Workers on one-third of construction sites are at risk of falls from heights due to a failure to put in place measures that could prevent serious injuries.
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The SafeWork NSW findings follow a rise in the number of deaths and serious injuries attributed to falls from heights.
Falls on the job are the top cause of traumatic fatalities on NSW construction sites, killing 17 workers between 2018 and 2022.
A blitz on the industry, which began in May, involved SafeWork inspectors visiting 1218 worksites across the state.
Fines worth a total of $972,000 were issued for a range of workplace and safety breaches.
As part of their investigation, inspectors found 35 per cent of the industry was not using the highest form of safety measures as their first choice for workers.
Those measures included fall-prevention devices, such as roof guardrails and scaffolding, rather than fall-arrest systems such as harnesses.
Head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said businesses that did not take safety seriously ran the risk of significant workplace accidents, heavy fines and prosecution.
During one worksite visit, an inspector noted a worker was not linked to a harness system while working on a roof.
"The worker reasoned that they had been roofing for 30 years without an incident," Mr Curtin said.
"Attitudes like this will eventually result in a workplace accident or death."
Contractors and builders are obligated to protect workers by identifying height risks and taking steps to control hazards as far as reasonably possible.
SafeWork will continue inspections, including for the safe installation of rooftop solar panels, in February.
Australian Associated Press
