Worksafe ACT inspectors returned to Denman Prospect yesterday (17 February) as part of ongoing work to ensure the construction industry is providing a safe working environment.
Minister for Industrial Relations and Workplace Safety, Mick Gentleman said the Territory was improving working conditions for Canberrans, especially in high-risk industries like residential construction.
“Worksafe ACT has been working hard to improve health and safety conditions for residential construction workers,” Mr Gentleman said.
“[This] is the third time WorkSafe ACT has been out to Denman Prospect as part of Operation Safe Prospect, which began in August 2020 and will continue over the next three years,” he said.
“Our inspectors have conducted eight Operation Safe Prospect inspections the five greenfields suburbs of Denman Prospect, Watson, Ginninderry, Taylor and Throsby.”
Mr Gentleman said the inspectors had visited 174 workplaces, issued 210 improvement, 62 prohibition and 14 infringement notices.
“Unfortunately, we are still seeing regular non-compliance and minimal improvement across the industry,” the Minister said.
“My clear message to the construction industry is that we need your help to ensure the ACT’s work sites are safe,” he said.
Mr Gentleman said WorkSafe ACT inspectors had consistently seen the same incidents at residential construction sites, including risk of falls from heights due to unsafe scaffolding; issues with site security due to non-secure fencing; a lack of signage; lack of basic facilities such as toilets; risk of slips trips and falls due to untidy sites; and not following safe work method statements.
