White Card Construction Safety Training
COMMON CONSTRUCTION HAZARDS
Control Measures (Hierarchy of Controls)
The hierarchy of controls is simply a list, in order of effectiveness of the types of controls which should be put in place to eliminate risk.
Perhaps before we go too much further we should look at a couple of definitions related to health and safety / risk management.
SAFE
A general term describing an acceptable level of risk, freedom from and the low probability of harm.
Freedom from conditions that can cause danger, death or harm, damage to operational equipment.
HAZARD
A condition or situation which if left untreated, could lead to a negative consequence such as death, injury, disease or financial impact.
INJURY
As defined by the Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003.
“Is a personal injury arising out of, or in the course of, employment if the employment is a significant contributing factor to the injury” examples of injury would be a cut or fracture, a disease, industrial deafness, death from an injury
RISK ANALYSIS
The systematic application of management policies, procedures and practices to the task of analysing, evaluating and
CONSEQUENCE
The outcome of an event expressed as a loss, injury, disadvantage or gain.
Often, several possible outcomes may be associated with an event or a task.
Safe work practices will generally promote a safe and profitable outcome
Hierarchy of Control
Following is the hierarchy of control, you need to remember our goal is to first eliminate all hazards and associated risks in the workplace.
This will not always be possible so working through the hierarchy, we are able to establish and implement the most appropriate control measures. That is where we cannot eliminate the risk, we need to prevent or minimise the exposure to the risk.
Often it is necessary to use a combination of controls to ensure they are effective and provide the safest workplace possible.
The strategies or controls we employ are:
- Elimination
With this control we eliminate the need to undertake the task which is not normally an option but does need to be considered.
- Substitution (Alternative)
Is there an alternative way of completing the task, a good example of this may be where it is necessary to make a joint in copper water piping in a confined space.
Do you need to hot weld the joint or is there a ‘safer’ option such as a mechanical (compression) joint.
- Engineered control
A good example of an engineered control is the use of shoring or benching in where it is necessary to enter and work within deep excavations.
- Administrative control
Administrative controls are orders, procedures or documented workplace practice which must be followed in order to make a task ‘safer’. Safe work method statements are an example of administrative controls which are often coupled with an engineered control and the use of personal protective equipment.
- Personal Protective Equipment
The use of these controls will either resolve the issue and remove the threat or resist the hazard which may lessen the effect or likelihood of an incident.
You can see that only the higher order controls such as elimination and substitution will remove the threat where lower order controls such as administrative and engineered controls are more likely to only resist the threat or hazard.
It is important to understand that any combination of these strategies or control measures can be used together to achieve the required outcome. That is a safe workplace or procedure.
RISK ASSESSMENT METHOD
When assessing risk, you need to consider both the likelihood and the consequence.
Using this information, you can develop a prioritised list of risks that require action or controls.
Once the list is developed you need to consider those that are minor and those that are issue about which there is a regulation, advisory standard or industry code of practise.
First fix the minor issues then deal with those covered by regulations or procedures
Use the table provided above and then the guide to prioritise and act upon hazards identified in your workplace.
Those risks which fall in the EXTREME (RED) range need to be addressed and treated immediately, they represent a significant intolerable risk to your workplace and those employed in it. You must eliminate the hazard and make the workplace or process safe before any further exposure occurs.
Those risks which fall in the HIGH (ORANGE) range need urgent attention and are also intolerable, look for alternatives or substitution work methods or materials to reduce the risk and protect personnel. Act as soon as practical to introduce adequate controls.
Those risks that are rated as MODERATE (CYAN) are also significant hazards that require addressing they are less critical than those risks which are high or extreme, but do need either an engineering or administrative control to minimise the risk.
Those risks which are quantified as LOW (GREEN) are tolerable risks and possibly do not need any attention other than awareness to exposed personnel and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
Common Construction Hazards
Following is a list of common workplace hazards with a focus on construction workplaces or building sites.
