and 2015–16, there were 35 workers killed on NSW construction sites, with the most common cause being falls from heights.

“These accidents have a devastating impact on colleagues and families, and no one should have to go through the heartbreak of losing a loved one from an avoidable accident,” said Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean.

He said it was critical to get construction safety right, with $80 billion to be spent on NSW infrastructure over the next four years.

“The construction industry will employ 400,000 people by 2022, so it’s really important worksites are up to scratch and meet Australia’s strict safety standards.”

SafeWork NSW met more than 100 industry representatives in 2017, including industry groups and unions, to better understand the issues faced in this high-risk work environment.

“We’ve worked closely with industry to make sure we get this plan right,” Kean said.

“The feedback has given us valuable insight into this complex work environment, and helped us understand how to better support businesses and workers.”

The plan also focuses on workplaces with a high risk of long-term illness developing, such as asbestosis, and also looks at the management of musculoskeletal injuries and mental health in the construction industry.

This overarching plan will be followed by four subsector plans that drill down specifically into high-rise buildings, housing, infrastructure and demolition sectors.

To find out more about SafeWork NSW Building and Construction Work Health and Safety Sector Plan to 2022, visit www.safework.nsw.gov.au.

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