Since the Cross Border Construction Program began in June 2013, WorkSafe Victoria and SafeWork NSW inspectors have visited 419 Border sites.

Inspectors issued 182 improvement notices, 15 prohibition notices and one penalty notice during these visits.

Lack of fall protection when working at heights, electrical safety, risk of structural collapse, mobile plant and site security were the most common safety breaches.

SafeWork NSW assistant state inspector Craig Przibilla said the program had been extended for another three years owing to its success.

A review found red tape had been reduced through a consistent approach by both regulators.

“The cross border’s not all about compliance, it’s about building rapport,” Mr Przibilla said. 

“You go to a site, they know you by first name now, we’re not the ogre we used to be.

“It’s about giving advice, not just the big stick enforcement and that’s really changed in the last three to five years.”

Keeping a central Albury unit development safe is routine for Modem Construction Group directors Graeme Chugg and Neil Sawyer.

“For us, it’s what you do every day,” Mr Sawyer said.

“It does add time to your projects, but the more you do it, the better you get at it.

“We want our boys to go home the same way they came to work. It’s as simple as that, we don't want anyone to be injured.”

Mr Chugg said awareness when working at height remained a major concern.

“You could fall off a two-foot ladder and still break an ankle or whatever,” he said.

The program extension will focus on young worker safety and the importance of the boss being a good role model.

Mr Chugg agreed extra effort was needed when guiding apprentices.

“You can tell them one minute, five minutes later they’re doing what you told them not to do so you’ve got to keep drumming it in,” he said.

Second year apprentice carpenter Jake Eisenhauer, 18, said using ear and eye protection and watching out for other people around him had been emphasised.

“You learn quick if you stuff up,” he said.