Inspectors launch cross-border blitz
The risk of falls, silica dust, and other construction safety hazards will be targeted in a cross-border blitz from two safety agencies.
WorkSafe Victoria and SafeWork NSW will join forces during a week-long safety blitz targeting residential construction sites on both sides of the border from 22 to 26 August.
The cross-border blitz will also include a free industry breakfast at Dahlsens on Friday 26 August along with presentations to local TAFEs.
The blitz event is aimed at raising awareness of the risks of exposure to hazardous crystalline silica dust which, if inhaled, can cause deadly lung and respiratory diseases, such as silicosis.
Since the start of 2021, WorkSafe has accepted 88 claims from workers who have developed silica related disease and sadly six workers have died.
Victorian duty holders will be reminded that, since 15 May 2022, changes to OHS regulations mean businesses making dust when working with materials containing crystalline silica must identify and document any high-risk silica work and the measures used to control those risks.
Falls from height also remains a significant safety risk in the construction industry on both sides of the border.
According to SafeWork NSW falls from heights remains the number one killer on NSW construction sites. There have been 1,126 reports of workers falling from a height in NSW since the beginning of 2021.
If you need assistance with on-site safety issues, Master Electricians have unlimited access to the MEA Safety Hotline. Phone 1300 889 198 today to speak to the experts.
MORE FROM MEA