The list is in no way meant to be definitive, rather it is provided to highlight some of the areas you, as an owner-builder will need to consider during the construction or renovation works under your control.
Asbestos Containing Materials
Generally the presence of asbestos in building materials does not pose a risk to health unless the material is broken, deteriorating, or disturbed in such a way that dust containing asbestos fibres is produced.
Special precautions should be taken by anyone needing to disturb asbestos
Asbestos is the name given to a group of fibrous silicate minerals that can potentially cause lung disease if inhaled.
Asbestos can be found in a number of products used in the Australian building industry between the 1940s and late 1980s, and in the brakes, clutches and gaskets of many cars.
The most commonly found household building materials that contain asbestos are asbestos-cement products (also called ‘fibro’ and ‘AC sheeting’).
Generally the presence of asbestos in home building materials does not pose a risk to health unless the material is broken, deteriorating, or disturbed in such a way that dust containing asbestos fibres is produced.
Special precautions should be taken by anyone needing to disturb any asbestos.
Some people have developed asbestos-related lung disease, such as asbestosis,lung cancer or mesothelioma, after inhaling asbestos fibres.
Asbestos-related disease is generally associated with long-term exposure to asbestos in an occupational setting.
However, as the level of exposure that may cause health effects is not known, exposure to asbestos fibres or dust containing asbestos fibres should always be kept to a minimum.
Confined Spaces
What is a confined space?
A ‘confined space’ means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that :
(a) is at atmospheric pressure when anyone is in the space; and
(b) is not intended or designed primarily as a workplace; and
(c) could have restricted entry to, or exit from, the place; and
(d) is, or is likely to be entered by a person to work; and
(e) at any time, contains, or is likely to contain, any of the following -
(i) an atmosphere that has potentially harmful levels of a contaminant;
(ii) an atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level;
(iii) anything that could cause engulfment.
Examples of confined spaces include:
However, many other types of structures may also meet the definition of a confined space.
Confined spaces can be fatal
Those risks which fall in the EXTREME (RED) range need to be addressed and treated immediately, they represent a significant intolerable risk to your workplace and those employed in it. You must eliminate the hazard and make the workplace or process safe before any further exposure occurs.
Those risks which fall in the HIGH (ORANGE) range need urgent attention and are also intolerable, look for alternatives or substitution work methods or materials to reduce the risk and protect personnel. Act as soon as practical to introduce adequate controls.
Those risks that are rated as MODERATE (CYAN) are also significant hazards that require addressing they are less critical than those risks which are high or extreme, but do need either an engineering or administrative control to minimise the risk.
Those risks which are quantified as LOW (GREEN) are tolerable risks and possibly do not need any attention other than awareness to exposed personnel and the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.
Common Construction Hazards
Following is a list of common workplace hazards with a focus on construction workplaces or building sites.
The list is in no way meant to be definitive, rather it is provided to highlight some of the areas you, as an owner-builder will need to consider during the construction or renovation works under your control.
Asbestos Containing Materials
Generally the presence of asbestos in building materials does not pose a risk to health unless the material is broken, deteriorating, or disturbed in such a way that dust containing asbestos fibres is produced.
Special precautions should be taken by anyone needing to disturb asbestos
Asbestos is the name given to a group of fibrous silicate minerals that can potentially cause lung disease if inhaled.
Asbestos can be found in a number of products used in the Australian building industry between the 1940s and late 1980s, and in the brakes, clutches and gaskets of many cars.
The most commonly found household building materials that contain asbestos are asbestos-cement products (also called ‘fibro’ and ‘AC sheeting’).
Generally the presence of asbestos in home building materials does not pose a risk to health unless the material is broken, deteriorating, or disturbed in such a way that dust containing asbestos fibres is produced.
Special precautions should be taken by anyone needing to disturb any asbestos.
Some people have developed asbestos-related lung disease, such as asbestosis,lung cancer or mesothelioma, after inhaling asbestos fibres.
