News

Plumbing and building inspection blitz

By McPherson Media Group

Jun 17, 2024

**From May 27 to May 31, inspectors visited worksites across Greater Shepparton.**

Build Aware visited Greater Shepparton recently to educate construction workers on safety, environmental, building and plumbing rules.

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From May 27 to May 31, inspectors visited worksites across the region, providing information on laws and regulations that protect the community, practitioners, and the environment.

The regulators also hosted an industry trade breakfast to engage with local construction workers and answer questions on current issues.

“We’re reminding employers of the real risks associated with using mobile plant, in particular elevating work platforms, and the need to ensure their safe operation is a daily priority on site,” WorkSafe construction and earth resources director Matt Wielgosz said.

“The use of secondary guarding reduces the risk of an operator being crushed; however, it doesn’t guarantee the risk will be eliminated. This is why a safety observer should be part of the overall system employers use to keep their workers safe when using EWPs.”

During the week, the Victorian Building Authority conducted more than 60 inspections. Officials focused on bushfire assessment levels, fire ratings, waterproofing standards for building and roofing, and gas fitting compliance.

The inspections found issues with timber framing, structural steel members and waterproofing in wet areas and external parts.

During site visits, Energy Safe prioritised safe work practices near overhead power lines and was pleased to find workers understood these processes.

Across 39 site visits, inspectors issued 32 improvement notices. The most common issues were a lack of regular maintenance of mobile plant, EWP safety controls and not regularly testing and tagging electrical equipment.