WorkSafe Western Australia has issued a safety warning to those playing Pokémon Go, after some players have ended up in construction sites and restricted zones.
WorkSafe, the state government body responsible for occupational healthy and safety, reported players have been ignoring construction signage and resultantly found themselves in rather dangerous situations while trying to find Pokémon.
“Anyone who accesses construction sites without permission is not only risking trespass charges, but also risking their personal safety due to the multiple hazards that can exist on these sites,” WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch.
“But reports to us indicate that Pokémon Go players are ignoring warning signage and barriers and entering construction sites anyway in pursuit of the virtual characters."
He also emphasised the “duty of care” of these trespassers still laid with employers who ran these construction sites. He also encouraged them to use adequate fencing and appropriately-sized signs to warn people of potential hazards.
“I strongly urge Pokémon Go players to take note of the warnings issued within the game and not enter hazardous sites where there is a risk of injury or legal action,” McCulloch said.
“I further urge parents of children playing the game to warn them against entering hazardous construction sites.”
