Health hazard checklist

This section provides questions to help you manage the hazards and risks on site.

If you answer yes to the questions, you are on your way towards achieving compliance.

In this section

Hazardous chemicals

  • Have you identified harmful chemicals and substances for example lead, solvents, paints?
  • Is there a register that lists all the hazardous chemicals (except certain consumer products) used, stored and handled at your workplace?
  • Do you have a current safety data sheet for any hazardous chemicals used?
  • Have you identified and implemented control measures to prevent or control exposure to hazardous chemicals and substances by:
    • doing the work in a different way, to remove the risk entirely?
    • using a less hazardous chemicals?
    • using chemicals in a well ventilated area, or using forced air ventilation?
    • installing warning signs to show where work involving hazardous substances is taking place?
  • Have workers received information and training so they know what the risks are and what they need to do to avoid those risks?
  • Is personal protective equipment (PPE), respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and any other safety equipment provided?
  • Do you have procedures and PPE to prevent contact with wet cement (this can cause dermatitis and cement burns)?
  • The Pocket Guide to Construction Safety 35 Have you have arranged health monitoring for employees exposed to certain hazardous substances such as asbestos, lead, silica, sensitisers such as two-pack adhesives or coatings containing isocyanates?
  • Are there adequate wash facilities available?
  • Are hazardous chemicals stored and disposed of appropriately?
  • Has a spill kit been provided?

More information

Asbestos

  • Have you identified the materials you are working with? (Properties built before 1990 are likely to contain asbestos material)
  • Have you engaged a licensed/qualified asbestos removalist?
  • Have they provided you with a copy of their asbestos removal control plan, including their safe work method statement?
  • For licensed work, after the work is completed, have they provided you with an asbestos clearance certificate issued by a licensed asbestos assessor or an independent competent person?
  • Has SafeWork NSW been notified 5 days prior to the asbestos removal work?
  • Has the asbestos been disposed of appropriately to a licensed landfill?
A warning sign on a wire fence reads: “Danger ASBESTOS, Keep Out, Authorized Personnel Only.” A house is visible in the background.
Two workers wearing white protective suits, masks, and gloves are inside a house removing asbestos. A ladder is visible in the scene.
                                                                                                                              

Silica

Have you identified whether the processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS) is high risk? You must record the risk assessment in writing.

If Yes:

  • Do you have a Silica Risk Control Plan or SafeWork Method Statement (SWMS) in place?
  • Have you identified all high-risk CSS processing activities?
  • Have you provided approved training to workers?
  • Do you have control measures implemented to control the risks?
  • Have you provided air monitoring for workers, and report if the results exceed the workplace exposure standard (WES)?
  • Have you identified the need for health monitoring for workers?

If No:

Ensure that you have correct control measures in place.

  • Can you eliminate silica dust exposure by using other products that do not contain silica?
  • Have you Isolated silica dust exposure by limiting work to an enclosed or segregated area?
  • Can you substitute silica containing products with materials containing no silica or less silica in them?
  • Have you managed silica dust through engineering controls such as using dust capture systems, or water suppression systems?
  • Have you used H or M class vacuums for safe clean up?
  • Have workers been provided respiratory protective equipment (RPE) approved under AS/NZS 1716, to assist in the management of silica dust exposure? For example, RPE with a P2 rating minimum.
  • Have workers been provided annual fit testing of RPE?
  • Are workers who wear RPE clean shaven?
  • Have workers been consulted on the hazards associated with silica dust?
  • Have you ensured that safety control measures have been communicated and are understood by workers?

Note: You may have specific legislative requirements when working with silica. See the Crystalline Silica resource page for more information.

Noise

  • Have you identified and assessed workers’ exposure to noise level and duration?
  • Can the noise be reduced by using different working methods or selecting quieter plant, (such as fitting breakers and other plant or machinery with silencers)?
  • Have workers had information and training so they know how to avoid those hazards and risks?
  • Are people not involved in the work kept away from the source of the noise?
  • Is suitable hearing protection provided and worn in noisy areas?
  • Have hearing protection zones been identified and signed appropriately?
  • Have you provided audiometric testing (including base line testing) for employees exposed to high levels of noise?

More information

Personal protective equipment

  • Is suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) provided to protect the worker for the tasks they are performing?
  • This may include hard hats, safety shoes, hand, eye and ear protection. Have workers been trained in the safe use, care and storage of protective equipment?
  • Do workers wear their protective equipment, and do they wear it correctly so that it fits?
Two construction workers are walking at a construction site, wearing white hard hats, orange high-visibility vests, and safety glasses. Heavy machinery is visible in the background.
                                          

Sun safety, workloads and fatigue

  • Have you provided sunscreen?
  • Can you organise the work to reduce exposure to the sun during peak UV radiation times?
  • Is there shade/shelter available on site?
  • Are workers using a combination of sun protection measures, such as sunscreen, long sleeves, long pants, collared shirts, wide brimmed hats or legionnaire caps and UV-rated wraparound sunglasses?
  • Is there drinking water available on site and suitable breaks to encourage workers to stay hydrated?
  • Can heavy physical work be scheduled to cooler times of the day?
  • Is work scheduled to allow enough time for completion without rushing?
  • Are workloads practical and manageable, with consideration given to any workflow changes such as machinery breakdowns or unplanned absences?
  • Is fit-for-purpose plant, machinery and equipment used to reduce physical workloads?
Two construction workers are working under the hot sun. One worker is wiping sweat from his forehead with his arm while holding a hard hat in his other hand. Both are wearing orange high-visibility vests. In the background, there are concrete pipes at the construction site.
                                          

Amenities and facilities

  • Have suitable hygienic toilet facilities been provided?
  • Is there clean hand washing facilities, water, soap and paper towel provided?
  • Is wet-weather clothing provided for those working in wet conditions?
  • Is there a place where workers can take shelter and eat meals? Do they have access to clean drinking water?
  • Is there a suitable fully stocked first-aid kit?

More information

Psychological hazards

A female worker is inside a workshop holding a yellow hard hat in one hand and resting her head on her other hand. She is wearing a yellow high-visibility vest. In the background, there is a red toolbox and various tools.
                                                                                    

Psychosocial hazards include but are not limited to:

  • Role overload, or lack of role clarity
  • Exposure to traumatic event
  • Exposure to Hazardous environments
  • Lack of support from supervisors or co-workers
  • Bullying, violence and harassment including sexual harassment
  • Remote or isolated work

Factors like these and others can contribute to mental ill health.

Know the signs of mental ill-health and act early

Changes in mood, behaviour, performance or appearance can be a sign someone needs support with their mental health. They may be frequently absent from work or not performing to their usual standard.

Start a conversation

Have a private conversation about the changes you’ve noticed, at a time and place that suits you both. If they do not want to talk, let them know they can come to you for support when they’re ready.

Connect to support

Let them know that it’s OK to not be OK. Encourage them to contact support services or contact them together, if they need it.

Plan and make changes

Offer workplace adjustments, such as days/hours worked or reduce workload. Make sure the work environment is safe. Communicate and model acceptable behaviour at work.

Stay connected

Stay in touch regularly, whether off or back at work. Review how their recovery is going and make further changes to their work as needed.

For more information and resources on promoting, managing and supporting workplace mental health and your duties go to:

More information

                                          
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