SafeWork inspections across Newcastle worksites after $400k fine
Newcastle construction sites can expect unannounced visits from SafeWork NSW inspectors this week, as high-visibility safety checks are conducted across the region.
After a number of serious injuries on worksites across the state, inspectors are targeting sites undertaking high-risk work.
Inspectors are looking out for:
- Working from heights & falling objects
- Electrical safety
- Site amenities
- Work plans regarding prevention of respiratory diseases e.g. silicosis
- COVID-19 safe practices
Failing to ensure the proper safeguards are in place can result in on-the-spot fines of up to $720 for individuals and $3,600 for corporations. This includes failure to provide adequate worker protection, and undertaking work without the appropriate licences.
Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson has stated:
“SafeWork will show zero tolerance for workers or the public being put at risk of serious or fatal injuries through unsafe practices, and heavy on-the-spot fines will be handed out to anyone doing the wrong thing.”
This comes after a landmark $400,000 fine issued last week after a worker death which was ruled to have breached the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
