Construction safety blitz focuses on unsafe concreting practices

Construction Safety Blitz Focuses on Unsafe Concreting Practices

Over the next three months, SafeWork NSW inspectors will be conducting a construction safety blitz targeting unsafe concreting practices across New South Wales worksites.

Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said an estimated 360,000 people work in the construction industry in New South Wales, making compliance with plant and equipment standards critical to reducing hazards across the sector.

Zero-Tolerance Approach to Formwork and Concrete Placing Risks

Ms Petinos said, "inspectors will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to lives being placed at risk from formwork and concrete placing equipment activities." Maintaining strict compliance with plant operation procedures remains central to this industry-wide push.

"Falls from heights is the leading cause of fatalities on NSW construction sites, with falls from formwork being among the top five causes of serious falls reported to SafeWork," Ms Petinos said.

Real-World Incident Highlights Formwork Hazards

An example occurred in May last year when two workers suffered fractured ribs at a Westmead construction site when an unsupported formwork platform collapsed, causing them to fall over three metres. This incident underscores why every construction site must prioritise structural checks before mobile plant or formwork platforms are put into operation.

Concrete Placing Equipment: Key Hazards to Watch

"When it comes to concrete placing equipment, the major risks are workers being hit by the hose or concrete, or the boom hitting a structure or powerlines," Ms Petinos said. Boom-related contact with overhead powerlines poses a serious electrical hazard, and operators handling concrete placing plant should remain alert to electrical infrastructure at all times.

Given how frequently mobile plant operates near live electrical assets, employers across the industry are encouraged to reinforce electrical safety awareness through toolbox talks and refresher training. Reducing electrical risk on site also depends on clear exclusion zones around powerlines whenever booms or elevated plant are in use.

Why This Blitz Matters for Industry Health and Safety

Formwork collapses, falls, and equipment-related hazards remain persistent challenges within the construction industry, and this renewed enforcement effort reflects SafeWork NSW's commitment to protecting worker health across every project phase.

Businesses reviewing their systems can benefit from structured documentation such as the WHSMP Construction Safety Plan, which supports compliance with formwork and plant safety obligations. Concreting subcontractors specifically may also find value in reviewing dedicated safety documentation, including the Construction/Subcontractor WHSE - Concreting and Construction/Subcontractor OHSE - Concreting packages, which address site-specific hazards tied to formwork and concrete placement.

This latest enforcement drive follows similar regional efforts, including safety blitzes targeting construction sites in Wollondilly and broader SafeWork initiatives focused on enhancing safety at construction sites. Businesses seeking sector-specific guidance can also explore Construction & Civil Works safety templates or specialised resources such as Steel Construction Safety Packages to strengthen compliance across related trades.

Original source is SafeWork NSW.