Spotlight on safety and site security in the lead up to the Easter break

Released 28/03/2018

WorkSafe ACT is reminding workers and employers to ensure safety remains the key focus on worksites in the lead up to the Easter long weekend.

Work Safety Commissioner Greg Jones said it is common for employers – and also workers – to feel the pressure to get jobs and projects completed when working weeks are shortened by long weekends. However, compressing worktime must not come at the expense of safety.

“My message to all workers and employers is that no deadline is worth an injury to a worker. Safety must remain the highest priority on all sites and work places at all times,” he said.

“I would encourage all employers – be it on work sites or in workplaces across the ACT – to remind workers of this at tool box talks or team meetings this and next week.  Everyone must remain vigilant in keeping an eye out for safety risks. With another short week next week and again later in April due to the public holidays, this focus should continue into April.”

Mr Jones also reminded workers and employers of their responsibility to ensure worksites that are shut down over the break are safe and secure.

“This is critical to ensure sites are not subject to unauthorised entry over the period, that any water run-off from sites is mitigated and the community knows who to contact if they have questions or concerns around a site,” he said.

“As this week draws to a close employers need to start putting their shutdown plans in place, and this should include the development of a checklist to ensure nothing is missed.

“Some key tips in getting sites ready include:

• Ensure worksites are fully fenced and locked to prevent unauthorised access
• Remove ladders or equipment which could be used to gain access to scaffolding, plant or equipment
• Shut off power to the site, or if power is needed for security, isolate all but essential power outlets
• Remove flammable or hazardous materials
• Lock up tools and machinery and remove them from the site if possible
• Empty skips, septic tanks and clean up the site
• Ensure emergency contact information is clearly displayed at the front of the site so the community can make contact if they have a question or concern
• Ensure any water run off from sites is mitigated.

A video on holiday worksite safety is available here: https://vimeo.com/193967505.

“Together we can ensure workers remain safe in the lead up to the Easter break and sites remain safe and secure during the break,” he concluded.

If members of the community have any safety concerns around a worksite over the Easter long weekend they can contact the head contractor directly (number will be listed on the perimeter fencing or front gate of a site) or WorkSafe ACT on 13 22 81.

- Statement ends -

Access Canberra | Media Releases

Media Contacts

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases