Back to basics

nullEvery week, 50 Victorian construction workers are injured seriously enough to stop work because basic site safety, planning and housekeeping is not up to scratch.

These injuries might not be life-threatening, but they are painful, costly, and the effects can be permanent, making it difficult to work in the future.

They’ll hurt their back or neck, tear a ligament, cut themselves or break a bone. On average, these injuries will keep them off the job for about 15 weeks. And it’s costing industry over $50 million a year.

Poor planning, supervision and housekeeping, is often to blame.  Workers might cut open a leg on an offcut, trip over building rubble or strain a knee stepping backwards off a plank.

WorkSafe inspectors are visiting construction sites as part of a three year, state-wide ‘Back to Basics’ campaign focusing on issues such as site planning, housekeeping and supervision.

So get your site in order before inspectors arrive.  Make sure your site is well planned, tidy, walkways are clear, and storage areas are well organised.  And make sure site supervision arrangements are clear and enforced.

Everyone on site needs to do their bit. It’s time to get back to basics.

How does your site stack up? Use the following tools to see how your site rates and help you improve your site planning and housekeeping:

 

Quicklinks

Related Links