In an industry filled with constant activity, progress translates in the responsibility to prioritise safety for both workers and employers. This is why this guide simplifies the essential construction safety regulations you need to know in Sydney, New South Wales.
Australia sticks to the Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Laws, a national framework adopted by each state and territory, in New South Wales, Safework NSW enforces these regulations. The main rule is that everyone involved in a construction project has a responsibility to ensure the health and safety of themselves and others.
Duties for employers and workers in the industry
NSW employers have the duty to provide and maintain a safe work environment. This includes risk assessments, implementing safe work procedures, and ensuring workers have the appropriate personal protective equipment.
On the other hand, workers have the responsibility to take care of their own safety and the safety of others. This includes following safe work procedures, using PPE correctly, and reporting any unsafe work practices.
Resources for staying safe as part of the construction workforce
Regulations in Sydney are easy to find when you know where to look for them. Here are some construction safety regulations that may help you:
- SafeWork NSW: In their official website, SafeWork offers a variety of important information, including downloadable codes of practice, fact sheets, and online training modules specific to construction work.
- The National Construction Code (NCC): This sets out the minimum technical provisions for construction work in Australia, including fire safety, structural integrity and accessibility.
- WorkCover NSW: Although their main focus is to workers’ compensation claims, WorkCover NSW maintains a library of resources on construction safety topics you can read on their website.
Remember safety is not a suggestion, but a law! Don’t forget to familiarise yourself with these regulations and utilise the available resources. This will help you to contribute to a safe and productive work environment on Sydney’s construction sites.
If you have any doubts about regulations and how the construction industry works, don’t hesitate in reaching out to us, we can help you!
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