Safework NSW Stakeholder Communications - August 2023

Preventing Falls in Construction course

Falls from heights are the number one cause of traumatic fatalities in the NSW building and construction industry. Together with the Office of the NSW Building Commissioner, SafeWork NSW has launched thePreventing falls in construction course to help employers and workers understand working at heights best practice.

This course aims to provide its participants with the ability to:

· explain who is at risk of falls and who is responsible for safety when working at heights

· access, interpret and apply legal, technical and safety information for preventing falls when working at heights

· identify onsite hazards, assess falling from height risks and select appropriate control measures

· select, inspect, and use suitable fall prevention systems, tools and equipment

· communicate issues related to fall risks to the appropriate person on site

For further information and to register for the course, see the TAFE website, here.

Incident Information Release: Concrete pump operator sustains serious burns.

A 40-year-old non-English speaking worker sustained serious injuries when he was struck by build­ing materials. At the time of the incident, the building materials were being loaded onto a cantile­vered crane-loading platform by a tower crane. The worker fell approximately 8 metres, striking temporary chain mesh fencing before landing on the ground below. The injured worker later died in hospital.

It is important to consider ‘reasonably practicable’ control measures to manage the risks associat­ed with plant in the workplace.

What can you do to stay safe?

Ensure that:

· the path of travel is clear from obstructions when a load is hoisted by a crane, and the load re­mains under control

· an exclusion zone is set up around the plant, and any suspended loads during loading/unloading processes, to keep people safe around plant and machinery

· you understand the requirements to be authorised by a high-risk work licence, and in the correct class, when undertaking work with cranes

· authorised persons do not place themselves at risk of being crushed between the load and any other surface

· workers involved in a task are consulted, properly instructed, and trained on how to carry out the task safely, they must know all relevant health and safety information about the task, including the risks and how to manage them

· training and instruction provided is easy to understand, even for those whose first language is not English and have additional needs

To read more on SafeWork NSW Construction Incident Releases, see the SafeWork NSW website here.

Keep workers safe around moving plant and vehicles

SafeWork NSW inspectors are visiting construction worksites targeting safe separation of people and mobile plant and vehicles. Employers risk on-the-spot fines for putting lives at risk.

Keep workers safe by:

· using bollards, barriers, safety rails or exclusion zones

· using alarms to warn people of moving plant

· identifying hazards and creating a traffic management plan

· training, instructing and supervising workers on control measures

Additionally, businesses carrying out high-risk work must prepare a safe work method statement (SWMS).

Construction Site Supervisor Live Workshops

Register now for workshops:

13 September - Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

4 October – Risk Management

11 October – Mental Health in Construction

18 October – WHS Responsibilities and Influence

25 October – Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

15 November – High Risk Work Licences

13 December – Young and at Risk Workers

These live workshops are designed for Construction Supervisors, Trade Supervisors, Construction Managers, Forepersons, Superintendents, or a Leading Hand to learn from an experienced team of Inspectors about workplace health and safety (WHS) in construction.

Spots are filling up quickly, so make sure that you book now to ensure your place.

Concerning upward trend in failure to notify notifia­ble incidents and failure to preserve an incident scene

Concerning upward trend in failure to notify notifia­ble incidents and failure to preserve an incident scene

SafeWork NSW has noticed an increase in PCBU’s fail­ing to notify the regulator when a notifiable incident has occurred, and failing to preserve an incident scene until an Inspector arrives, with over 80 notices issued for non-compliance so far in 2023.

If there is a serious injury or illness, a death or a dangerous incident, you must report it to us imme­diately on 13 10 50 as an urgent investigation may be needed.

You must take care not to disturb the incident scene un­til an inspector arrives at the site, or until direction is given by an inspector. You can help an injured person and ensure safety of the site.

Incidents can be notified 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 13 10 50.

For further information, please see the SafeWork NSWwebsite.