Construction blitz findings

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) inspectors audited 113 construction projects during November and December 2023 as part of a statewide blitz.

The blitz was undertaken to increase industry awareness and test WHS compliance at high-risk construction sites.

The statewide blitz came after a noted increase in the number of construction-related fatalities in 2023.

There were two phases to the blitz. Phase one targeted almost 64,000 builders and contractors who were sent information and guidance materials relating to the blitz focus areas.

This approach was adopted to educate, raise awareness, remind businesses of the importance of WHS and the sanctions associated with non-compliance, and to encourage a change in behaviour across a large portion of the construction industry.

Phase two of the blitz focussed on field compliance activities. This included four high risk activities (concrete pumping, formwork, scaffolding, and working at height) and two sectors of the construction industry (medium rise and civil construction). The 113 audits involved 68 principal contractors and more than 130 sub-contractors.

Inspectors identified non-compliances on 59 per cent of the sites visited and issued 114 enforcement notices. Another 110 non-compliances were rectified while the inspectors were on site.

The most frequent area of non-compliance was scaffolding with 33 per cent of non-compliances related to this work activity. Other non-compliance areas included the work environment, work at height, electrical issues, and formwork.

Further information

Visit Scaffolding and Scaffolding code of practice 2021 (PDF, 1.63 MB) to find out more about the safe erection, use, and dismantling of scaffold.