Four residential construction sites shut down due to safety concerns

Four residential construction sites in North Canberra have been issued prohibition notices and 14 improvement notices by WorkSafe ACT for serious safety breaches.

The sites were shut down after inspectors identified concerns including fall from height risks due to non-compliant scaffolding; slip, trip and fall risks due to poor housekeeping; insecure fencing allowi ng unauthorised access to dangerous worksites; and no toilet facilities for workers.

Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius said these types of safety breaches are far too common. Last week after 11 construction sites were shut down for safety issues.

“We are continually seeing the same types of safety issues at residential construction sites across the ACT,” she said.

“Basic health and safety requirements, like having proper scaffolding and fall protection, is not negotiable.

“We will continue working with industry to help improve the safety culture in residential construction, but we will also keep issuing notices to companies who blatantly disregard their legal obligations to maintain a safe workplace.”