Lack of appreciation of standards, codes and COR will put operators at risk
WorkSafe WA has warned those involved in the transportation and delivery of precast concrete wall panels to ensure that strict safe work procedures are in place.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch says employers should ensure they operate in accordance with the relevant Australian Standard and national Code of Practice.
“There are laws covering the entire process of transportation and delivery of precast concrete wall panels in WA, some of which come under WorkSafe’s jurisdiction and others that are overseen by Main Roads Western Australia,” McCulloch says.
“Australian Standard AS3850-2003 Tilt-up Concrete Construction lists the procedures that need to be in place when working with precast panels, and this Standard should be adhered to and kept in all relevant workplaces.
“Safe Work Australia has published a Code of Practice on Precast, Tilt-up and Concrete Elements Construction, and the provisions of this code should be followed in WA.
“In addition, laws were introduced last year covering the ‘Chain of Responsibility’ in road transport.
“Main Roads WA is responsible for enforcing this legislation.
“Legislation covers every stage in the transport and delivery of precast concrete wall panels, and employers need to be aware of all the laws involved and have suitable safe work procedures in place.”
Along with WorkSafe WA’s ongoing awareness-raising role, it is understood the impetus for the move was, in part, a November incident when the deaths of two workers crushed by a concrete panel being unloaded from a truck in Perth.