SafeWork NSW inspectors recently visited construction sites in Wollongong, targeting high-risk harms and the hygiene of site amenities including lunchrooms and toilets.

As part of a regional crackdown on the construction industry, NSW Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson said SafeWork inspectors focused on hygiene, height safety, moving plant operations, and controlling risks related to falling objects.

“This blitz has been triggered by a series of serious incidents in the area and a number of complaints of unsafe work via our Speak Up app,” Minister Anderson said.

“In the middle of a pandemic, all workplaces have an obligation to undertake precautions to ensure the safety of everyone on their site – and that extends to common areas.”

Cleanliness of a site can be a good indicator of safety and work standards, said Minister Anderson.

“A safe construction site starts with a clean site and we’re seeing an unacceptable drop in housekeeping standards across the construction industry.

“Having a well-maintained site is also a good indicator of the quality of the work being done.”

If the site managers can’t be bothered to take care of the toilets, he said there’s a good chance that building standards will be haphazard as well.

“It’s high time every single construction site in NSW got the message - shoddy workmanship and lack of safety on site is not acceptable. Up your game, or you can look forward to attention from the regulator,” he said.

This article is a news item provided by the Australian Institute of Health & Safety.