OSH to inspect construction in the Coromandel

Monday 06 August 2001

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) inspectors will be in the Coromandel region this month visiting construction sites.

"There is a high level of construction in the Thames/Coromandel region at present," said Kevin Webby, Service Manager of OSH Waikato-Thames area.

"We will be starting in August and be working in the area from Waihi north.

"Two construction inspectors will work on a weekly rotational basis for a period of six months visiting roofers, builders, excavators and any other operations involved in both residential and commercial construction.

"Our inspectors will be starting a long term plan which will include handing out information and advice and also making sure businesses are complying with health and safety law.

"We are also planning a number of events where OSH can work with local business and explain their responsibilities under the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992.

The visits are to make sure contractors are meeting their obligations towards their staff’s safety, and where they are not doing so, to require improvements to be made.

"We are working hard to raise health and safety compliance levels within the construction industry," said Mr Webby.

"When people go to work, they don’t expect to receive a serious injury or worse. It is OSH’s role to ensure that employers have the same expectation."