SafeWork NSW inspectors have kicked off a full-scale inspection blitz on scaffold safety at construction sites across New South Wales, Australia, as part of the new “Scaff Safe 2024” campaign.

With Newcastle leading the charge, inspectors are doubling down on dangerous practices, with a zero-tolerance stance that’s already led to a significant rise in on-the-spot fines since 2021.

Falls from heights remain the deadliest hazard on NSW building sites, and unsafe scaffolding setups are a big part of the problem.

The recent push has already helped halve the number of falls since 2021, but with over 5,200 injuries recorded in the last two years, it’s clear the risks remain high.

Injuries range from muscle and ligament damage to severe joint trauma, adding weight to the need for safer scaffolding practices.

The top scaffold safety issues SafeWork NSW inspectors are targeting include:

• Workers falling from incomplete or poorly assembled scaffolds or those that have been tampered with by unlicensed trades like bricklayers or painters;
• People standing on scaffold rails or using makeshift platforms to reach higher, leading to preventable falls;
• Scaffold collapses due to incorrect setup, overloading, or old, rusted parts;
• Equipment or debris falling and hitting those below;
• Scaffolds being struck by vehicles or cranes on-site; and
• Injuries sustained by scaffolders during unsafe setup or dismantling.

Inspectors are meeting with site supervisors and contractors, ensuring each project has a scaffold safety plan from the ground up.

“Our inspectors won’t hesitate to fine anyone putting lives at risk.”

The campaign’s strict stance means that, from now on, contractors who skip on scaffold safety can expect penalties on the spot – with fines up to $900 for individuals and $4,500 for companies.

Work Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis said, “It’s essential that all scaffolds are built right, with the biggest risks being falls, collapses, and falls of components. Our inspectors won’t hesitate to fine anyone putting lives at risk. We want all workers going home safe to their families.”

Newcastle’s State Member Tim Crakanthorp echoed the urgency, “There’s a reason scaffold safety is front and center. Falls from heights are among the most frequent, and serious, injuries we see. We’re proud to help keep workers safe.”

To support safer practices, SafeWork NSW has made additional resources available for contractors and scaffolders, covering essential do’s and don’ts of scaffold setup and maintenance.

For more details, you can check SafeWork NSW’s site here.