Border blitz prioritises mental health and falls prevention

Border Blitz Prioritises Mental Health and Falls Prevention

WorkSafe Victoria and SafeWork NSW are set to undertake a collaborative border blitz prioritises mental well-being and falls prevention operation from November 18 to 22, aimed at assisting the construction sector in Mildura in identifying and mitigating workplace hazards to prevent potential injuries.

Inspectors will visit construction sites in Mildura and nearby areas to make sure employers are fully informed of their health and safety responsibilities. This cross-border blitz reflects a shared commitment between the two regulators to lift safety standards across the region.

Focus Areas: Fall Hazards and Mentally Healthy Workplaces

WorkSafe Director of Construction and Earth Resources Ben Sullivan stated that inspectors will focus on confirming that employers adhere to all health and safety requirements, specifically targeting fall hazards and establishment of mentally healthy work environments. Businesses seeking practical resources to prepare should review a falls prevention checklist to identify gaps before inspectors arrive.

"No one ever thinks that they will fall at work, but the fact is hundreds of Victorian construction workers are seriously injured in falls every year – this can and should be prevented," Mr Sullivan said.

"Inspectors will also look at whether employers are doing enough to address psychosocial hazards, such as bullying, fatigue or extreme workloads, and remind duty holders that there's no excuse for failing to manage these issues in today's workplaces."

Why Falls and Psychosocial Hazards Remain a Priority

Falls from height continue to rank among the leading causes of serious injury on Australian construction sites, making fall prevention a persistent focus for regulators. Alongside physical hazards, growing attention to mental health reflects a broader shift in how duty holders manage risk across their operations.

This operation builds on previous joint efforts, including the cross border safety blitz focused on falls prevention and an earlier campaign where construction falls and asbestos were the focus of a cross-border blitz. Together, these initiatives demonstrate a sustained regulatory push to reduce preventable harm in high-risk trades.

Supporting Employers With Practical Safety Resources

Employers preparing for inspection should ensure documented safety systems support both physical and psychological hazard management. A well-maintained Work Health and Safety Manual or Occupational Health and Safety Manual provides structured guidance for meeting compliance obligations across construction operations.

Businesses can also strengthen their approach to psychosocial risk by referring to dedicated workplace mental health and psychosocial policies, which help formalise support structures for staff wellbeing alongside fall prevention measures.

Key Takeaways for Duty Holders

• Inspectors will assess compliance with fall prevention requirements across Mildura construction sites.
• Psychosocial hazards, including bullying, fatigue and excessive workloads, are equally under scrutiny.
• Employers must demonstrate active management of both physical and mental health risks.
• Documented safety systems and checklists provide practical support during inspections.

Safety professionals attending industry events such as the Workplace Health and Safety Show can gain further insight into managing fall hazards and psychosocial risk across construction environments.

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