Published: 14 Sep 2017
Thursday 14th September 2017
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH: HEADS MUST ROLL AT WHSQ
Multinational Spanish builder Nexus continue to put lives at risk at Toowoomba Second Range Crossing
Repeat offender, Spanish multinational Acciona Ferrovial (operating under Nexus) have continually avoided infringement notices (on the spot fines) and prosecution over massive safety breaches due to current loopholes and a weak WHSQ regulator.
CFMEU Divisional Branch Secretary Michael Ravbar said, “It is outrageous that current policy dictates that an inspector is required to consider their relationship with the duty holder prior to issuing an on the spot fine.
“This multinational Spanish company Nexus who continually breaches WHSQ laws putting the safety of workers at risk should be given immediate on the spot fines, have their licences revoked and be prosecuted.
“The workplace health and safety system in Queensland is broken and action must be taken immediately to remedy the issues.
“Workers deserve to go to work and return home safely at the end of each and every day. They should be able to rely on the regulator to ensure that a safe workplace is provided for them and for the regulator to hold rogue employers accountable who breach the law and put workers lives at risk.”
In total the project has received an astounding 24 improvement notices and 4 prohibition notices since the commencement of the project.
WHSQ say they are concerned about what it sees as a high number of incidents at the project yet they still fail to take any action.
Michael Ravbar said, “If the regulator is not going to adhere to its own health and safety laws it is time for Minister Grace Grace to intervene and seek the resignation of the head of the regulator, Simon Blackwood.
“Under his watch, the system is broken and workers’ can no longer rely on the regulator to keep them safe.
“Enough is enough. It is time for the Government to step in and act before an innocent life is lost.”
This project is one of the worst on record for safety breaches and will ultimately lead to death and more serious injuries.
The CFMEU will continue to lobby and campaign against anyone who refuses to put the safety of their workers first. STAND UP. SPEAK UP. COME HOME.