In February, SafeWork NSW visited more than 60 construction sites from Tweed Heads to Ballina and issued 96 notices. These included eight on-the-spot fines, 16 prohibition notices and 72 improvement notices.

SafeWork NSW Director of Regional Construction, Laurence Richey, said there were a number of serious risks present on many construction sites.

“It was really disappointing to walk onto sites that have serious falls risks, as well as scaffolds with missing parts, or evidence that unlicensed workers had altered or removed scaffolding components,” Mr Richey said.

“Fines of up to $3,600 were issued for falls risks, while prohibition and improvement notices were issued for risks from falling objects and not managing moving plant.

“Builders can expect further ongoing visits as we continue to check compliance, take enforcement action, and apply sanctions where any risks are observed.

“We want to remind the construction industry that falls from heights are the number one killer on NSW building sites. More than 12,000 workers were injured after a fall from a height between 2014 and 2017. Sadly 25 died, while more than 240 were permanently disabled.

“Ongoing construction blitzes by SafeWork will be occurring right across both metropolitan and regional NSW in 2021, with findings like these a wake-up call for the construction industry to immediately lift their standards,” Mr Richey said.