FOUR construction sites in Strathnairn were closed yesterday (September 16) for not complying with COVID-19 requirements. 

WorkSafe ACT reported that the worksites had inadequate covid safety plans, no covid marshals, and no or incorrect QR codes.

Work health and safety commissioner Jacqueline Agius said she was extremely disappointed with what she saw at the greenfield site.

“I [saw] multiple and serious breaches of the work health and safety (WHS) laws and the requirements for working covid safe during lockdown,” she said.

“There were very few workplaces today that were covid compliant. Some worksites were very well prepared, many were not. A number of these breaches were so significant that I called in ACT policing to assist us, who have issued a caution to one particular business.

“Finding these breaches, across work health and safety and public health frameworks, and in such numbers is inexcusable. This behaviour puts workers at significant risk of harm and puts us all at risk of COVID-19 infection. I simply won’t have it.”

WorkSafe inspectors issued eight prohibitions and 27 improvement notices during the three and a half hours inspecting residential construction in the suburb.

Notices issued related to a range of WHS breaches including site security, site induction, falls from heights, inadequate supervision of workers, and provision of suitable amenities.

After today’s campaign, Commissioner Agius will be contacting three builders to commend them on their COVID compliance measures and their dedication to keeping Canberrans safe.