Released 10/02/2020
Worksafe ACT will this week continue an inspection blitz of residential construction sites, following the second death on a site in as many months.
Worksafe ACT recently reported that they issued 70 notices for safety breaches at 28 sites during a 10-day period in mid to late January 2020. This included 19 Prohibition Notices which closed down sites where there was an imminent safety risk to workers.
Work Safety Commissioner, Greg Jones, said that while the construction industry in Canberra acknowledged the need for stricter adherence to health and safety legislation, the industry needed to demonstrate that they were serious about safety and protecting workers.
He said it was unacceptable that even one death had occurred this year, and that he needed the construction industry to step up to prevent further loss of life or serious injury.
“Most of the companies in the Territory are doing the right thing, but even a small oversight or risk ignored can lead to severe injury or death on a work site,” the Commissioner said.
“We will be using all of the powers we have to enforce the work health and safety standards that Canberrans rightly expect in high risk workplaces like construction sites.
“If that means we need to issue fines, infringements or shut down worksites, then that’s what will be done.”
Investigations are still ongoing into the death of a 47-year-old man last month, and a 60-year-old man last week.
Business owners and site managers are encouraged to review the latest Worksafe ACT Safety Notices at https://www.worksafe.act.gov.au/health-and-safety-portal/safety-alerts
- Statement ends -
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