NEW Construction Health and Safety Summit: Bringing Change for a Safer Future!
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Worker safety and wellbeing is a priority concern for construction companies, particularly at a time when the sector is facing significant market challenges and legislative changes, such as the recent passing of new manslaughter laws in NSW, which could see construction companies held liable in the event of the death of workers. If found liable for negligence, business owners could be slapped with penalties of up to $20 million in fines or prison sentences of up to 25 years.
This is why Workplace Health & Safety Show features a dedicated, FREE Construction Health and Safety Summit, where experts explore real-world case studies and share practical insights on the latest construction safety topics. Attendees will be empowered with information to tackle the ever-changing legislative environment. In addition, the Show exhibition features 160+ exhibiting suppliers, providing everything companies need to comply with regulations, creating a safer and healthier work environment, and enhancing productivity.
An industry prone to mental health issues
The construction industry is fraught with challenges, including rising operational costs and labour shortages. Industry organisation, Master Builders Australia, notes that the sector was a major driver of economic growth in 2023. Still, it has suffered serious declines this year, owing to economic and market-related factors. Reports indicate that over 2,300 construction firms have collapsed in the last year, crippled by financial troubles. Workers are feeling the pressure!
The Australian Building and Construction Industry’s Blueprint For Better Mental Health And Suicide Prevention 2018–2022 reported that between 2001 and 2015, a staggering 3,000 construction workers died by suicide. It also notes the World Health Organisation’s findings, that for every person who dies by suicide, another 10 to 20 individuals will attempt suicide, leaving many with lasting injuries or disabilities.
The Black Dog Institute survey of construction workers found that 1 in 4 workers has symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, thanks to the high demands of the job. In addition, workers frequently feel a lack of job control, leading them to feel depleted, stressed and burnt out. The survey also found that 25% of workers who needed mental health support never accessed it.
MATES in Construction (a charity organisation dedicated to suicide prevention in the industry) reports that every second day, a construction worker dies of suicide. Apprentices and younger workers, in particular, are more likely to take their lives.
Risky business
However, it’s not just the mental wellbeing of construction workers that needs to be addressed – their physical safety and wellbeing is also at risk.
According to SafeWork Australia, the construction industry recorded 15,599 workers’ compensation claims in the 2021-22 financial year - most of these due to traumatic joint and muscle injuries, wounds and lacerations and fractures sustained on the job. Between January and June this year, the sector recorded 6 deaths, making it the industry with the third-highest number of deaths.
Construction work is dangerous and demanding. Workers are frequently exposed to risks, including exposure to excessive noise and UV rays, as well as crystalline silica dust (the sector accounted for 41% of silicosis compensation claims recorded by Safe Work Australia between 2000 and 2019).
The Construction Health and Safety Summit supports the sector
This two-day educational programme, delivered by industry experts, covers topics including:
- Navigating new legislation
- Mental health & psychosocial risk factors
- Construction safety technology
- Managing Silica dust exposure
PLUS, there will be 160+ exhibiting suppliers providing everything companies need to keep their workforce safer, healthier and more productive!
When: 23 - 24 October 2024
Where: Sydney Showground
Registration is FREE: https://whsshow.com.au/register-sydney
More info: https://whsshow.com.au/whats-on-sydney.