Good compliance found on Perth construction sites

A recent inspection program checking the safety standards of Perth construction sites has found a high level of compliance with workplace safety laws.

WorkSafe WA Director Chris Kirwin said the level of compliance with workplace safety laws observed by inspectors was pleasing.

“Inspectors issued a relatively small number of notices on the city construction sites — which is good to see — but we will be keeping an eye on the city sites to ensure they keep up the good work,” Kirwin said.

“A total of 44 construction sites were visited as part of the program, with 20 improvement notices and no prohibition notices issued. Inspectors also issued 195 verbal directions, but these are only used when the issue is relatively minor and can be remedied while the inspector is on-site.”

The inspections focused on priority areas including electrical safety and working at heights as well as ensuring workers had construction induction training cards and High Risk Work Licences where needed.

Sites were also checked for Safe Work Method Statements and that Job Safety Analyses and Site Safety Plans were in place where required.

WorkSafe said of the 20 improvement notices issued, seven were for problems relating to scaffolding and six concerned electricity.  A further three were for edge protection, and single notices were issued for OSH Management Plans, plant, work at heights and evacuation procedures.

“A major focus of this program was ensuring that construction sites had systems in place to protect the public in the vicinity of work sites,” Kirwin said.

“The majority of the sites visited did have these protection systems in place. Some sites did have minor issues such as maintenance of the bunting or fencing that was in place, but there were no significant public protection issues at the sites visited.”

Kirwin said inspectors will also continue to visit sites unannounced for both proactive and reactive inspections across metropolitan and regional areas of the state.

“We continue to firmly believe that raising awareness with proactive inspection programs is the best way in which to reduce the risk of work-related injury and illness.”

For more information, go to www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.