New South Wales Work Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis says she is shocked by the state of two Newcastle building sites that have been issued stop work orders.
Key points:
- David Chandler alleged there was an "absolute heap of danger" at an Adamstown site
- The CFMEU has compiled a list of concerns regarding safety at that site and another in the Newcastle CBD
- Sophie Cotsis says there is "absolutely no excuse" for noncompliance in the industry
Work has ceased at sites on Brunker Road in Adamstown and Watt Street, in Newcastle's CBD, after NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler raised serious safety concerns.
Ms Cotsis said she was alarmed.
"As the commissioner said, it's a shocker, and we are definitely working in collaboration to stop these things from happening," she said.
"Those who don't abide by work health and safety [practices] should have no place in these areas."
Mr Chandler documented numerous alleged flaws during a visit to the Adamstown site on Thursday.
"I just can't share with you how bad this is," he said.
"This site is an absolute heap of danger from the moment you walk in to the moment you walk [out].
"There is noncompliant construction, there are people on the site with no drawings, no idea — safety edges just simply ignored everywhere."
'Significant efforts'
Concerns were also raised about a crane on the Adamstown site swinging out over the road and neighbouring properties.
A spokesperson for the development and builder Metbuilt told the ABC "significant efforts" were being made "to ensure the site complies with all safety codes".
Mr Chandler has issued a stop work order for the Adamstown site.
"Work will not be starting again until I'm satisfied that there is adequate supervision here who knows what they're going to do to build a compliant building," he said.
A stop work order has also been issued for the Watt Street site.
Ms Cotsis said the alleged substandard work would not be tolerated.
"We're putting these people, these operators on notice that we will come after you," she said.
"We will throw the book at you and we will make it tougher for you."
'This can't continue'
The ABC has obtained a CFMEU checklist of alleged practices on the Watt Street site.
Union officials criticised the emergency response capabilities, noting there was no stretcher on site.
They alleged that scaffolding did not reach to the bottom of the basement level and that a stepladder was being used.
Concerns were also raised about a crane being set up on a footpath and the risk of it toppling over.
Speaking in Newcastle today, CFMEU NSW construction division state secretary Darren Greenfield said workers deserved to feel safe.
"They go to work and they don't want to argue, and so they just keep plodding until they've had enough or someone is injured and this can't continue — not in 2023 in Australia it can't," he said.
Ms Cotsis said it was likely there would be more inspections to ensure the Newcastle sites were brought up to standard.
"There is no excuse," she said.
"There is no excuse about cutting corners, there is no excuse about rushing.
"There is absolutely no excuse and every worker deserves to return home safely from work."
The Watt Street site is owned by developer Keith Stronach, who recently sacked the builder, according to Mr Chandler.
The ABC has requested comment from Mr Stronach and the builder.
Loading