NSW-Scaffolding Industry Safety Standard launched to stop workplace deaths

Original article published by SafeWork NSW

Worksites across the state will be safer following the launch of a new Scaffolding Industry Safety Standard, which provides a clear guide to prevent scaffolding-related injuries and deaths.

The Safety Standard details practical management tools to principal contractors, scaffolders, engineers, and other parties involved in scaffolding work, ensuring best practice for the scaffolding industry.

Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said the new standard is a critical step to ensuring everyone’s safety in the workplace.

“The Scaffolding Industry Safety Standard is an essential and comprehensive resource that provides practical guidance for those undertaking scaffolding work,” Ms Petinos said.

“The Safety Standard complements the SafeWork NSW ‘Speak Up, Save Lives’ app, which allows for the anonymous reporting of workplace health and safety risks.”

“Following the tragic death of Christopher Cassaniti just over three years ago, the NSW Government is seeking to ensure such a tragic incident never occurs again.”

On 1 April 2019, a steel modular scaffold collapsed at a construction site in Sydney, tragically crushing two workers. Christopher Cassaniti was fatally injured just a day after his 18th birthday while Kahled Wehbe suffered permanent life-changing injuries.

View the New Scaffolding Industry Safety Standard

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