Asbestos-related disease is generally associated with long-term exposure to asbestos in an occupational setting.
However, as the level of exposure that may cause health effects is not known, exposure to asbestos fibres or dust containing asbestos fibres should always be kept to a minimum.
Confined Spaces
What is a confined space?
A ‘confined space’ means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that :
(a) is at atmospheric pressure when anyone is in the space; and
(b) is not intended or designed primarily as a workplace; and
(c) could have restricted entry to, or exit from, the place; and
(d) is, or is likely to be entered by a person to work; and
(e) at any time, contains, or is likely to contain, any of the following -
(i) an atmosphere that has potentially harmful levels of a contaminant;
(ii) an atmosphere that does not have a safe oxygen level;
(iii) anything that could cause engulfment.
Examples of confined spaces include:
- storage tanks, tank cars, process vessels, pressure vessels, boilers, silos and other tank-like compartments;
- pits and degreasers;
- pipes, sewers, sewer pump stations including wet and dry wells, shafts and ducts; and
- shipboard spaces entered through small hatchways or access points, cargo tanks, cellular double bottom tanks, duct keels, ballast or oil tanks and void spaces.
However, many other types of structures may also meet the definition of a confined space.
Confined spaces can be fatal
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Each year in Australia, people are killed in a wide range of confined spaces, from storage vessels, to complex industrial equipment. Many of these fatalities occur when attempting to rescue another person in a confined space. Additionally, people can be seriously injured from other hazards found within confined spaces. |
Electrical Equiptments and Installations
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Electricity is a major hazard which can, if not correctly controlled, present significant risk to workers on a building site.
Electricity has been called a ‘silent’ killer and must be treated with respect. The hazards and risks associated with electricity include: • Loose uncontained leads laying about floor level of a building site can potentially be a trip hazard which results in injury • Leads and or power tools used in a water laden area can result in electrocution of the operator • Work on energised electrical equipment must only be done by qualified and competent tradespersons • Poorly maintained power tools and extension cords can result in electrocution • Overloading electrical circuits can cause a fire risk |
Excavations and Trenches
Excavation and trenches present a serious hazard on building and construction sites.
Excavation and trenches present a serious hazard on building and construction sites.
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The risks associated with excavations and trenches include: • Collapse of the excavated material, leading to entrapment • Injury or death of a person • Injuries caused by falling into the open excavation • Damage to adjacent properties or structures • Contact with and damage to underground services • Confined space considerations Safe entry and egress |
Falling Objects
Falling objects present a real risk on may work sites.
Overhead workers no matter how careful can and do make mistakes.
Dropping a small timber section or a hand tool can present a real risk and the possibility of serious injury to those below.
Controlling these risks could include the use of appropriate barriers, hoardings and restraint systems for those working above and adequate personal protective equipment such as hard hats for those working below.
Working at Heights
Many people have been seriously injured or in fact killed as a result of a fall from heights at their workplace
Fall arrest systems and harness, adequate scaffolding and safe working procedures all contribute to preventing or minimising the risks of working at heights.
Hazardous Substances
Hazardous substances are commonplace on many building sites and their use, storage and disposal must be controlled.
All workers who use or come into contact with any of these substances must be fully aware of the associated risks.
In controlling the risks and educating workers on safe practices, the following measures must be taken:
• Store all hazardous materials appropriately and in a well signed area which is well isolated from other potential hazards (for example, flammable liquids would not be stored in an area close to welding operations or where ‘hot work’ was to be conducted)
• Ensure appropriate personal protective equipment is available and used by all person coming into contact with the substance
• Have MSDS sheets and poison information available and make certain all persons on site are aware of the location of this material
• All relevant persons must be aware of the correct emergency response procedures to be undertaken with respect to a dangerous goods/hazardous substance incident or accident.
Inground Services
Existing underground services can potential cause injury or death to those working on site.
