Industry News
Two electric shock incidents in under a month
After the second incident in under a month’s time, SafeWork SA is reminding businesses of the risks posed by electrical supplies which haven’t been de-energised. Any power supply that has not been properly de-energised presents the danger of electric shock or electrocution. Both recent incidents resulted from the power not being properly de-energised. SafeWork SA…
Read MoreNew Scaffold Compliance Blitz by SafeWork NSW
The recent results of SafeWork NSW’s safety inspections have incited a second scaffold compliance blitz. Initial inspections saw over 800 notices issued to worksites around the state following significant safety breaches. NSW Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson has reminded the industry of the risks including heavy fines. Compliance issues found by SafeWork inspectors included…
Read MoreCompany fined $35k after excavator makes contact with powerlines
A Victorian quarry has been convicted and fined $35,000 after a worker’s excavator made contact with two high voltage powerlines. According to Work Safe Victoria, the company responsible plead guilty to failing to ensure that the workplace and means of entering and leaving it were safe. The incident occurred in late 2018, when the working…
Read MoreSafeWork SA renew focus on asbestos compliance
SafeWork SA has begun a new asbestos compliance program following the second recent suspension of an asbestos license holder. The new compliance program will be conducted over the coming months and target sites undergoing asbestos removal to ensure that proper regulations are being followed. SafeWork SA’s Executive Director Martyn Campbell has asked inspectors to monitor…
Read MoreConstruction under Stage 4 COVID Restrictions
With Melbourne currently in Stage 4 ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions, a number of changes will affect the way construction sites operate. Summary Under the current restrictions Melbourne operators are required to have a High Risk COVIDSafe Plan. Download the High Risk COVIDSafe Construction Plan here Download the Guidelines for the High Risk COVIDSafe Construction Plan…
Read MoreCharges laid over alleged chemical stockpiles
A Victorian company has been charged with a number of offences under the Dangerous Goods Act regarding the storage of chemical stockpiles across three different warehouses. WorkSafe Victoria has charged the company with five aggravated offences under the act. WorkSafe Victoria has alleged that at each of the three sites; “the company knew, or ought…
Read MoreNew NSW High-Rise Compliance Program
The NSW government will be rolling out a new compliance program beginning September 1st to undertake risk-based inspections of high-rise residential apartment projects. Building Commissioner David Chandler will also be given new powers to deny occupation certificates for sub-standard work. Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson has made it clear that sub-standard work…
Read MoreNew NSW High-Rise Compliance Program
The NSW government will be rolling out a new compliance program beginning September 1st to undertake risk-based inspections of high-rise residential apartment projects. Building Commissioner David Chandler will also be given new powers to deny occupation certificates for sub-standard work. Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson has made it clear that sub-standard work…
Read MoreResults of Hunter Region Compliance Blitz
The Hunter Region compliance blitz which took place earlier this month has resulted in a number of notices and over $18,000 in fines. 54 worksites spanning commercial and residential construction were issued a total of 82 notices and six on-the-spot fines totaling $18,720. Over the week-long survey SafeWork inspectors issued 26 prohibition notices and 56…
Read MoreSafeWork SA Suspends Asbestos Assessor Licence
An asbestos assessor has had their licence suspended by SafeWork SA for three months. SafeWork SA issued the suspension after their investigations revealed that the assessor had failed to conduct their work with reasonable care. SafeWork SA conducted the investigations over a number of months, and discovered that the assessor issued clearance certificates whilst debris…
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