SafeWork NSW has visited dozens of sites as part of a targeted safety blitz. 

The authority says it has cracked down on dangerous work practices with the targeted operation in the Sydney suburbs of Bankstown and Rockdale.

The week-long safety blitz saw 35 construction sites visited, 86 improvement notices issued and 16 prohibition notices handed out.

Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos says falls from heights are still the number one killer on NSW construction sites.

“We take a zero-tolerance approach to lives being placed at risk. This means a construction sector with no site taking unacceptable risks when it comes to working with heights,” Ms Petinos said.

“As a result of the SafeWork NSW inspections, two construction sites were fined $3,600 for failing to meet safety compliance around heights.

“We want to ensure construction sites have the appropriate safe systems and the right safety equipment in place to prevent incidents causing serious injury or death.”

While good results were observed in a number of areas, the risk of falls from heights, electrical, scaffold and housekeeping continue to be the top four areas where penalties and notices are issued - falls from heights risks were evident at 57 per cent of the sites visited.