A construction safety blitz has revealed many construction businesses aren’t meeting their safety obligations under current WHS legislation. SafeWork’s message is construction businesses need to do better when it comes to the safety of their workers.
Construction Safety Blitz
In March, a Bankstown contractor was fined $405,000 after a 19-year-old apprentice died from a fall. Falls from heights remain the leading cause of death on construction sites, with incidents doubling in the past five years. To combat this, SafeWork NSW launched a 12?month safety blitz in November, giving inspectors new powers to issue on?the?spot fines of up to $3,600 for companies failing to protect workers.
Since the blitz began, SafeWork NSW has inspected over 460 sites, issuing $155,000 in fines for safety breaches. Six companies have also been prosecuted, receiving District Court penalties totalling $780,000.
The message from SafeWork is that construction companies need to do better when it comes to protecting the safety of their workers and that inspectors will continue to crack down on non-complaint work sites.
With this current safety blitz it is now more important then ever that construction companies ensure know what they are aware of their obligations under current WHS laws and have the correct safety documentation and processes in place to ensure the safety of your workers.
With current WHS legislation contact ABILITY GROUP on 02 9098 5500 to speak with one of our expert WHS consultants.
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Title: Construction Industry Safety Blitz Underway
Source: Safework NSW
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