Enhanced protections will help government officials and private companies keep staff safe in New South Wales.

WorkCover NSW and Ferrovial Agroman Australia have signed an agreement to ensure workers’ safety during construction of an upcoming infrastructure project.

Government authorities and representatives from Ferrovial have signed an 'Action Plan', which commits the two to developing practical and effective solutions to risk throughout the duration of the Sancrox Road Interchange Project.

Under the deal, WorkCover NSW and Ferrovial will ensure safety of workers while also providing a return to work and injury management system throughout the project.

“Civil construction projects, including road works, require the management of significant hazards in a dynamic work environment,” WorkCover’s Port Macquarie District Coordinator, Peter Barron said.

Figures show that between July 2010 and June 2012 there were 1,171 workers compensation claims in the road and bridge construction industry, including two fatalities, at an estimated cost of $9.8 million to the NSW workers compensation scheme.

“Common hazards on road construction projects include manual handling, falls on the same level and being hit by moving objects,” Mr Barron said.

“Every worker should return home safely at the end of the working day and those on this project can be confident that all parties are working together for their safety.”