Safety First for Builders and Tradies

Starting any new project, your first step should always be to go over the latest health and safety checklist.

HazardCo has recently released their latest checklists covering industry standards for health and safety both before and during a new project.

Here’s a rundown of what they recommend builders and tradies check, review and monitor in 2024.

Before the projects starts, check:

Is there a Site-Specific Safety Plan (SSSP)? This should include responsibilities, communication agreements, training requirements, emergency procedures and Site Safety rules
Is a Principal Contractor sign visibly displayed? This should include name, contact number, emergency contacts and the site office
Is site perimeter fencing up and secure?
Are on-site amenities and facilities ready and working? This includes drinkable water, toilets and hand-washing facilities.
Does the site electrical switchboard adhere to the latest safety requirements? In this case: AS/NZS 3012 (2019) Electrical Installations - Construction and demolition sites.
Does everyone know your first aid and emergency procedures?
If there’s been demolition, has an Asbestos Clearance Certificate been obtained?
Have all contractors read the SSSP? Keep it updated and stored somewhere everyone can access.
Has all contractors’ health and safety info been collected and reviewed?

Throughout the project, keep checking:

Contractors have completed a site induction. Be sure to keep records and know who is on-site at any given time.
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are complete for high-risk work
Site Reviews are completed regularly. Check hazards like scaffolding, ladders or mobile plant operations.
Site controls are being reviewed. This included fencing, traffic management, training, documentation and emergency planning.
Everyone has the information they need
Toolbox Meetings are completed regularly. These should communicate and record health and safety info like hazards, incidents and corrective actions.
Near misses, injuries, incidents or illnesses are reported and recorded. Where necessary, ensure investigations are completed or State/Territory regulators notified.

Download the full 2024 Residential Construction Health & Safety Checklist here.

Business owner or sole trader? Check you have processes in place for:

When you arrive on a construction site:

Read the Site Specific Safety Plan. This includes safety risks, safety measures, emergency arrangements and site-specific rules.
Complete the site induction.
Sign in and out of site if required by the builder.

While you work on site:

Do a Risk Assessment before starting new tasks or activities. Check things are safe and any hazards identified and addressed.
Complete a SWMS before any high-risk construction work.
Consult with a Toolbox Meeting once a week/fortnight. Share what’s happening on-site, including hazards or incidents.
Report all incidents or near misses as soon as they happen.
Check your vehicle once a month. This includes when your service is due and emergency equipment.
Regularly review and monitor your site or work area.

To find out more, reach out to your Mitre 10 Trade Account Manager, or download the full 2024 Tradie Health & Safety Checklist here.

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