Action notice: WorkSafe ACT cracks down on safety in Denman Prospect
On Thursday, 3 December 2020, WorkSafe ACT conducted compliance inspections at residential construction sites in Denman Prospect, with inspectors visiting 21 sites, and issuing 41 improvement notices, 13 prohibition notices and 4 infringement notices.
These inspections were part of Operation Safe Prospect, WorkSafe ACT’s ongoing campaign to improve work health and safety (WHS) standards in the residential construction industry.
Jacqueline Agius, Work Health and Safety Commissioner, said she was alarmed to see the lack of WHS compliance at residential construction sites in Denman Prospect, and says it’s time for industry to lift it’s game.
“When we kicked off Operation Safe Prospect in Denman Prospect (in August 2020), we visited around 61 sites, and issued approximately 16 prohibition notices, 35 improvement notices and one infringement.
“I’m disappointed to see that just four months after our first visit to Denman Prospect, we are still seeing the same WHS issues in this suburb.
“In particular, scaffolding safety continues to be a major issue; during this inspection we saw workers risking their lives by working at heights with no fall protection, using unsafe scaffold, and using ladders to support single planks.
“Other issues we identified included safe work method statements (SWMS) not being in place or followed, site security, untidy sites, no site signage and electrical safety.
“It’s time for industry to get real about safety and stop cutting corners so every worker can go home safely at the end of their shift.
“Through Operation Safe Prospect we will continue visiting and re-visiting greenfield sites across Canberra and we will be making sure that workers WHS obligations are complied with.”
For more information on safety relating to the building and construction industry, visit the WorkSafe ACT website
Media contact
Amy Pedley
02 6205 4074
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