Construction blitz puts safety first

SafeWork NSW has cracked down on dangerous work practices with a targeted operation in Bankstown and Rockdale.

The week-long safety blitz saw 35 construction sites visited, 86 improvement notices issued and 16 prohibition notices handed out.

Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said the first priority of the NSW Government is safety, with falls from heights still the number one killer on NSW construction sites.

"We take a zero-tolerance approach to lives being placed at risk. This means a construction sector with no site taking unacceptable risks when it comes to working with heights," Ms Petinos said.

"As a result of the SafeWork NSW inspections, two construction sites in were fined $3,600 for failing to meet safety compliance around heights.

"We want to ensure construction sites have the appropriate safe systems and the right safety equipment in place to prevent incidents causing serious injury or death."

While good results were observed in a number of areas, the risk of falls from heights, electrical, scaffold and housekeeping continue to be the top four areas where penalties and notices are issued - falls from heights risks were evident at 57 per cent of the sites visited.

Small businesses can take advantage of SafeWork's free online safety workshops for site supervisors, $1,000 small business safety rebate, and access the many safety podcasts, checklists and toolbox talks on the SafeWork NSW website.

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