Controlling risk requires a well established plan for carrying out site works where damage or disruption to existing services may occur.
Some of the potential risks include:
• Explosion or fire (gas services and piping)
• Site and excavation flooding (water and sewerage)
• Electrocution of personnel (electrical conduits, services and cabling)
• Damage to services costing thousands of dollars in repair bills which will be recoverable from the responsible person.
Have a plan, do your homework, identify potential risks and existing underground services before you start.
Work slowly and carefully around existing services.
Even when you do all the right things, accidents can and do still happen.
If something does go wrong, think and act carefully, do not do anything that will make the situation worse or put yourself or anyone else at risk.
Manual Tasks Many workplace injuries occur as a result of incorrect lifting techniques or from people attempting to move objects which a far to heavy or awkward to move unassisted or manually.
Falling objects present a real risk on may work sites.
Overhead workers no matter how careful can and do make mistakes.
Dropping a small timber section or a hand tool can present a real risk and the possibility of serious injury to those below.
Controlling these risks could include the use of appropriate barriers, hoardings and restraint systems for those working above and adequate personal protective equipment such as hard hats for those working below.
Working at Heights
Many people have been seriously injured or in fact killed as a result of a fall from heights at their workplace
Fall arrest systems and harness, adequate scaffolding and safe working procedures all contribute to preventing or minimising the risks of working at heights.
Hazardous Substances
Hazardous substances are commonplace on many building sites and their use, storage and disposal must be controlled.
All workers who use or come into contact with any of these substances must be fully aware of the associated risks.
In controlling the risks and educating workers on safe practices, the following measures must be taken:
• Store all hazardous materials appropriately and in a well signed area which is well isolated from other potential hazards (for example, flammable liquids would not be stored in an area close to welding operations or where ‘hot work’ was to be conducted)
• Ensure appropriate personal protective equipment is available and used by all person coming into contact with the substance
• Have MSDS sheets and poison information available and make certain all persons on site are aware of the location of this material
• All relevant persons must be aware of the correct emergency response procedures to be undertaken with respect to a dangerous goods/hazardous substance incident or accident.
Inground Services
Existing underground services can potential cause injury or death to those working on site.
Controlling risk requires a well established plan for carrying out site works where damage or disruption to existing services may occur.
Some of the potential risks include:
• Explosion or fire (gas services and piping)
• Site and excavation flooding (water and sewerage)
• Electrocution of personnel (electrical conduits, services and cabling)
• Damage to services costing thousands of dollars in repair bills which will be recoverable from the responsible person.
Have a plan, do your homework, identify potential risks and existing underground services before you start.
Work slowly and carefully around existing services.
Even when you do all the right things, accidents can and do still happen.
If something does go wrong, think and act carefully, do not do anything that will make the situation worse or put yourself or anyone else at risk.
Manual Tasks Many workplace injuries occur as a result of incorrect lifting techniques or from people attempting to move objects which a far to heavy or awkward to move unassisted or manually.
Manual Tasks
Many workplace injuries occur as a result of incorrect lifting techniques or from people attempting to move objects which a far to heavy or awkward to move unassisted or manually.
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Think about the load or materials you are going to move, plan the route and look for any obstacles in the way which will make the move hazardous, difficult or impossible.
Consider alternative ways of shifting the load. Can you get help? Is there a device which could assist you, (wheelbarrow, pallet mover, hoist etc)? |
Workplace injuries as a result of incorrect lifting or manual handling cost the industry millions of dollars each year and contributes to much pain and suffering.
Injuries can be as simple as mild strains and sprains, or as serious as permanent muscular skeletal damage including, ruptured spinal disks, breaks and fractures.
Noise
Noise, vibration, heat and cold are all stressors which affect a person over time and can lead to irreparable damage.
It has been proven that exposure to unacceptable levels of noise over even a relatively short period of time can result in permanent hearing loss or damage.
