Worker safety number one priority at construction industry seminar

Minister for Employment and Workplace Safety, Suzanne Orr, has implored all involved in the construction industry to place a greater focus on work health and safety as part of a WorkSafe ACT safety information seminar this morning.

Key stakeholders in the construction industry gathered today to discuss how to improve workplace safety across the ACT.

“Everyone in the ACT construction sector has a role to play in keeping workers safe,” Minister Orr said.

“Any avoidable worksite incident is unacceptable and we need everyone to work together to improve work health and safety on every construction site across the Territory.”

The ACT Government’s recent funding boost for a new, independent WorkSafe ACT as well as the launch of the Mentally Healthier Workplaces campaign were both highlighted by Minister Orr as key examples of the Government’s commitment to strengthen workplace safety in the ACT.

“The ACT Government, through WorkSafe ACT, is regularly developing new support tools and initiatives to support ACT businesses in their efforts to keep their workers safe,” Minister Orr said.

“We know there are many worksites that maintain safe conditions for their workers, and the ACT Government is committed to making sure this standard is upheld on all worksites across the ACT,” Minister Orr concluded.

WorkSafe ACT is continuing its strong compliance activity, recently closing over 70 residential construction sites and issuing 200 notices, over a six week enforcement blitz of residential construction sites.

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