New wet weather work guidelines for construction industry

8/5/94

New guidelines for working safely in the construction industry during wet weather have been issued by the State Government as part of the push to prevent union shutdowns of building sites during wet weather.

Labour Relations Minister Graham Kierath said the guidelines reflected a commonsense approach which would ensure health and safety while enabling work to continue during wet weather.

"We have had appalling practices in the past, where large, union-controlled construction sites have shut down with even the slightest rain, while non-unionised sectors such as the home building industry have continued to work and get the job done," he said.

The guidelines on working safely during wet weather follow similar guidelines issues in February for working safely in construction during hot weather.

"In normal seasons, the productivity losses due to union enforced shutdowns during winter are even greater than the losses due to enforced shutdowns during hot weather," Mr Kierath said.

The guidelines issued by the Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare identify the risk factors associated with wet, windy and cold weather and suggest safe systems of work.

The safe systems of work recommended include:

·       re-organising work so employees do more work undercover;

·       ensuring all electrical appliances are safe and electric cables are raised above the ground;

·       ensuring good drainage for the site;

·       securing loose items during windy weather; and -

·       using wet weather clothing and footwear.

Mr Kierath said he had already indicated that the new approach for working in wet weather was being introduced for Government construction workers in the Building Management Authority.

"A total of 5,000 copies of the new guidelines will be distributed widely throughout the construction industry in the State in preparation for the wet weather when it inevitably comes," the Minister said.

"The aim is safer, healthier and more productive construction work over winter."

The new guidelines for working safely in wet weather in the construction industry are available free of charge from the Department of Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare on 327 8777.

Media contact:  Brian Coulter 481 2133