Site safety is critical in construction projects, providing the balance between progress and protection. Beyond the blueprints, heavy machinery and engineering designs lies the safety of the people who work hard to make these big projects happen — the construction workers. Prioritising the safety of workers isn't just a legal obligation; it's a basic responsibility and fundamental duty of care for employers and contractors.
Safety protocol documentation on high risk construction projects is now mandatory under Safe Work Australia regulations.
A safe work method statement (SWMS) is required, which is "a document that sets out the high risk construction work activities to be carried out at a workplace, the hazards arising from these activities and the measures to be put in place to control the risks".
There is an interactive SWMS tool1 that provides guidance on preparing, using and reviewing documented safety plans for high risk construction work. It also includes a comprehensive list of high risk construction work, from heights to dangerous materials and confined spaces.
A business or employer that carries out high risk construction work has a duty of care to employees that includes preparing, keeping, complying with and reviewing SWMS protocols.
The need for safety awareness on construction sites
Worker injury claims in the construction industry on average cost $20,000 per person, totalling $29 million per year. Each year about 12,600 workers compensation claims are lodged by the construction industry for injuries and diseases involving one or more weeks off work — amounting to 35 serious claims each day, according to Safe Work Australia data2.
The construction industry recorded the second largest number of fatalities across Australia in 20233, and Safe Work Australia data shows machinery operators and drivers tend to be at increased risk4.
Obligations for construction sector employers and contractors
Providing health and safety training for workers is not optional, Australian legislation states that employers are responsible for providing health and safety information and training to employees.
Safe Work Australia guidance states that the law requires employers to provide and maintain:
- a safe working environment
- safe systems of work
- equipment in a safe condition, and
- mandatory employee education and training via information, instruction and supervision to ensure that each employee is safe from injury and risks to health.
These are the employer's duty of care, and failing in duty of care responsibilities can result in substantial fines, as well as the critical risk of compromising employee safety.
It is a core requirement for proper information, instruction and training to be provided to employees:
- who do hazardous work, before starting the work
- who could be put at risk by changes in the workplace, before the changes occur
- as managers and supervisors to ensure employees are safe from injury and risks to health while at work.
