December 18, 2023, New South Wales – With the festive season rapidly approaching, SafeWork NSW is issuing a crucial reminder to builders, site managers, and construction workers: prioritize safety and securely shut down sites as the year draws to a close. This call to action comes amid a rush to meet year-end deadlines, which can often lead to overlooked safety measures and increased risks.
Recent incidents in the state underscore the dire consequences of neglecting safety protocols.
- A 22-year-old concrete worker fell approximately two-metres into an unprotected excavation and landed on an unprotected reinforced steel bar which protruded his upper thigh and into his abdomen and hip. The worker required two operations that will require six months recovery and faces potential ongoing mobility issues with his leg.
- 54-year-old worker was painting on the first floor and fell from a ladder through an unprotected void to the ground floor. The man was taken to Royal North Shore hospital in a critical condition and later passed away.
SafeWork NSW provides a pocket-size guide to construction safety, offering valuable insights into common health and safety issues on construction sites. This guide covers essential topics such as working at heights, falling objects, moving plant, and electrical safety.
The Christmas and New Year period, being the construction industry’s longest shutdown, poses significant risks, especially with unsecured sites during school holidays. To mitigate these risks, SafeWork NSW advises site managers and workers to undertake comprehensive site shutdown procedures, including:
- Turning off site power
- Clearing debris
- Blocking access to elevated areas
- Securing plant, equipment, tools, chemicals, and dangerous goods
Emptying water drums - Erecting appropriate signage with after-hours contact details
- Covering voids, pits, trenches, and pier holes
- Capping exposed reinforcement bars
Trent Curtin, Head of SafeWork NSW, emphasizes the importance of these measures: “Our tradies are the backbone of our state’s economy, and SafeWork is dedicated to ensuring their safety up until the end of the year. We want all our workers to reach this break safely, so we’re urging those on construction sites to maintain safe work practices despite the festive season. It’s crucial that construction sites are properly secured and shut down to prevent serious incidents that could dampen this time of joy.”
SafeWork NSW strongly encourages site managers and workers to utilize SafeWork’s online and interactive site shutdown checklist. This tool is designed to help ensure that all necessary steps are taken to leave sites safely unattended during the holiday period.
For more detailed information about construction site safety, security, and fencing, interested parties are encouraged to visit SafeWork NSW’s website.
As the year comes to an end, SafeWork NSW’s message is clear: safety should never be compromised, and taking the time to properly secure construction sites is essential for the well-being of workers and the community.
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