Continued exposure to theses stressors is also extremely fatiguing and often results in poor concentration, acceptance of lower standards and lack of concentration.
Plant or heavy machinery operators are often expose to theses hazards.
This can have serious implications on safety, as a worker becomes increasingly affected by noise, vibration, heat or cold.
Personal protective equipment, appropriate work schedules, sound workplace policies and education are the best defences against the risks associated with the common workplace hazards.
Plant and Vehicles
Heat, noise vibration etc can affect operators of plant and equipment and those working close by.
As well as this risk, all persons on site must be aware of the movement and location of all plant and keep a careful lookout.
Vigilance and an understanding of the work being undertaken by the machinery is an important part of staying aware and safe.
Other hazards include:
• Existing underground services
• Overhead power lines
• Overhead structures
Remember that unless you are directly in full view of the operator, seeing you will be difficult, hearing you will be almost impossible.
When working near or around this plant, make certain your intentions are clear to the operator and that you each understand what the other one is going to do, or in what direction they intend to travel.
Specified Dangerous Goods
As for hazardous substances, specified dangerous goods such as corrosives, organic peroxides and flammable liquids are all commonplace on construction sites.
Develop and maintain sound handling storage and emergency response techniques
Injuries can be as simple as mild strains and sprains, or as serious as permanent muscular skeletal damage including, ruptured spinal disks, breaks and fractures.
Noise
Noise, vibration, heat and cold are all stressors which affect a person over time and can lead to irreparable damage.
It has been proven that exposure to unacceptable levels of noise over even a relatively short period of time can result in permanent hearing loss or damage.
Continued exposure to theses stressors is also extremely fatiguing and often results in poor concentration, acceptance of lower standards and lack of concentration.
Plant or heavy machinery operators are often expose to theses hazards.
This can have serious implications on safety, as a worker becomes increasingly affected by noise, vibration, heat or cold.
Personal protective equipment, appropriate work schedules, sound workplace policies and education are the best defences against the risks associated with the common workplace hazards.
Plant and Vehicles
Heat, noise vibration etc can affect operators of plant and equipment and those working close by.
As well as this risk, all persons on site must be aware of the movement and location of all plant and keep a careful lookout.
Vigilance and an understanding of the work being undertaken by the machinery is an important part of staying aware and safe.
Other hazards include:
• Existing underground services
• Overhead power lines
• Overhead structures
Remember that unless you are directly in full view of the operator, seeing you will be difficult, hearing you will be almost impossible.
When working near or around this plant, make certain your intentions are clear to the operator and that you each understand what the other one is going to do, or in what direction they intend to travel.
Specified Dangerous Goods
As for hazardous substances, specified dangerous goods such as corrosives, organic peroxides and flammable liquids are all commonplace on construction sites.
Develop and maintain sound handling storage and emergency response techniques
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As for hazardous materials, it is necessary to develop and maintain sound procedures for handling, using and disposing of all dangerous goods which are on site. As appropriate, correct signage and labeling must be used and all workers coming into contact with the materials must understand the risk and be aware of all control measures in place. |
Long Work Hours
Fatigue can lead to a lack of awareness and alertness which results in an increased likelihood of injury due to slowing of reaction times and acceptance of lower standards of safety in the workplace.
Look for fatigue in yourself and fellow workers and act quickly.
Fatigue can lead to a lack of awareness and alertness which results in an increased likelihood of injury due to slowing of reaction times and acceptance of lower standards of safety in the workplace.
Look for fatigue in yourself and fellow workers and act quickly.
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Long work hours leads to fatigue and the associated loss of concentration, acceptance of lower standards, diminished awareness of risk and poor physical coordination. Each of these are dangerous in themselves, but couple with a workplace full of hazards and risks, you have a recipe for disaster. |
You are responsible for presenting yourself to work in an acceptable state and free from fatigue.
At times external influences will impact on your levels of fatigue and your performance in the workplace.
