WorkSafe will conduct an inspection program next month to look at whether construction industry employers are complying with requirements for consultation on safety management.

Throughout June, inspectors will check to ensure that consultation on hazards and safety management on construction sites in metropolitan and regional areas is in accordance with occupational safety and health laws.

Acting WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch said today that managing safety in a systematic way was crucial in workplaces.

“Consultation is the cornerstone of WA’s occupational safety and health system, and this inspection program will look at three areas - consultation, occupational safety and health management plans and safe work method statements,” Mr McCulloch said.

“The State’s workplace safety and health laws require that employers consult with others in the workplace on safety issues, and that plans are in place prior to commencement of a job to minimise the risks.

“Whenever a construction inspector visits a workplace during the month of June, they will be checking to ensure that this consultation and forward planning is in place.”

Inspections will be conducted with the aid of a checklist to ensure consistency, and will cover requirements such as:

• That the commercial client has consulted with the designer and that a written report has been produced;
• That an occupational safety and health management plan has been prepared before work commences and that it contains the correct requirements and has been kept up to date, and;
• That safe work method statements have been completed for areas in which high risk work is being performed.

“The construction industry has been informed in writing of the program, so the industry will be aware of exactly what inspectors will be looking at,” Mr McCulloch said.

“Like all WorkSafe’s proactive inspection programs, this one aims to raise awareness and provide information, but inspectors will take enforcement action if they find breaches of the laws.

“I strongly encourage all relevant workplaces to ensure that the proper mechanisms for consultation and the required plans are in place for all construction projects.”

Further information on consultation, OSH management plans and safe work method statements can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 1300 307877 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.