Construction ‘back to basics’ campaign continues

WorkSafe Victoria’s ‘Back to Basic Construction’ program is focusing on site preparation, job planning and basic ‘housekeeping’ in coming months.

Around 50 injuries a week are caused by these issues and, while not necessarily life-threatening, they can be painful, costly and drive valuable trained people out of the industry. Poor planning and supervision is often to blame.

The campaign is consistent with WorkSafe’s current statewide, all-industry effort targeting slips, trips and falls.

WorkSafe Executive Director John Merritt said the campaign’s aim was to ensure everyone in the industry took responsibility for safety: “Getting back to basics will generally mean the higher-level safety matters will also be looked after. In an industry with a high rate of deaths and injuries, that has to be a good thing.”

Properly establishing the site and keeping walkways clear and storage areas tidy will reduce risks, and keep productivity high and everyone working.

A range of new worksheets and checklists have been posted at www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/construction to help employers and workers identify and manage safety issues.