Last week WorkSafe officers Peter Wenborn and Barry Dunn delivered a presentation on precast panels to over 80 engineers and key site personnel at a Concrete Institute of Australia seminar.

Precast concrete construction continues to rise in popularity, with an increase in the number of clever, sophisticated and challenging applications. Engineers are generally aware of the workplace health and safety responsibilities during the construction phase, but many do not realise there are also serious legal obligations for them as designers.

Presenters Wenborn and Dunn discussed the legal responsibilities set out in the OHS Act and Regulations during the design and construction phase of projects. They also provided practical advice on how the design and erection of panels can be safely and systematically managed.

The technical seminar stepped the attendees through the additional controls imposed by the National Code of Practice, which are stronger than those set out in AS 3850. (AS 3850 is currently being revised.) 

Major causes of deaths and serious injuries were addressed, as were some of the common causes of structural collapses. The presentation featured shocking real life photographs demonstrating the results of poor risk control measures.

The presentation then walked the audience through what to expect during a typical inspection. This includes: the importance of shop drawings, erection plans, safe work method statements (SWMS), training and induction records and certificates of compliance as required by the Industry Standard. An electronic information package was provided to CIA to share with their members and attendees. Please email construction@worksafe.vic.gov.au if you would like a copy.

For further information the Precast and tilt-up concrete for buildings Industry standard is available on WorkSafe’s website

Have you worked on a safe and successful project using precast concrete? Comment or tell us about it.