SafeWork NSW is reminding all construction businesses and principal contractors their worksites need to be made safe, locked up and secured before the start of the end-of-year summer break.
To reinforce this important safety message, SafeWork NSW inspectors are visiting worksites across the State throughout December and January to promote site security prepardness.
SafeWork NSW is also attending key industry events in the lead up to the shutdown period to raise awareness of the risks and dangers present in an unsecured site, including serious injury or death, theft and vandalism.
Inspectors will also be checking worksites during the shutdown period to ensure building and construction businesses have fulfiled their legal obligations prior to going on holidays.
Before closing for the year, site managers and workers should ensure:
- perimeter fencing is adequate and properly secured
- appropriate signage is erected, including an after-hours contact number for the principal contractor
- power to the site is switched off
- good housekeeping and cleared debris
- access is blocked to elevated floors, scaffolding and ladders
- plant and equipment, tools, chemicals and dangerous goods are secured
- water drums are emptied
- voids, pits, trenches and pier holes are covered
- all reinforcement bars are capped.
If a site is found to be unsecured during the holiday break, the principal contractor will be contacted to make arrangements to secure the site.
Businesses found not to have secured their worksites may be issued with an improvement or prohibition notice or face an on-the-spot fine of $2,700 for businesses and $500 for individuals.
Site managers are encouraged to refer to SafeWork NSW’s site security checklist to ensure their site is ready for shutdown.
The checklist is available on the SafeWork NSW website.
SafeWork NSW also has safety information for construction firms.
SafeWork Commissioner Janet Schorer said:
“The Christmas and New Year break is the longest shut down in the construction industry and unsecured sites can pose a great risk to the community.”
“It is crucial worksites are properly fenced and gates are locked when everyone has downed tools for the year to minimise the chance of injuries on site during the holidays.
“Hazards such as uncovered pits, exposed scaffolding and plant and equipment which has not been put away all have the potential to cause serious injury or death.”
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