WorkCover and Hansen Yuncken commit to safety during hospital redevelopment

WorkCover NSW and Hansen Yuncken have today (26 August) signed an alliance to provide a safe workplace during the Wagga Wagga Health Service Redevelopment.

Hansen Yuncken, as the Principal Contractor, is responsible for work health and safety during the project, and the alliance commits the two parties to working together to achieve effective and sustained work health and safety, return to work and injury management throughout the redevelopment.

Acting general manager of WorkCover NSW’s Work Health and Safety Division Peter Dunphy said the alliance was an example of how WorkCover and industry could work together to achieve safer workplaces.

“The construction industry is one of the highest-risk industries in NSW and the loss of a loved one in a workplace incident has a devastating effect on family, friends and colleagues,” Dunphy said.

“In the three years to 2010/11 there were 1209 injuries and illnesses, including three fatalities in south-west NSW at a cost of $14.3 million to the NSW workers’ compensation system.

“Through this alliance we aim to reinforce Hansen Yuncken’s safety capability through communication, consultation and cooperation, so that everyone working on the redevelopment comes home safely at the end of the working day.

“I commend Hansen Yuncken for taking a proactive approach to improving safety and injury management within the construction industry.”

Hansen Yuncken project manager Michael Martin said the alliance was similar to one it had signed with WorkCover at the Wollongong Central Shopping Centre expansion.

“The Wagga Wagga Health Service Redevelopment is a significant project which will see over 1000 workers involved in the construction of a new hospital, mental health facility and clinical departments, at a cost of $282 million,” Martin said.

“WorkCover’s timely, consistent and targeted information, assistance and advice will play a significant role in improving safety and productivity throughout the project as well as assist us in further improving our already-high work health and safety standards.”

WorkCover fosters relationships with organisations that improve workplace health and safety, injury management and workers’ compensation.

The safety alliance with Hansen Yuncken reflects similar agreements with Wollongong, Cooma-Monaro and Wellington Councils.

“WorkCover recognises that those dealing with risks on a daily basis are best placed to assist with the development of relevant and effective work health and safety solutions,” Dunphy added.

“WorkCover is committed to developing proactive relationships with industry so that incidents and fatalities are reduced.

“Alliances like the one signed today with Hansen Yunken are crucial to achieving this.”