Cross border safety blitz to focus on falls prevention

Inspectors from WorkSafe Victoria and SafeWork NSW will begin visiting construction sites in the Albury and Wodonga region next week to help tradies reduce fall hazards.

WorkSafe Executive Director Health and Safety Narelle Beer said employers must do more to prevent falls from height injuries.

"The risk of falls from heights in the construction industry is very real and can have heartbreaking and life-changing consequences," Dr Beer said.

"Since the start of 2018, there have been 13 fatalities in Victoria's construction industry as a result of falls from height," she said. "Every one of these tragic deaths was preventable."

SafeWork NSW Director Construction Services Regional Laurence Richey said inspectors will focus on construction hazards in site fencing, amenities, housekeeping, electrical, and work at heights.

"We encourage all builders to maintain a continual focus on these key issues and contact SafeWork NSW on 131 050 if they need any assistance," he said.

For more on this story, go to the WorkSafe Victoria website.