WorkSafe ACT has reported a doubling of its enforcement and regulatory activities in the past financial year compared to 2017-18.
Announcing the surge, Minister for Employment and Workplace Safety, Rachel Stephen-Smith said WorkSafe inspectors have been focussing on high risk industries and workers such as construction, health care, retail, hospitality and young workers.
“WorkSafe ACT has had a busy year, supporting safety on key capital projects such as light rail and major development activity across our city,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
“Inspectors have undertaken close to 4,000 inspections and visits to worksites and workplaces across the ACT over the financial year.”
She said that as well as providing information and education to workers and employers, WorkSafe had undertaken enforcement action where needed to support the safety and protection of workers.
The Minister said that in the past year 360 Improvement Notices had been issued; 220 Prohibition Notices; 26 Infringement Notices; 13 Non-Disturbance Notices and five Enforceable Undertakings.
“Industry and employers have clearly heard the message that unsafe work practices will not be tolerated, and safety must be at the forefront of all activity,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.
She also noted the safety of young workers had been a priority through a proactive audit of workplaces.
“Inspectors have spoken to more than 1,000 individual workers and employers across 200 workplaces,” she said.
“This work is particularly important as we know young people, including apprentices and trainees, are often more vulnerable to unsafe work practices,” the Minister said.