Look for signs of fatigue in yourself and fellow workers, act early and minimise the risk.
At times external influences will impact on your levels of fatigue and your performance in the workplace.
Look for signs of fatigue in yourself and fellow workers, act early and minimise the risk.
Diving
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Diving is a specialist construction activity which has its own unique set of risks. An example would be flying after diving (risk of bends) and the effects of prolonged submersion or rapid ascents. Similar controls to working in confined spaces may be applied. Underwater diving and the associated risks are a specialised and complex area of operations that must be understood and all required control measures must be complied with and monitored in accordance with the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations 2008. |
Diving is a specialist construction activity which has its own unique set of risks.
An example would be flying after diving (risk of bends) and the effects of prolonged submersion or rapid ascents.
Similar controls to working in confined spaces may be applied.
Underwater diving and the associated risks are a specialised and complex area of operations that must be understood and all required control measures must be complied with and monitored in accordance with the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations 2008.
Competent persons involved with diving operations must demonstrate a sound knowledge of:
Projections End projections, starter bars, nails in ‘stripped’ formwork all have the potential to cause harm or injury.
It is everyones responsibility to ensure all end projections are adequately protected and made safe, this could include:
• Denailing timbers
• Capping starter bars or rod ends
• Signage, guards, covers etc being installed
• Correctly terminating services so as not to present a threat which could cause injury.
Ultra Violet Radiation
Thousands of Australian are affected by sun damage and UV radiation each year.
A lot of the problem is exposure whilst working on or around building and construction sites.
Each of us have a responsibility to keep ourselves protected from harmful UV by:
An example would be flying after diving (risk of bends) and the effects of prolonged submersion or rapid ascents.
Similar controls to working in confined spaces may be applied.
Underwater diving and the associated risks are a specialised and complex area of operations that must be understood and all required control measures must be complied with and monitored in accordance with the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations 2008.
Competent persons involved with diving operations must demonstrate a sound knowledge of:
- The skills required to perform diving operations safely
- The application of diving physics
- The use of all diving equipment, including emergency equipment relevant to their work tasks
- The use of dive compression tables
- Forms of underwater communication
- Use, inspection and maintenance of diving equipment used
- Diving physiology and first aid
Projections End projections, starter bars, nails in ‘stripped’ formwork all have the potential to cause harm or injury.
It is everyones responsibility to ensure all end projections are adequately protected and made safe, this could include:
• Denailing timbers
• Capping starter bars or rod ends
• Signage, guards, covers etc being installed
• Correctly terminating services so as not to present a threat which could cause injury.
Ultra Violet Radiation
Thousands of Australian are affected by sun damage and UV radiation each year.
A lot of the problem is exposure whilst working on or around building and construction sites.
Each of us have a responsibility to keep ourselves protected from harmful UV by:
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Wearing appropriate and adequate clothing (long sleeves, hat, sunglasses etc)
Using adequate skin protection through the regular application of a sunscreen Working in shaded areas where possible Providing temporary shade over work areas if possible Minimising our personal exposure to the sun and harmful UV rays through smart work scheduling |
Wearing Jewellery
Rings, necklaces and piercings, all present a hazardous situation in the construction workplace.
Rings and necklaces can get caught in machinery or on construction materials and piercings can become infected through contact and collection of foreign bodies and chemicals.
Rings, necklaces and piercings, all present a hazardous situation in the construction workplace.
Rings and necklaces can get caught in machinery or on construction materials and piercings can become infected through contact and collection of foreign bodies and chemicals.
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Body piercings and the wearing of jewellery present a real risk to workers on building and construction sites. Piercings if loose can become caught in machinery and plant or catch on protrusions like rod ends, exposed nails etc. The same can be said for rings, necklaces and other jewellery items that hang loose about a person and present a ‘catch’ hazard. |
Another issue with tight fitting jewellery is the potential for infection and disease through the trapping of chemicals or substances which react with the skin causing dermatitis and other long term skin complaints
Waste Materials A clean site is a safe site, and suitable storage facilities and locations should be set up on site.
