Worksafe Victoria and SafeWork NSW have teamed up for the latest cross-border construction blitz to focus on the reduction of falls from heights and exposure to Crystalline Silica. In NSW construction sites, falls from heights have been the number one cause of traumatic fatalities. During August proactive inspections will occur at worksites in VIC and NSW to educate employees on WHS obligations and ensure risk assessment and safety requirements remain consistent.
Since 2018 in VIC, there have been 20 fatal falls due to height in the construction industry and between 2018 and 2022, there have been 16 fatalities on construction sites in NSW. “It’s a million times better to fix safety issues beforehand than it is to see a workmate suffer a horrific injury or death that could have easily been avoided” Stated WorkSafe Director of Construction and Earth Resources Matt Wielgosz.
During these visits, inspectors will also ensure employers are recognising high-risk crystalline silica work and taking the necessary hazard control statements prior to commencing these types of work. The risks associated with the exposure of hazardous crystalline silica dust when inhaled, can cause deadly lung and respiratory diseases such as Silicosis. These inspections will also be a good opportunity to raise awareness, although many in the construction industry know the dangers of crystalline silica dust when working with engineered stone, fewer would know that unsafe cutting or crushing of other products: ceramic tiles, bricks, concrete and marble, can also expose workers to this dangerous dust.
Since the start of 2021, WorkSafe has accepted 88 claims who have developed silica-related disease and 6 reported fatalities. These figures are tragic but they strengthen the commitment to improving measures for employers, educating employers and construction.
For further information, please refer below or contact our team.
Source: Safework NSW
Title: Silica and falls the focus of construction blitz
Read time: 5+ minutes
Source: Safework NSW
Title: Working Safely at Heights in Construction
Read time: 5+ minutes
Source: Safework NSW
Title: Construction safety blitz on both sides of the border
Read time: 5+ minutes