Every now and then someone from WorkSafe or one of you will get to have a say or share new ideas. This week, Wayne Gearon (WorkSafe Operations Strategy Manager for Construction, Asbestos & Public Safety) shares the good and bad of the year that was.

Let’s take a quick look back at last financial year.

Construction inspectors visited 11,000+ workplaces, issued 5000+ notices and had another 2500+ safety issues rectified while onsite. 

Inspectors are still regularly issuing notices on poor site housekeeping, lack of safety planning and ineffective supervision, which means builders and subcontractors need to continue to focus on the basics. Also of concern is the number of sites that still lack (or do not follow) safe work method statements.

Tragically, four lives were lost last year involving a fall from height, electrocution and concrete pumps.

The good news is injuries continue to drop – even though the construction workforce is rising. In fact, injury claims were 3.3 per cent lower than the previous year resulting in an $18 million saving to industry. Unfortunately, plumbers, electricians, carpenters and concreters are injuring themselves more often than other trades and can expect increased scrutiny this year.

Finally, after two-and-a-half years as WorkSafe’s Director of Construction & Utilities Industry Program, Chris Webb has resigned to take up a senior position with another regulator. He will be missed. Until a replacement is recruited, Allan Beacom (Construction & Utilities Executive Officer) will fill in as Acting Director. 

What do you think of the industry’s safety record over the past year?