The Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) has raised fresh concerns about workplace safety on construction sites across the Illawarra, claiming inspectors have uncovered a range of hazards that continue to put workers at risk.
According to the union, safety inspections carried out over recent months identified multiple alleged breaches of workplace health and safety requirements, including inadequate fall protection, unsafe scaffolding, electrical risks, poor site housekeeping and insufficient safety barriers. The CFMEU argues these issues demonstrate that some construction companies are failing to meet their legal obligations to provide safe working environments.
The union said many of the reported hazards could have resulted in serious injuries or fatalities if they had not been identified and addressed. It is calling on employers to improve safety standards and ensure workers receive appropriate training, supervision and protective equipment before carrying out high-risk tasks.
Falls from heights remain one of the leading causes of fatalities and serious injuries in Australia's construction industry. Union representatives said adequate edge protection, properly erected scaffolding, compliant ladders and effective fall-arrest systems are essential to preventing workplace accidents. They also stressed the importance of regular safety inspections and prompt correction of identified hazards.
The CFMEU is urging regulators to maintain strong enforcement through unannounced inspections and compliance action where necessary. The union argues that consistent enforcement helps ensure all contractors meet the same safety standards and discourages unsafe work practices from developing on construction projects.
Employers within the construction industry are legally required to identify workplace hazards, assess risks and implement suitable control measures under work health and safety legislation. These responsibilities include providing safe equipment, maintaining safe work procedures and ensuring workers receive appropriate information, instruction and training before commencing hazardous tasks.
Industry bodies have generally acknowledged that construction remains a high-risk sector and that maintaining strong safety cultures is essential. Many contractors continue to invest in improved safety systems, site inductions and worker training to reduce workplace incidents and comply with regulatory requirements.
The latest concerns come amid ongoing national attention on workplace safety and compliance across Australia's construction industry. Regulators have repeatedly emphasised that preventing injuries requires cooperation between employers, workers, unions and safety inspectors to identify risks before accidents occur.
The CFMEU said it will continue monitoring construction sites throughout the Illawarra and reporting alleged safety breaches to the relevant authorities where necessary. The union is also encouraging workers to report unsafe conditions and to stop work if they believe there is an immediate risk to health and safety.
No specific enforcement action relating to the alleged Illawarra site issues has been announced, and any regulatory investigations would be handled by the relevant workplace safety authority. The union maintains that improving safety standards remains its primary objective and says every construction worker has the right to return home safely at the end of each working day.
