Continuing to crack down on safety issues in the construction industry, WorkSafe ACT has issued more than 50 notices in the Gungahlin suburb of Throsby, which included notices for scaffolding and electrical issues.
On Wednesday 4 November, WorkSafe ACT inspected 18 residential construction sites in the suburb where inspectors issued 58 notices: 12 prohibition notices, largely relating to unsafe scaffolding; 42 improvement notices; and four infringement notices to the value of over $11,000, largely relating to unsafe electrical and risk of falls.
The ACT’s Work Health and Safety Commissioner, Jacqueline Agius, said WorkSafe ACT’s inspectors have been “alarmed” by lack of compliance on residential construction sites in greenfield suburbs.
“We continue to see the same issues on construction sites, such as scaffolding safety and risk of falls from heights, poor site security, a lack of signage, electrical hazards, poor housekeeping, and a lack of basic facilities (like toilets) for workers,” Ms Agius said.
“It’s time to get real about safety in the ACT. The safety culture needs to improve so workers in this industry can go home safely at the end of their shift.”
The blitz in Throsby last week was part of WorkSafe ACT’s Operation Safe Prospect, an ongoing campaign that’s seen the independent regulator crack down on safety in the building and construction industry.
Previous blitzes have seen sites shut down in the ACT, including 11 belonging to one local company in August and a number of sites in Watson in September.
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