Published: 13 November 2024
WorkSafe Victoria and SafeWork NSW inspectors will be out in force inspecting construction sites throughout Mildura and surrounds from 18 to 22 November to ensure employers are aware of their health and safety obligations.
As part of the latest Cross Border operation, authorities will host a free Trade Breakfast at Dahlsens Mildura on Friday 15 November to discuss construction hazards and how to ensure worksites are inspection ready ahead of the blitz.
WorkSafe Director of Construction and Earth Resources Ben Sullivan said inspectors would look to ensure employers were meeting all their health and safety obligations, but with a focus on addressing falls hazards and providing mentally healthy workplaces.
"No one ever thinks that they will fall at work, but the fact is hundreds of Victorian construction workers are seriously injured in falls every year – this can and should be prevented," Mr Sullivan said.
"Inspectors will also look at whether employers are doing enough to address psychosocial hazards, such as bullying, fatigue or extreme workloads, and remind duty holders that there's no excuse for failing to manage these issues in today’s workplaces."
SafeWork NSW Regional Director Construction Service Kane Scott highlighted the important role employers and business owners play in creating a mentally healthy work environment.
"Business owners must ensure they are creating safe, healthy, and productive workplaces. This involves identifying and managing workplace risks that could potentially result in psychological harm to employees," Mr Scott said.
"Continued economic pressures, such as inflation and supply chain disruption have sadly seen many businesses overlook the health, safety and wellbeing of workers. Businesses must not put productivity or profit above workers’ safety."
Since 2023 there have been 19 fatalities in Victoria's construction industry, including six as a result of falls from heights. In the same period, WorkSafe accepted more than 6,370 claims workers injured in Victoria's construction industry, including 49 in the Mallee area.
Preventing psychological harm, supporting recovery, and promoting mental health are critical components of a mentally healthy workplace.
Data shows mental injury claims continue to increase in the construction industry across NSW and Victoria. Workers suffering mental injuries often take longer to recover and require more services and supports than workers with a physical injury.
Common psychosocial hazards in the construction industry are harassment (including sexual or racial harassment), bullying, work pressure, exposure to a traumatic event and violence, and hazardous physical working environments.
Free Trade Breakfast:
Friday 15 November, 7-8.30am, Dahlsens 973/1029 Benetook Ave, Mildura
To prevent falls from height employers should implement the highest possible hierarchy of controls:
- Level 1 Eliminate the risk by, where practicable, doing all or some of the work on the ground or from a solid construction.
- Level 2 Use a passive fall prevention device such as scaffolds, perimeter screens, guardrails, safety mesh or elevating work platforms.
- Level 3 Use a positioning system, such as a travel-restraint system, to ensure employees work within a safe area.
- Level 4 Use a fall arrest system, such as a harness, catch platform or safety nets, to limit the risk of injuries in the event of a fall.
- Level 5 Use a fixed or portable ladder, or implement administrative controls.
To prevent work-related mental injuries, employers should:
- Promote a positive workplace culture that encourages trust, respectful behaviours and quality communication.
- Consult with employees when identifying and assessing any risks to their psychological health and determining the appropriate control measures.
- Implement policies and procedures for reporting and responding to psychosocial hazards such as workplace trauma, bullying, interpersonal conflict, violence and aggression; and reviewing and updating risk controls following any incidents.
- Regularly ask employees how they are, encourage them to discuss any work-related concerns and, where required, implement suitable support and controls.
- Have systems in place for workforce planning and workload management to ensure that employees have sufficient resources and a realistic workload.
- Coaching, mentor and train leaders to improve support for workers.
- Seek and act on feedback from employees during an organisational change process.
- Inform workers about their entitlements if they become unwell or unfit for work.
- Provide appropriate and confidential channels to support workplace mental health and wellbeing, such as Employee Assistance Programs.
For more information visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/cross-border