Construction falls and asbestos the focus of cross-border blitz

Construction Falls and Asbestos the Focus of Cross-Border Blitz

SafeWork NSW and WorkSafe Victoria are teaming up to conduct joint inspections on construction sites in Echuca and Moama, helping employers comply with occupational health and safety regulations across the border region.

Inspectors will focus on asbestos exposure and falls from height risks during a one-week cross-border blitz scheduled for 30 October to 3 November.

Why WorkSafe Victoria Is Targeting Fall Risks

WorkSafe Director of Construction and Earth Resources Matt Wielgosz said construction remains the most dangerous industry in Victoria, with 76 recorded fatalities since 2018.

"Falling from height is the most common cause of these deaths, so we're making sure employers are aware of their duties when it comes to fall prevention," he said.

Reducing potentially deadly falls sits at the heart of this construction blitz targeted falls initiative, reflecting a broader safety push across the construction industry in both states.

SafeWork NSW's Role in the Joint Operation

SafeWork NSW Regional Director Construction Services Laurence Richey said 17 construction workers have died in falls since 2018, underscoring why this cross-border effort matters for work sites on both sides of the Murray.

Beyond physical hazards, safety regulators across Australia have increasingly turned attention to psychosocial risks affecting site workers, recognising that mental health and physical safety go hand in hand on modern work sites. Employers should note that psychosocial hazards, alongside asbestos and falls, form part of a comprehensive approach to site safety.

What Employers Should Do to Prepare

Construction businesses operating near Echuca and Moama should review their safety documentation ahead of the blitz. Practical steps include:

• Auditing fall prevention controls on all elevated work areas
• Confirming asbestos management plans are current and accessible on site
• Reviewing safe work method statements for high-risk construction activities
• Briefing workers on updated safety obligations before inspectors arrive

Businesses managing decorating and finishing subcontract work can reference documentation such as the Construction/Subcontractor WHSE Decorating and Finishing plan or equivalent OHSE Decorating and Finishing documentation to help meet compliance expectations. For sites dealing with public access risks, a dedicated construction sites SWMS for dealing with the public can also support broader risk management.

A Broader Pattern of Cross-Border Safety Enforcement

This isn't the first time regulators have joined forces along the border. Previous operations, detailed in coverage of how a cross-border blitz helps improve construction safety, show a consistent focus on falls and asbestos exposure as recurring priorities. SafeWork SA has also run similar campaigns, as outlined in news covering how construction falls remain the focus of an upcoming SafeWork SA webinar.

Together, these initiatives reflect a national safety commitment stretching well beyond Victoria's borders, with SafeWork agencies nationwide prioritising consistent enforcement standards.

Where to Find More Information

For further details on inspection dates, compliance obligations, and safety news relevant to this blitz, visit the SafeWork NSW website. Staying informed on the latest safety news helps businesses avoid penalties and, more importantly, protects workers from preventable harm.