ACT construction sites checked by police found COVID compliant

ACT Policing COVID-19 compliance checks have continued this week with a focus on construction site workers, including a day of action working with WorkSafe ACT inspectors on Thursday (15 July 2021).

All sites checked were found to be compliant with the ACT health directions. However, a number of work sites were found by WorkSafe ACT inspectors not to be compliant with their health and safety obligations.

Every person completing Stay at Home directions in the ACT has been door-knocked by police, with more than 300 in-person compliance checks carried out in the past week.

Additionally, from Friday 9 July to Thursday 15 July 2021, police have stopped more than 1300 drivers to speak with them about the current health orders.

Three people have been directed to leave the ACT in the past seven days. On Saturday, a 24-year-old Paddington woman whose next court appearance is scheduled for 2 August 2021 was ordered to leave the ACT, as were two people from the Greater Sydney region reported to police on Thursday, 15 July as they attempted to check in to a Greenway hotel.

ACT Policing has received 36 reports of non-compliance from the community this week, all of which were determined to be minor breaches, and required no further action once resolved.

Acting Deputy Chief Police Officer Hall O’Meagher said police appreciate the efforts of the Canberra community, and issued a reminder to stay alert for changes in health directions.

“It has been most encouraging to see such a high level of compliance at every construction site checked this week. These workers deserve credit for getting it right,” Acting DPCO O’Meagher said.

“I’m also very happy to see people are taking the personal responsibility to keep informed about the health directions seriously.”

“I’m sure most people are aware of the increased mandatory use for the Check in CBR app that came into effect yesterday, and I urge everyone – individuals and businesses – to develop a new habit of checking in.”

Work Health and Safety Commissioner, Jacqueline Agius, said WorkSafe ACT is monitoring the unfolding COVID-19 situation and its impact at local workplaces.

“Yesterday, WorkSafe ACT joined ACT Policing as part of its COVID-19 compliance checks. We attended 14 residential construction sites in Denman Prospect and issued 3 prohibition notices, all relating to risks of falling from heights,” Commissioner Agius said.

“My priority is the health and safety of workers, and through compliance inspections, including joint operations with ACT Policing, we will continue to check PCBU’s are complying with their legal obligations.”

For the most recent information on the ACT’s COVID-19 restrictions, visit the ACT COVID-19 site.

For general enquiries – including to make reports of non-compliance, contact the COVID-19 Helpline on 6207 7244 (8am-8pm, 7 days a week). For police assistance call 131 444 and only contact Triple Zero (000) for emergencies.

Media enquiries

Police Media — (02) 5126 9070, act-police-media@afp.gov.au

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Broadcast-quality video of ACT Policing and WorkSafe compliance checks at construction sites is available for download from Hightail