The International Workers’ Memorial Day is a timely reminder that all industry stakeholders and participants have a role to play in ensuring people work in a safe environment.
ABC Commissioner John Lloyd says the ABCC’s role and legislation upholds the rights of workers:
‘The ABCC’s laws impose no restrictions on the ability of building workers to deal with safety issues on construction sites.
‘Building workers have the right to stop work if they are concerned about an imminent risk to their health and safety.’
Commissioner Lloyd says claims the ABCC stops union organisers entering sites to address safety concerns are wrong.
‘We simply ensure lawful right of entry requirements are observed. Organisers who behave lawfully have no problems carrying out their duties on site.’
The ABCC is not responsible for OHS regulation in the building and construction industry.
Occupational health and safety agencies, Comcare and the Federal Safety Commissioner are directly responsible for OHS. The ABCC works in conjunction with these agencies to promote proper safety standards in the building and construction industry.