WA construction inspections find good compliance

An inspection program looking at construction sites in Perth’s northern suburbs has found a high level of compliance in training and licensing but has raised some concerns in other areas.

The program involved construction inspectors checking safety standards at construction sites from Joondalup to Yanchep in August, focusing on electrical safety and working at heights.

They also checked edge protection and scaffolding, as well as whether workers had the appropriate induction training and held high risk work licences where required.

“A total of 44 construction sites were visited as part of the program, with 29 improvement notices and five prohibition notices issued at the sites,” said WorkSafe Director Chris Kirwin.

“Almost half of the improvement notices issued related to electrical problems (13 notices), with another 10 notices relating to scaffolding issues.

“However, it was encouraging to find that all construction workers checked during the program held blue or white cards, and all workers carrying out high risk work held the relevant high risk work licences.”

Kirwin said OSH Management Plans and Safe Work Method Statements were available when required, and only one notice was issued in relation to Safe Work Method Statements.

“It seems the construction industry has got the message with regard to training and licensing and planning for safe work practices on construction sites, but the number of notices issued relating to electricity did raise some concerns, as did the number of notices issued related to scaffolding,” he said.

“The consequences of using unsafe electrical equipment can be disastrous, but it’s relatively easy to ensure that all portable electrical items are tested and tagged and that all leads and so on are in a safe condition.

“Having safe scaffolding is also a must, with the consequences of a fall from height also potentially extremely serious.”

Kirwin said that overall, WorkSafe was pleased with the results of the inspection program and will plan more in the future to ensure the construction industry maintains its standards.

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