2 April 2025

 

THE most prevalent issue SafeWork Inspectors will focus on is falls from heights, in particular from scaffolding, as this continues to be the leading cause of high-risk harms identified on construction sites.

 

Across the state, the most common injury because of a fall from height was ligament, muscle and tendon damage or a traumatic joint injury with more than 5,200 incidents reported since 2021/2022.

 

Last month in the Hunter and Central Coast region SafeWork Inspectors visited 54 construction sites. This resulted in 95 improvement notices being issued, mainly around site security and signage.

 

Twenty-eight prohibition notices issued were issued and $9000 in fines relating to falls. Inspectors also conducted 16 psychosocial checks.

 

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said, “It’s important employers understand their duties under work health and safety laws.

 

“SafeWork Inspectors take a zero-tolerance approach to workers lives being placed at risk and will issue on-the-spot fines to enforce compliance.

 

“All workers have the right to go to work and return home safely to their loved ones at the end of their workday.”

 

Inspectors will make sure construction sites are adhering to safety obligations and other regulatory priorities including working with electricity, moving plant, and mental health.

 

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said, “The health and safety of our Central Coast workers is the number one priority and I’m pleased the Minns Labor Government is zeroing in on construction sites to ensure these places are safe places to work.

 

“It is vital no corners are cut ensuring these workers get home safely and soundly at the end of each day.”

 

State Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said that scaffolds are a focus for inspectors for good reason. "Falls from heights are one of the biggest causes of fatalities and serious injuries on NSW building sites, Ms Tesch said.

 

“Gosford is proud to help lead the way in New South Wales when it comes to helping keep workers safe on our construction sites.”

 

SafeWork continues to see workers being put at risk due to a lack of job planning, poor site supervision and the failure to use what are well-known and easy to apply preventative controls such as edge protection. Inspectors will not tolerate workers being put at risk.

 

Inspectors will be focusing on a range of common issues during their visits including:

 

• Saffold is certified and has not been tampered with or had components removed,

 

• Fall risks are controlled when working on roofs, near edges and voids,

 

• Safe electrical practices are being applied and electrical items onsite are tested and tagged,

 

• Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are on site and being followed for high-risk work, and

 

• Plant, such as excavators and vehicles, are separated from people wherever possible, amenities are up to scratch, and the site is secured from unauthorised access.

 

This forms part of a series of coordinated compliance operations into geographical hot spots for construction in NSW.

 

When onsite, Inspectors will also be engaging with workers, businesses, Health and Safety Representatives and union representatives about psychological health and safety, providing advice and resources to manage psychosocial hazards. These can include harassment, bullying, work pressure, exposure to a traumatic event, violence and hazardous physical working environments.

 

SafeWork NSW Acting Deputy Secretary Trent Curtin said, “Business owners must ensure workers, especially those involved in high-risk tasks such as working at height and operating moving plant and machinery, are properly trained, supervised and instructed on how to do their job safely.

 

“Inspectors visiting Central Coast this week will not tolerate workers lives being placed at risk and will issue on-the-spot fines where necessary.

 

“SafeWork NSW is committed to preventing psychological harm and promoting workplace mental health. It is important we continue to provide businesses and workers with tools, resources and support that enable workplaces to comply and take action to address psychosocial hazards at work.”

 

Visit the SafeWork NSW website for more information including how to manage the risks of working at heights, mobile plant safety, handling hazardous chemicals and how to manage psychosocial risks in construction.

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