47 residential construction sites visited in Taylor
Following the road fatality of a worker at Taylor on 8 December, WorkSafe ACT inspectors carried out a saturation campaign targeting residential construction sites in the suburb today.
Six teams of inspectors worked across the suburb in an intensive 5 hour operation, focusing on unsafe practices at 47 worksites. Initial reports from inspectors show 83 improvement notices issued and 11 prohibition notices. Two sites were shut down and these will need to be cleaned and secured before work can recommence.
Key work health and safety issues seen at Taylor included:
- lack of housekeeping with two sites so badly maintained that access and egress was hindered
- not managing falls from heights, including falling from heights in or out of a structure and deep excavations and site cuts
- not testing and tagging
- not managing silica dust, and
- COVID safety, with no QR codes or COVID-19 Safety Plans.
Work Health and Safety Commissioner, Jacqueline Agius, expressed her disappointment at the significant work health and safety issues observed.
“Given the recent fatality of a worker connected to this industry, I’m extremely disappointed to see there has not been an improvement of standards at residential construction sites in this suburb.
As part of Operation Safe Prospect, we will continue to visit greenfield suburbs and take enforcement action when we find safety breaches.
Employers need to look after the health and safety of their workers, because everyone has the right be safe on the job and go home safely. Safety must be put first.”
WorkSafe ACT inspectors are continuing proactive campaigns across Canberra and across all industries this week. Commissioner Agius says that it is important to maintain a strong presence this time of year.
“We are urging businesses not to rush and put health and safety at risk to meet a deadline. We want every Canberra worker to be safe and well this holiday season.”
NOTE: Notice numbers may change upon review and issue.
Media contact
Jackii Shepherd
0466 927 213
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