Victorian regulators emphasise compliance across the building sector
The Build Aware campaign includes Energy Safe Victoria (ESV), WorkSafe, the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) and Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) working together to provide operators with key information on laws that protect owners, builders, the community and the environment.
The campaign, which will run between 22 and 26 November, aims to raise awareness and ensure Victorians understand their obligations to comply with building, construction, environment, plumbing, occupational health and safety laws.
Over the past three years, Build Aware has targeted regional areas including Shepparton, Bairnsdale, Ballarat, Wodonga and Warrnambool. Joint activities delivered by the regulators include industry trade breakfasts, joint inspections and educational presentations to local TAFE students.
This year, the four agencies will carry out inspections across the Geelong region to ensure compliance with safety, environmental, building and plumbing compliance obligations. It will also be an opportunity for businesses to consult and seek further information.
Each agency is promoting messages central to its mission during the campaign.
ESV is calling on the sector to ensure registered spotters are in place when vehicles and buildings are within 6.4 metres of overhead conductors, in line with its Look Up and Live campaign.
EPA Victoria is raising awareness about new environmental laws, which require the building industry to prevent impacts on the environment, especially from poor waste management, sediment and erosion around building sites.
The VBA wants the sector to focus on early detection of non-compliance, allowing for solutions to be quick and cost-effective before they become an issue for homeowners.
WorkSafe will focus on the dangers of high-risk construction work, including working at heights, and the control measures needed to prevent injuries and fatalities on site.
For more information, visit Victorian Building Authority, Worksafe Victoria, Energy Safe Victoria and Environment Protection Authority websites.
ESV Commissioner and Chairperson Marnie Williams
“While ESV inspectors are out there working all year to ensure all safety laws are followed, joining forces with these agencies helps ensure the building sector is ticking every single box.”
“It’s never acceptable for our building industry to think that they can cut corners on safety or pollute the environment.”
EPA Director, Regional Victoria Area Operations Marleen Mathias
“This joint campaign is a great opportunity to engage with builders and ensure the entire industry understands how the new Environment Protection Act makes it every Victorian’s responsibility to take reasonable action to prevent pollution and waste.”
“The starting point for everyone in the building industry is to understand their responsibilities, especially with typical building site issues like waste management, sediment and erosion.”
VBA State Building Surveyor Andrew Cialini
“By joining forces with other regulators, we are placing a collective focus on providing safe buildings for Victorians.”
“It’s so important our inspectors engage with practitioners in addressing any issues observed. Compliant work helps keep Victorians safe.”
WorkSafe Head of Regulated Industries Kate Maheras
“With more than 3,500 injuries in the state’s construction industry each year, it’s crucial both employers and workers take their safety responsibilities seriously.”
“This joint campaign is the perfect opportunity for workplaces to take stock of their safety measures, and not assume that just because they haven't had an incident that their business is operating safely.”