WHS and COVID-19 obligations lacking in residential construction sector

The residential construction sector reopened under strict COVID-19 safety protocols on 10 September 2021. WorkSafe ACT has been actively conducting inspections around key ACT suburbs to ensure that all WHS and COVID-19 obligations are being met.

Work Health and Safety Commissioner, Jacqueline Agius, last week committed to increasing inspection operations and was on site today in Strathnairn.

“I am extremely disappointed with what I am seeing today. I have seen multiple and serious breaches of the WHS laws and the requirements for working COVID safe during lockdown.”

WorkSafe inspectors issued eight prohibitions and 27 improvement notices during the three and a half hours inspecting residential construction in the suburb. Notices issued related to a range of WHS breaches including site security, site induction, falls from heights, inadequate supervision of workers, and provision of suitable amenities.

There were also significant breaches of COVID-19 requirements, with WorkSafe ACT closing four worksites due to COVID-19 non-compliance. COVID-19 related non-compliance included inadequate COVID Safety Plans, no COVID marshals, and no or incorrect QR codes. ACT Policing responded quickly to the call for support.

“There were very few workplaces today that were COVID compliant. Some worksites were very well prepared, many were not. A number of these breaches were so significant that I called in ACT Policing to assist us, who have issued a caution to one particular business.”

“Finding these breaches, across work health and safety and public health frameworks, and in such numbers is inexcusable. This behaviour puts workers at significant risk of harm and puts us all at risk of COVID-19 infection. I simply won’t have it.”

After today’s campaign, Commissioner Agius will be contacting three builders to commend them on their COVID compliance measures and their dedication to keeping Canberrans safe.

“I really commend those businesses and builders who are committed to COVID safety. There were three stand outs today and I will be talking to them personally to thank them for their efforts.”

Commissioner Agius is committed to enforcing WHS obligations and will continue to schedule saturation campaigns such as today.

WorkSafe ACT will continue to work closely with ACT Health, Access Canberra and ACT Policing to ensure that all permitted construction work is compliant and meets all requirements of working during a lockdown.

Example of unacceptable facilities.

Examples of non-compliance in the residential construction sector.