Released by: Minister for Fair Trading, Minister for Small Business

SafeWork NSW is set to crack down on dangerous work practices with a targeted three month operation across the state.

Inspectors will be on the lookout for unsafe concreting practices, issuing on-the-spot fines of up to $3,600 for safety breaches.

Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said the construction industry employs over 360,0000 people across New South Wales and inspectors will continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to lives being placed at risk from formwork and concrete placing equipment activities.

“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.

“An example was 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.

“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.”

Over the next three months, inspectors will be referring poor quality construction builds to the Office of the Building Commissioner and Fair Trading. They also will be issuing on-the-spot fines and ordering work to stop on sites if businesses are not managing risks correctly.

Learn more about formwork and concrete placing equipment safety  on the SafeWork NSW website.

For more safety resources including a video on formwork safety visit SafeWork NSW   

We pay respect to the Traditional Custodians and First Peoples of NSW, and acknowledge their continued connection to their country and culture.