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Questions On Notice Questions on notice are usually asked when a more detailed answer is required and are in writing, and are forwarded by the Clerk of the Parliament to the relevant Minister who prepares a written answer which is presented to Parliament.
26 Estimates Committee F-Transport, Trade, Employment & IR |
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| Posted by Administrator (admin) on Jul 24 2008 |
| Questions On Notice >> |
Question:
Mr LAWLOR: Minister, I note on 3-221 of the Service Delivery Statement the government's ongoing commitment to improve worker safety. The recent deaths of two construction workers at a Broadbeach construction site has been a tragic reminder of the importance of workplace health and safety. Can you explain the initiatives and activities being undertaken by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland to ensure continuous improvements in worker safety in Queensland?
Answer:
Mr MICKEL: I thank the member. Obviously, our condolences go out to the family and friends of those workers who were tragically killed on that site. Regrettably, it is a reminder always of the need for
the highest standards of workplace health and safety. In relation to that, firstly, an investigation into the cause of the incident is continuing. Four obligation holders are involved in inquiries, and two investigators are working on the case full time. Secondly, nine specialist construction inspectors have been conducting audits of the high-risk construction projects including high-rise developments on the Gold Coast. These inspectors have audited over 40 separate high-risk construction sites. The audits have seen inspectors issue over 80 enforcement notices, more than 30 prohibition notices and over 50 improvement notices to contractors and principal contractors.
The notices were issued for a variety of hazards, including the unsafe set-up of swing stages; scaffold maintenance and incomplete scaffolding; lack of edge protection and falling object protection; traffic management; lack of information, instruction and training; and unsafe electrical switchboards. The third initiative is the specific assessments of the suspended scaffolding arrangements around
the state. This is the type of scaffolding involved in the 21 June incident. To date, inspectors on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast have issued more than 25 enforcement notices to principal contractors, suppliers and erectors and installers of plant. Inspectors have also conducted spot checks in the Brisbane CBD, and regional areas are to be commenced shortly. In addition and importantly, a tripartite reference group of Workplace Health and Safety, unions and the construction industry has been formed. Last changed: [PUBLISHED_DATE] at 9:59 AM
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