Collaboration the key to supporting workplace safety


Released 18/04/2018

This morning I joined safety regulatory bodies, unions and industry from the ACT and NSW at the first Cross Border Construction Breakfast for 2018. These events are an important opportunity to share knowledge, experience and expertise.

Over the past week inspectors from the two jurisdictions have undertaken a series of proactive site visits in the ACT and NSW. A focus of the visits has been on identifying risks associated with falls from heights and supervision of young workers.

As a result of these inspections, three Prohibition Notices have been issued as a result of no fall protection for workers working from heights, 19 Improvement Notices for poor housekeeping, site security and inadequate or non-existent Safe Work Method Statements for High Risk Work.

It is imperative that we keep strengthening our safety practices, especially as we increase opportunities for apprenticeships and welcome young workers into the industry.

Today I am also releasing a discussion paper on proposed legislative amendments aimed at enhancing consultation in the construction industry.

Last year, an independent review into safety culture in the ACT’s construction industry by the RMIT University Centre for Construction Work Health and Safety Research highlighted the importance of meaningful consultation with workers on work health and safety matters.

However, the research found that the quality and effectiveness of formal consultation mechanisms was variable, and pointed to a concerning ‘disconnect’ between workers on the ground and management.

RMIT suggested there were opportunities to review the ways workers are engaged and able to raise concerns about work health and safety and provide meaningful input into the design of safe and healthy ways of working.

The ACT Work Safety Council recently endorsed a number of amendments to the Territory’s work health and safety legislation aimed at enhancing consultation in the construction industry.

The proposed amendments would:

  • mandate consultation with workers and their representatives in the establishment of work groups;
  • mandate the election and training of Health and Safety Representatives; and
  • mandate the election of Health and Safety Committees (HSCs) as well as training for HSC members.

The ACT Government is committed to improving the safety culture, focus and response in all ACT workplaces and these proposed changes will enable workers to have better input and take more ownership of workplace safety processes and culture.

While Government can set the frameworks to support safety in workplaces, we need industry, regulators, industry groups, employers and workers to work together to lift safety awareness and practice across all work sites to ensure workers return home safely to their family and friends each day.

That’s why opportunities for collaboration and information sharing across the sector are so important, and why the ACT Government is pleased to support the Cross Border Construction Project.

- Statement ends -

Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

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