Results 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 improvement notices.
The majority of compliance breaches resulted from:
- Falling from heights risks
- Unsafe scaffolding
- Electrical risks
- Poor risk management systems
The recent amendments to the Work Health and Safety Ace 2011 mean that non-compliant businesses face harsher penalties including heavy fines or up to 5 years jail.
Minister for Better Regulation and Innovation, Kevin Anderson has noted that SafeWork has a zero tolerance policy for those who fail to comply with the current health and safety standards.
“SafeWork now has a has a consistent presence in the Newcastle and Hunter building industry, and the construction sites we’ve identified can expect regular visits from inspectors until they clean their act up”, said Mr Anderson.
