WorkCover NSW is contacting construction employers in the Wentworth region to alert them that a week of concentrated worksite visits will begin next Monday
Inspectors from both WorkCover NSW and WorkSafe Victoria will visit construction sites in and around Wentworth and Mildura as part of the ongoing Cross Border Project, which aims to educate builders and sub-contractors about workplace safety requirements in both states.
During the visits, inspectors will assess site safety, paying particular attention to fall protection controls and UV sun protection.
WorkSafe Regional Operations Manager Trevor Butler said that while the rate of injuries on Mildura construction sites had fallen in the past two years, construction workers were still over-represented in local workplace injuries.
“Over the past five years, on average, one worker was seriously injured every fortnight on a construction site in Mildura. More than 11 per cent of those injuries were caused by falling from heights,” Mr Butler said.
“Falls from ladders and roofs, or falling into stairway voids were far too common. Sometimes it was incomplete scaffolding that led to a fall. The disappointing thing was that none of these incidents would have happened if the risks had been properly managed.”
Mr Butler said there were three key elements to reducing risks when working at heights:
- Plan the work to be completed by developing safe work method statements (SWMS) and document the fall protection controls such as guard railing and scaffolding;
- Implement fall protection controls listed in the SWMS and;
- Supervise the work to ensure the controls are effectively managing the risks.
“Work at heights can be performed safely with appropriate planning and the right safety controls in place,” he said.
Mr Butler said UV protection for workers would also be a topic of conversation with employers and workers during the visits.
“We're urging the local construction industry to take more care when it comes to managing exposure to UV rays,” Mr Butler said.
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