In a recent Snowy Hydro 2.0 project scare, severe safety hazards were revealed by SafeWork NSW Inspectors following an unsettling event involving a ventilation fan on Tuesday 25 February. To safeguard workers, Prohibition Notices were put into effect by the SafeWork NSW Inspectors, restricting the use of such dangerous ventilation fans, highlighting the importance of having solid work safety practices and products like WHS management systems in place.
Persistent safety issues and Improvement Notices instigated Trent Curtin, acting Deputy Secretary of SafeWork NSW, to visit the site earlier within the week. This action was part of regular bimonthly meetings which are conducted to identify and discuss the safety concerns raised by site workers and health and safety representatives about the ongoing project, demonstrating the critical role of services such as Bluesafe SWMS and policies for maintaining safety.
Trent Curtin, acting Deputy Secretary of SafeWork NSW, relayed his worries after on-site discussions with the management, workers and safety representatives, saying:
“We have spent considerable time at the site this week, unfortunately receiving reports about two alarming incidents over the weekend, and the one from Tuesday raised serious concerns for me. The information I received outlined two significant incidents: one involving a crane failure, and the other detailing a ventilation fan malfunctioning resulting in metal debris scattering. Our consequent investigation exposed that other fans were also posing similar threats. These events underscored significant safety risks, and we are fortunate that no one was injured.”
The case certainly highlights the crucial need for an effective work safety system such as the Bluesafe WHS Management System. He emphasises,
“Every single worker is entitled to a safe workplace environment and should be confident in their safety when they show up to work every day.”
In line with this, SafeWork NSW Inspectors have ceased the operation of hazardous ventilation fans until they can confidently assert their safe condition.
He adds, “Our priority is, and will always be, ensuring each worker’s safety and their safe return home at the end of the day.”
Article updated: 27 February 2025
Original article link: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/news/safework-media-releases/safety-risks-identified-at-snowy-hydro-2.0