Worker safety imperative during hospital development

WorkCover NSW have formed an alliance with a company redeveloping a hospital to provide a safe workplace for both construction teams and future occupants.

As the Principal Contractor, Hanson Yuncken is fully responsible for work safety and health at the site. However, with WorkCover NSW on board, the parties hope to achieve effective and sustained safety.

From 2008 to 2011, there were more than 1200 injuries and illnesses at construction sites around the state. This calculates to a cost of $14.3 million to the NSW workers compensation system.

Acting General Manager of WorkCover NSW’s Work Health and Safety Division, Peter Dunphy explained why the relationship with Hanson Yuncken is so important.

“The construction industry is one of the highest risk industries in NSW and the loss of a loved one in a workplace incident has a devastating effect on family, friends and colleagues,” he said.

“Through this alliance we aim to reinforce Hansen Yuncken’s safety capability through communication, consultation and cooperation, so that everyone working on the redevelopment comes home safely at the end of the working day.”

Workcover NSW will provide targeted information, assistance and advice to the company during the hospital redevelopment. As well as improving safety, the site should be more productive with time limits and budget restraints easily met.

Responsible options

When constructing building such as hospitals, schools and living areas, businesses are responsible for a number of factors and ensuring they don’t affect the building occupants after completion or the workers on site.

One target area is the installation of air conditioners and ventilation systems. Those on site must make sure that these are fully functional and are not emitting potentially dangerous amounts of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

A tool that test this is the testo 315-3 CO and CO2 Detector which is designed to measure both gases in an environment. The device is highly sensitive and features an alarm that is tripped should the safe limit be exceeded.