The campaign includes free guidance materials like a safety risk assessment checklist and practical advice about mitigating key risk areas for these types of operations.
Barges used for commercial purposes in Australian waters are considered to be domestic commercial vessels and need to meet marine safety regulations.
These marine safety regulations are in addition to the relevant state or territory workplace health and safety obligations.
Key risk areas for construction barge operations include stability, personal safety, and the relocation of unpowered barges.
Registrations are open for new workshops in Brisbane, Gladstone, Sydney and Fremantle in May. Anyone who owns, operates or works with construction barges is encouraged to come along. These workshops will broadly cover:
- Need to know risk assessment information to make your vessel a safer place to work
- How to meet your National Law and state and territory workplace health and safety legal obligations
May's workshops will be presented by AMSA in partnership with the relevant state and territory workplace health and safety agency, and will run from 2pm-4pm at the following dates and locations:
- 18th May at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, Brisbane
- 19th May at Gladstone Yacht Cub, Gladstone
- 23rd May at Drummoyne Sailing Club, Sydney
- 25th May at the Esplanade Hotel, Fremantle
For workshop details and to register, visit the campaign hub on AMSA's website.
Remember, barge safety is no accident. AMSA will be conducting a focused inspection campaign on construction barges from May - owners and operators should expect to be inspected.