NSW Infrastructure Funding - Construction Industry job boom meets Safety Concerns

SafeWork NSW has recently released information on a decision to commit $80 billion to infrastructure projects over the next four years. This funding will improve job availability in the construction industry by bringing the number of jobs up to 400,000; a 13% increase from the current number of people engaging in construction employment. Whilst increasing the number of construction jobs, SafeWork NSW has acknowledged that the construction industry has a poor track record when it comes to WHS. The industry battles high injury, illness and serious claim levels and from 2013-14 and 2015-16 “35 workers lost their lives on NSW construction sites.”

So what is going to be done to ensure these new jobs don’t put workers in harm’s way?

The NSW Government’s Building and Construction Sector Plan (set for 2022) focuses on the Health and Safety of the workers who will be affected by the industry growth and/or already occupy this industry.

Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation, The Hon. Matt Kean MP stated that he is “passionate about ensuring everyone gets home from work safely at the end of the day. To address specific risks in the building and construction industry, we have worked closely with businesses, workers, associations and unions to develop this work health and safety sector plan.”

With the close of National Tradie Health Month 2018 and this construction job boom coinciding, now is the perfect time to start a discourse around the safety of those who are currently working in this industry.

Kean states also “I am in no doubt that we will continue to work together to drive down serious injuries and fatalities, while ensuring that workplaces in the building and construction industry are safe and supported.”

If you have concerns about the safety of your workers or are not sure if your safety site and system is up to scratch, contact us to conduct an iSafe Assessment or provide other safety info.