WorkSafe Victoria has announced it has identified 27 separate safety issues at 43 sites following a 24-hour safety blitz in the northern Victorian town of Wodonga.

 

Inspectors from across the state visited the region in a coordinated approach aimed to undermine the ‘mates-network’ which often warned of approaching WorkSafe inspectors.

 

WorkSafe construction division group leader, Steve Peters, said tradesmen often called their mates working elsewhere.

 

“They’ll then pack up and work elsewhere, in some cases over the border, while we’re in the area. What we’ve shown is that a multi-target operation can be very effective.

 

“We’ve sent a message to the industry. If you get safety right, we won’t be spending a lot of time with you. If you don’t, valuable time and money will be lost, but at least there’ll be a better safety outcome and everyone will get home at the end of the day.”

 

Mr Peters said 12 safety improvement notices were issued for matters such as traffic control, electrical issues, falls from height, housekeeping and temporary fencing. Another 15 issues were dealt with by voluntary compliance.