Don't fall for unsafe work this Christmas

On Tuesday, 5 December 2023, WorkSafe ACT conducted inspections at residential construction sites in Whitlam as part of Operation Safe Prospect.

Operation Safe Prospect was launched in August 2020 in response to two tragic workplace fatalities on construction sites in Denman prospect. It aims to improve safety standards in residential construction.

WorkSafe ACT inspectors visited 29 sites on Tuesday, with a focus on identified repeat offenders. They issued 24 improvement notices, 24 prohibition notices and 4 infringement notices.

Among these were a number of serious breaches in relation to the risk of falls from heights, resulting in 8 prohibition notices being issued.

Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius is disappointed in the safety performance of the industry as WorkSafe ACT is seeing the same breaches by the same businesses.

“It is frustrating and concerning that we are continuing to see so many serious breaches, particularly in relation to falls from heights.”

Despite repeated engagement with WorkSafe ACT Inspectors and being recently put on notice by the Commissioner, the majority of the notices issued were against identified repeat offenders.

In response, the Commissioner has reiterated her previous comments.

“As I said in October, we will be investigating these breaches by repeat offenders and where appropriate, we will be pursuing prosecutions. These businesses have been warned and continue to flout safety requirements to the absolute detriment of their workers.”

This time of year can come with enormous pressure as many worksites, businesses and workers push to complete work before they break for the holidays. Ms Agius urges everyone to be patient, understanding and realistic in December.

“We should all take a step back and consider the priorities. We want everyone to spend the holiday season with their loved ones. No one should die for a deadline.”

Statement ends.