Injuries to construction workers on smaller building projects have been reduced in recent years however, a number of serious issues continue to affect these workers. It's important we do everything possible to reduce risks while on site.
If you're a small subcontractor (up to 10 workers) working in the residential construction sector these templates can help you to meet your work health and safety responsibilities and assist you to ensure a safer site.
Authorities, clients and principal contractors may require evidence of your WHS system. If you use these templates as directed you will be more able to provide the necessary documents.
You can download the housing industry safety pack, or each template can be downloaded individually using the links below.
Many issues on house construction sites can be addressed through good planning and scheduling.
Watch this video to see how smart planning can help you save time and money.
Risks from heat and UV exposure for outdoor workers can be reduced by:
Australia has one of the highest incidences of skin cancer in the world. According to the Cancer Council, more than 430,000 people are treated for one or more non-melanoma skin cancers.
Manual tasks and moving objects are the cause of many injuries on house construction sites.
Overexertion in lifting is the most common and costly manual handling injury, while poor housekeeping and congested walkways are also commonplace on many house construction sites.
The short video below of a house construction demonstration build shows how easy it is to prevent injury to your workers by planning ahead and using some simple solutions.
Construction workers risk serious injury or even death when working at heights, and these risks are greatest when there are openings eg voids for staircases which workers can fall through.
You need to address voids in site management plans and inductions, and ensure constant supervision. Encourage the use of void covers with those most at risk.
This voids in house construction safety alert (below) highlights how easy it is to fall through openings on construction sites. An accessible version is also available.
The code of practice for managing the risk of falls in housing construction outlines your legal responsibilities, safe work methods for common tasks, and using portable ladders and working on roofs safely.
The following short videos of a house construction demonstration build show how easy it is to prevent injury to your workers by planning ahead and using some simple solutions.
There is also a guide to erecting, altering and dismantling scaffolding.
In these short videos, builders share their tips on how to stay safe and prevent injuries on a construction site.
There is good evidence that work promotes recovery and reduces the risk of long term disability and work loss.
Generally, the construction industry has found it difficult to allow its workers to recover from their injuries while undertaking suitable employment. We offer assistance with helping injured workers recover at work.
Builders with five or fewer workers and a premium of $30,000 or less may be eligible for the Return to work assist program for micro employers.
We also provide a number of vocational rehabilitation programs and a Return to work assist program.