Cross-border blitz focused on protecting workers

Cross-Border Blitz Focused on Protecting Workers

Safe Work NSW and WorkSafe Victoria are joining forces for a cross-border blitz focused on protecting workers, targeting falls and silica dust hazards during a week-long safety inspection operation in Yarrawonga-Mulwala.

Inspectors will enlighten employers about their health and safety duties, identify work-related hazards across construction sites, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. This joint operation reflects a broader trend of cross border collaboration between jurisdictions, recognising that workers and businesses often travel between NSW and Victoria for construction projects.

Falls from Height Remain a Leading Cause of Death

According to statistics, since 2018, 20 construction workers have been killed following a fall from height in Victoria. In NSW, 16 workers have died due to a fall from height over a period of five years (2018-2022).

These figures highlight why reducing potentially deadly falls remains a top priority for regulators across different jurisdictions. Falls hazards continue to represent one of the most significant risks facing construction workers nationwide.

"Every single injury and death caused by falling from height is preventable if the right safety measures are in place," WorkSafe Director Construction and Earth Resources Mr Matt Wielgosz said.

Why Cross-Border Compliance Matters

Construction work often requires teams to work temporarily across state lines, making consistent compliance standards essential. When businesses operate in construction across NSW and Victoria, understanding both sets of obligations helps avoid confusion and reduces exposure to preventable hazards.

This blitz builds on previous cross-border safety initiatives, including operations that have addressed construction falls and asbestos risks, and earlier efforts where a cross border safety blitz focused on falls prevention across the construction sector.

Silica dust exposure, another key hazard targeted during this operation, poses serious long-term health risks for construction workers if left unmanaged. Employers must ensure appropriate controls are in place to manage both silica dust and fall hazards on active work sites.

Construction businesses preparing for compliance checks should ensure documentation, such as a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), is current and reflects actual site conditions.

Read more here.