Construction sites in Lismore need to put their best foot forward this week, as SafeWork inspectors launch a compliance blitz of the NSW North Coast region.

Starting yesterday 16 Safework inspectors will be targeting unsafe working systems across all building trades, with sites from Ballina to Tweed Heads targeted in the crackdown.

Tony Williams, Department of Customer Service Executive Director of Compliance & Dispute Resolution, says inspectors will be focusing on site housekeeping, height safety, falling objects, electrical, moving plant operations, and controlling risks related to silica and asbestos.

“Far too often our inspectors identify concerns with the way scaffolding is set up and other dangers involving working from heights so we will be targeting this area in particular.

“Falls from heights are the number one killer on NSW construction sites, with most people who are seriously injured or killed falling from a height of four metres or less,” says Mr Williams.

The inspectors will also be checking the cleanliness of sites as it can be an indicator of safety and work standards.

“A safe construction site starts with a clean site and we’re seeing an unacceptable drop in standards across the construction industry,” says Mr Williams.

“If the site managers won’t remove trip and fire hazards like piles of rubbish from the site, there’s a good chance that building standards will be haphazard as well.”

On-the-spot fines of $3600 for corporations and $720 for individuals can be issued to businesses that place workers lives at risk through inadequate protection from falls from heights, or for those who undertake high risk work requiring a licence, or those undertaking high risk silica practices.

If you know your standards need a lift SafeWork offers advisory services to builders or tradespeople to help them achieve safe sites. Contact SafeWork on 13 10 50 or visit www.safework.nsw.gov.au