Project Update

Firstly, our thoughts remain with Mr Kouka, his loved ones and his colleagues, and we continue to fully cooperate with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland’s (WHSQ) investigation.

Safety reviews

The Delivery Authority can confirm workers returned to all worksites this morning (Monday, 31 July 2023) to participate in safety reviews.

A structured plan was established for these safety reviews, which are being conducted with input from the on-site contractors, unions and site-based health and safety representatives.

The process, which includes addressing the workforce, site inspections and reviewing documentation such as safe work method statements, is progressing separately at each site.

In some instances, workers who were not required for safety review activities have left their sites, and will return as needed.

Representatives from the Delivery Authority have attended sites to observe and ensure the on-site contractor engages constructively with their workforce and its representatives.

Work will recommence across sites in stages following consultation and feedback.

Safety record

In relation to the wider project, Cross River Rail is massive and complex, with around 3000 workers, 17 separate sites, and more than 24 million hours worked to date.

Despite the project’s size and scale, Cross River Rail’s safety record is objectively and significantly better than industry averages.

The following measures support Cross River Rail’s safety record:

• Lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR) –
  • Cross River Rail (as at 30 June 2023) – 0.53
  • Heavy engineering construction sector average (Safe Work Australia) – 9.2
• Total recordable injury frequency rate (TRIFR) –
  • Cross River Rail (as at 30 June 2023) – 3.74
  • Office of Federal Safety Commissioner Accredited Scheme Companies – 6.88

And because of the project’s size and scale, it is not unreasonable to expect an intense focus from WHSQ.

Safety is – and always has been – Cross River Rail’s top priority.

When it comes to safety, we welcome opportunities – including the focus of the safety regulator – that help the project maintain its strong safety record and culture of continual safety improvement.

Of course, the recent incident is a reminder we cannot be complacent, and we expect the on-site contractors to uphold the highest standards.