Joint border inspection program targets fall risks

Joint Border Inspection Program Targets Fall Risks

WorkSafe ACT inspectors have joined forces with their NSW counterparts to conduct a joint safety blitz targeting border construction sites, ensuring workplaces follow health and safety rules. This cross-border inspection program focuses squarely on fall risks affecting construction and manufacturing operations.

Why This Inspection Program Matters

Acting WHS Regional SafeWork NSW Director, Kane Scott, said the program aims to ensure workplaces are managing fall risks effectively. According to Scott, inspectors will be checking that work health and safety compliance sits at the forefront of every business operation.

"These compliance programs are part of an ongoing effort to promote sustained behavioural change," Mr Scott said. Sustained behavioural change remains central to reducing preventable incidents across construction and manufacturing sectors.

The Cost of Falls in Construction and Manufacturing

Workplace falls in manufacturing cost NSW businesses more than $15 million annually in claims, while falls in construction continue to be the leading cause of traumatic injuries and fatalities across NSW. Effective safety management within both sectors remains critical to reversing these figures.

Robust safety management practices, paired with consistent oversight, help construction businesses limit exposure to preventable fall incidents. Manufacturing operations face similar challenges, making proactive safety management just as vital on production floors as on construction sites.

Where the Blitz Is Targeting Businesses

Inspectors are targeting businesses in Queanbeyan, Canberra and nearby border regions during this weeklong safety blitz. Findings from this inspection program focused on construction sites along the NSW/ACT border will likely shape future compliance strategies.

Businesses should expect continued scrutiny, as similar operations mirror an earlier inspection blitz targeting fall hazards in construction sites conducted previously. Consistent, joint enforcement across state lines signals regulators' commitment to reducing fall-related harm.

Strengthening Safety Management on Site

Construction businesses can strengthen safety management by reviewing fall prevention controls before inspectors arrive. Practical steps include:

• Auditing scaffolding, edge protection and working-at-height equipment regularly
• Reviewing safety management systems against current WHS obligations
• Ensuring supervisors understand compliance requirements relevant to construction tasks
• Documenting safety management processes so evidence is readily available during inspections

Manufacturing sites benefit from applying the same safety management discipline, given falls remain a costly and persistent hazard in that sector too.

Supporting Compliance With the Right Tools

Maintaining strong safety management doesn't need to be complex. Purpose-built checklists and forms help businesses demonstrate compliance quickly when inspectors visit, whether operating in construction, manufacturing or related trades.

Resources such as a workplace inspection checklist or vehicle inspection checklist give safety teams a structured way to document conditions before regulators arrive. Businesses relying on contractors can also use a contractor spot inspection form to verify safety management standards extend across their entire workforce, including subcontracted labour on construction sites.

Key Takeaways

• WorkSafe ACT and SafeWork NSW have launched a joint inspection program targeting fall risks near the border.
• Falls remain the leading cause of traumatic injuries and fatalities in NSW construction.
• Manufacturing falls cost NSW businesses over $15 million yearly, underscoring the need for stronger safety management.
• The program targets Queanbeyan, Canberra and surrounding areas over one week.
• Consistent compliance and documented safety management practices help businesses prepare for inspections.

Read more here.