Update on WHS and COVID-19 campaign in residential construction sector
WorkSafe ACT continues its targeted campaign in key ACT suburbs to ensure that all WHS and COVID-19 obligations are being met.
WorkSafe ACT inspectors this week targeted the suburbs of Taylor and Throsby.
On Tuesday in Taylor, 43 sites were visited by 5 teams of inspectors. A number of notices were issued including:
- 14 prohibition notices for not managing the risks of falling from heights, unsafe scaffolding and electrical equipment and COVID-related non-compliance
- 67 improvement notices for inadequate housekeeping, site security and amenities, untested electrical equipment, not managing the risks of slips, trips and falls and COVID-related non-compliance.
Today in Throsby, 38 sites were visited by 7 teams of inspectors. Again, a number of notices were issued including:
- 6 prohibition notices, including 3 sites closed due to not managing the risks of falls and unsafe electrical equipment
- 67 improvement notices for not managing the risks of falls, inadequate site security and amenities untested electrical equipment and COVID-related non-compliance.
Work Health and Safety Commissioner, Jacqueline Agius, is demonstrating her commitment to increasing operations and was on site today in Throsby.
“We continue to see non-compliance in this sector. And it’s not just COVID non-compliance; around 50% of the notices issued during this campaign are for not managing work health and safety risks.”
WorkSafe ACT has published a new checklist for the residential sector to assist duty holders to comply with their COVID compliance. It clearly shows what is expected and what WorkSafe ACT inspectors will be looking at when auditing COVID compliance.
“We continue to see common risks that are not being managed. COVID compliance is in addition to duties for protecting health and safety of workers, not a substitute for it. To continually see these risks across the sector is unacceptable.”
The campaign will continue over the coming weeks, with on the spot fines for COVID non-compliance to be issued from next week.
Media contacts
Dawn Nixon
0466 285 446
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