Government takes action over Range Crossing safety issues
THE Queensland Government is "taking firm action" and "instigating an urgent meeting" with Nexus Infrastructure over TSRC safety issues
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BREAKING: The Queensland Government is "taking firm action" and "instigating an urgent meeting" with Nexus Infrastructure over safety concerns on the $1.6 billion Toowoomba Second Range Crossing project.
The move comes after The Chronicle reported earlier this monthof a spike in the number of statutory notices issued at the site over workplace health and safety issues.
Work came to a halt on the site on Friday, February 9, after the most recent in a string of plant rollovers on the project.
Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace and Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey are seeking an urgent meeting about worker safety with senior representatives of the principal contractor, Nexus, on the Toowoomba Range Second Crossing construction project.
"Serious health and safety concerns have been raised with me by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland," Ms Grace said.
"We are deeply concerned about the abnormally high number of Workplace Health and Safety investigations and incidents that have occurred at the site.
"I want to meet with representatives from Nexus to stress that the safety of workers must come first.
"Frankly, the number of incidents involving plant rollovers is unacceptable and demands immediate action.
"This is an unusual step and should convey the gravity with which the Palaszczuk Government views this matter and our commitment to safety at work."
Mr Bailey said an independent auditor would also be appointed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads to investigate safety concerns at the site.
"The safety of workers is a top priority for the government and we need to be reassured by Nexus and other contractors that they share that sentiment and have a clear plan to improve their safety record," Mr Bailey said.
"We want to sit down with those concerned to hear what they plan to do to improve safety on this project."
The terms of reference for the independent auditor will be finalised in the coming days.
Originally published as Government takes action over Range Crossing safety issues
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