Waste Materials A clean site is a safe site, and suitable storage facilities and locations should be set up on site.
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The storage and collection area can be as simple as the one shown in the photo or may include the use of hired bins or skips to keep work areas clean. Always consider the environment and prevent run off or water course contamination that may occur as a result of incorrectly managed waste collection areas. Good housekeeping practices like this minimise risks including: |
• Fire
• Disease
• Damage to plant
• Cuts, abrasions and lacerations
Trips and Falls
Controlling the use of leads and ropes or cables on the site can prevent injury to workers.
Leads, cables and ropes present a trip hazard and should be run at height and kept above floor level
We discussed earlier, the problem with leaving electrical leads laying around the site.
Ropes, cables, cords and strapping can potentially present the same risks.
Again, good housekeeping and a tidy site will go a long way in eliminating these risks and potential injuries.
Unguarded Machinery Power tools and plant must be fitted with the correct guards and safety devices to minimise the risk of injury to the user.
The guard must be present, fitted correctly and used properly to ensure the safety of the user or operator.
Ropes, cables, cords and strapping can potentially present the same risks.
Again, good housekeeping and a tidy site will go a long way in eliminating these risks and potential injuries.
Unguarded Machinery Power tools and plant must be fitted with the correct guards and safety devices to minimise the risk of injury to the user.
The guard must be present, fitted correctly and used properly to ensure the safety of the user or operator.
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All persons should be properly educated on the fitment and use of all guards on equipment they will be using. Loose hair, clothing and jewellery are also important considerations when using any plant or equipment which has fast moving or rotating parts. |
Unfamiliar Workplace
As we work on a site we become more aware of the specific hazards associated with the site.
New sites require each worker to undertake a comprehensive site specific briefing and induction to highlight the hazards and risks associated with the unfamiliar workplace.
As we work on a site we become more aware of the specific hazards associated with the site.
New sites require each worker to undertake a comprehensive site specific briefing and induction to highlight the hazards and risks associated with the unfamiliar workplace.
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Take time to familiarise yourself with all the hazards that exist on the site or in the workplace. Make sure others are also familiar with the risks. Statistically, it has been proven that new entrants to the work force and new employees are those most at risk when entering a workplace or construction site. |
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Drugs and Alcohol
You have a responsibility to present yourself to the workplace in a fit state and ready to work.
If you are under the influence of drugs and or alcohol, you must not enter the site.
All responsible people, principal contractors and relevant persons must maintain a strict no drug / alcohol policy on their work site and remain vigilant in identifying anyone who is affect by drugs or alcohol.
Heat
Heat has been discussed with the other stressors, noise, vibration and cold.
Where possible, leave hot work till cooler periods of the day.
Employ fans or coolers as appropriate.
Drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) and be aware of the effects and onset of dehydration
Defective Tools and Plant
Be alert and on the lookout for faulty or defective equipment that could present a risk to yourself or other workers on the site.
Report and condemn any equipment or plant found to be faulty or any tool that is not suitable for the task being performed.
You have a responsibility to present yourself to the workplace in a fit state and ready to work.
If you are under the influence of drugs and or alcohol, you must not enter the site.
All responsible people, principal contractors and relevant persons must maintain a strict no drug / alcohol policy on their work site and remain vigilant in identifying anyone who is affect by drugs or alcohol.
Heat
Heat has been discussed with the other stressors, noise, vibration and cold.
Where possible, leave hot work till cooler periods of the day.
Employ fans or coolers as appropriate.
Drink plenty of fluids (preferably water) and be aware of the effects and onset of dehydration
Defective Tools and Plant
Be alert and on the lookout for faulty or defective equipment that could present a risk to yourself or other workers on the site.
Report and condemn any equipment or plant found to be faulty or any tool that is not suitable for the task being performed.