Operation Scaf Safe Commencing
On the 1st April 2019 a young construction worked was killed and another worker seriously injured following the collapse of a major scaffolding structure near Macquarie Park, Sydney NSW.
While the outcomes of the investigation are expected to take some time to be determined. Safe Work NSW have announced Operation Scaf Safe from April through to September 2019. During this time SafeWork NSW Inspection will visit sites across NSW ensuring that safety requirements are understood and implemented. The aim being to create a safe working environment when working at heights and when scaffolding is used.
In a 2018 compliance assessment conducted by Safe Work NSW almost 50 percent of scaffolding in place was found to be non-compliance. With 1,258 notices issued resulting in fines totalling $265,680.
The following should be completed to ensure scaffolding is erected safely:
- Those erecting, dismantling or altering scaffolds are to hold the correct high-risk work scaffolding licence
- Scaffolding is to be built to design and on solid foundations
- Scaffolding is to have safe access and egress to the working desks
- Scaffolding to have adequate edge protection
- Wind speed assessments conducted, and scaffolding built to withstand findings
- Regular inspections and maintenance completed by a licenced scaffolder
- All other requirements are met as listed in the Australian Standards.
