13/11/02
All people working in tilt-up concrete construction in Western Australia must have formal training from next year, under proposals contained in a draft code of practice released for comment today.
Issued by the WorkSafe Western Australia Commission after intensive consultation - including the construction industry, employer groups, unions and others - the draft code sets down industry-wide guidelines for tilt-up and pre-cast construction methods.
Minister for Consumer and Employment Protection John Kobelke said he was pleased by the quality of the code produced by the commission and its tilt-up working party.
"The industry, unions and the State Government are unanimous in the view that changes are needed in this method of building," Mr Kobelke said.
"By its very nature, tilt-up has the potential to be dangerous, particularly during erection stages when wall and roof elements are not yet interlocked.
"The method of stabilising tilt-up structures while panels are being erected must guard against the collapse of a panel and the progressive collapse of the structure.
"Australian Standards already exist in relation to tilt-up and pre-cast construction, but a recent fatality and subsequent inspections of tilt-up sites by Worksafe inspectors underlined a need for a review."
The draft code recommends compulsory training from next year for all involved in tilt-up work, while each project must be carried out in accordance with Australian Standards.
Every site using tilt-up or pre-cast methods would have to have a project-specific work plan available on the worksite at all times, outlining exactly how the job was to be done, including the sequence of work.
Builders would have to notify the WorkSafe commissioner at least five days before starting new tilt-up construction work.
The new rules would be included in regulations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. Under the Act, people such as employers, employees, contractors, designers and manufacturers have responsibilities for work-related safety and health.
Maximum penalties under the Act can be $100,000 for a non-employee, or $200,000 where death or serious injury occurs.
The code is out for public comment until February 28 next year.
The WorkSafe Commission will hold a public forum at City West on February 13 next year to give industry members an additional opportunity to discuss the proposed changes.
Copies of the draft code can be obtained by calling 9327 8817, or from http://www.docep.wa.gov.au
Minister's office: 9222 9211
