Unacceptable safety risks were identified yesterday by SafeWork NSW Inspectors attending the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project following a dangerous incident involving a ventilation fan on Tuesday 25 February.
To protect workers, SafeWork NSW Inspectors issued six Prohibition Notices to cease the use of unsafe ventilation fans. Following recent safety concerns and the issuing of several Improvement Notices, SafeWork NSW acting Deputy Secretary, Trent Curtin travelled to the site earlier this week as part of regular bimonthly meetings to identify and discuss concerns being raised by workers and health and safety representatives in relation to the safety of the project.
SafeWork NSW acting Deputy Secretary Trent Curtin said:
"We have been on site this week speaking with management, health and safety representatives and workers, and unfortunately received reports of two dangerous incidents on the weekend and Tuesday which are seriously concerning to me.
"I'm advised one incident involved a crane malfunctioning, while another incident involved a ventilation fan failing with metal debris flying out from the fan. Our investigation led us to discover that other fans were also at risk. These are significant safety events and it is lucky that no one was hurt.
"Every worker deserves to go to work knowing they are in a safe environment from which they can expect to return home every day.
"SafeWork NSW Inspectors have prohibited the use of unsafe ventilation fans until they can be satisfied that they will be operated in a safe condition.
"We will always work to ensure that every worker gets back home safely every day."
Last updated: 27 February 2025
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