Safe Work NSW Conducting Surprise Safety Inspections on Newcastle Building Sites This Week

BY ISABEL EVERETT

"Be prepared for unannounced site visits."

That's the message from, Craig Jennion, the Hunter Executive Director of the Housing Industry Association (HIA).

SafeWork NSW inspectors will be conducting surprise inspections on Newcastle building sites this week, aimed at clamping down on high-risk harms on construction sites.

Inspectors are focusing on work from heights, electrical safety, falling objects, amenities, work plans and the prevention of respiratory diseases such as silicosis, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

They will also be checking worksites have appropriate COVID-19 safe practices in place for all workers.

Inspectors have the power to issue on the spot fines of up to $3600 for corporations and $720 for individuals.

The HIA is warning that inspectors will use these powers where businesses are not protecting their workers.

“HIA urges the construction sector to be observant of requirements relating to COVID-19. HIA has supported the sector with a suite of up-to-date COVID safe operational guidelines, available on our website”.

“All of HIA’s Making Space on Site Guidelines, site signs and the COVID-19 QR Code site induction are freely available to assist ensure business employees and subcontractors are working to remain COVID safe on-site and in the office."

“If you are a person conducting a business or undertaking work on a construction site, the work health and safety laws require you to manage the risks to health and safety associated with activity that is reasonably likely to cause injury”

HIA urges industry to visit the HIA and SafeWork NSW websites to ensure compliance and avoid a potential fine.

“While the Newcastle region is the focus of the SafeWork NSW campaign those operating anywhere in NSW need to be vigilant”, concluded Mr Jennion.

Image Credit: Irish Times

City of Newcastle's Capital Works Program Sets New Expenditure Record

BY HANNAH-LOUISE ANDERSON 

Preliminary figures have shown that over ninety-one million dollars has been invested into Newcastle roads, community buildings and recreational facilities over the 2018/2019 financial year, a record in the city's capital works expenditure. 

The expenditure is said to have increased by over forty percent in the last four years through council's attempts to "meet the higher community expectations" and commitment to improving living standards for Newcastle's growing population. 

"Our investment in capital works has been growing over the past four years as we continue to balance infrastructure renewal with revitalisation projects to meet the higher community expectations that come with sustained growth." says Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes. 

"Major projects, such as the restoration of City Hall, renewal of the Beresfield Local Centre, and expansion of the Summerhill Waste Recovery Centre, have rolled on into the new financial year."

This financial year's expenditure is also said to focus on environmental sustainability in Newcastle. 

"This financial year is also a focus on environmentally sustainable projects. We will be spending fourteen-million dollars on an organics facility, being established at Summerhill Waste Management Centre for the City of Newcastle as well." says the Lord Mayor. 

The facility will be a part of the overall thirty-six million dollar Capital Works investment into the environment set to roll out in Newcastle over the next couple of years. 

Logo belonging to the City of Newcastle