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Construction Work

What is Construction Work?​

Construction work means any work carried out in connection with the construction, alteration, conversion, fitting-out, commissioning, renovation, repair, maintenance, refurbishment, demolition, decommissioning or dismantling of a structure.

Common Examples:

  • Building houses, commercial buildings, infrastructure
  • Road and bridge construction
  • Drainage and sewerage systems
  • Demolition of structures
  • Scaffolding erection
  • Installing plant in structures
  • Site preparation and earthworks

What is High-Risk Construction Work?​

High-risk construction work (HRCW) requires a Safe Work Method Statement before work commences.

HRCW includes (WHS Reg 291):

  • Work where risk of fall >2 meters
  • Work on telecommunications towers
  • Work near energized electrical installations (>440V or underground cables)
  • Confined space work
  • Demolition work
  • Work involving disturbance of asbestos
  • Work on/near pressurized gas distribution mains
  • Diving work
  • Work in/near water or other liquid (drowning risk)
  • Work in shafts or tunnels
  • Use of explosives
  • Work on roads with traffic management required
  • Tilt-up and precast concrete erection

[!important] SWMS Required High-risk construction work must not commence until a SWMS has been prepared, reviewed with workers, and implemented.

Construction Projects​

Definition: Construction work where total cost ≥ $250,000.

Additional Requirements:

  • Principal contractor must be appointed
  • WHS Management Plan required
  • Site-specific induction for all workers
  • Coordination of multiple contractors

Who Has Duties?​

Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs)​

All Construction PCBUs:

  • Manage risks through risk management process
  • Consult, cooperate, coordinate with other duty holders
  • Provide information, training, supervision
  • Ensure workers have general construction induction (White Card)

If Carrying Out HRCW:

  • Prepare SWMS before work starts
  • Ensure workers follow SWMS
  • Review SWMS if circumstances change

Principal Contractor (Construction Projects ≥$250,000):

  • Prepare WHS Management Plan
  • Ensure plan implemented
  • Manage SWMS from other contractors
  • Provide site-specific induction
  • Coordinate WHS across site
  • Manage general workplace arrangements

Designers​

Must ensure structures, plant designed without WHS risks so far as reasonably practicable. Provide information about:

  • Purpose and design
  • Conditions/restrictions on use
  • Safe construction, use, maintenance, demolition

See Safe Design of Structures for detailed guidance.

Designer's duties to provide information to different duty holders

Workers​

Must:

  • Hold general construction induction card (White Card)
  • Follow SWMS
  • Use PPE as instructed
  • Report hazards and incidents
  • Take reasonable care for own and others' safety

Officers​

Exercise due diligence to ensure PCBU complies with WHS duties.

See Officer Duties for detailed requirements.

General Construction Induction Training (White Card)​

Who Needs It: Every worker on construction sites must hold valid general construction induction card.

Content Covers:

  • WHS rights and responsibilities
  • Hazards common to construction
  • Risk control measures
  • Emergency procedures
  • Importance of consultation

Validity:

  • Card valid across Australia
  • Issued after completing approved training course
  • Must be carried on site
  • No expiry date (current cards)

[!tip] Check White Cards Principal contractors should verify all workers have valid White Cards during site induction.

Site-Specific Induction​

Required for:

  • Construction projects (≥$250,000)
  • All workers entering site (including visitors)

Must Cover:

  • Site layout and emergency exits
  • Site-specific hazards and controls
  • Location of facilities (toilets, first aid, drinking water)
  • Emergency procedures
  • Key personnel and reporting structure
  • Site rules (PPE, permits, access restrictions)

Record Keeping: Maintain record of all workers inducted (name, date, signature).

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)​

See Safe Work Method Statements for comprehensive guidance.

Must Include:

  • Description of high-risk work
  • Identified hazards
  • Risk assessment
  • Control measures (following hierarchy of control)
  • How controls implemented
  • Monitoring and review procedures

Key Requirements:

  • Prepared before HRCW commences
  • Reviewed with workers before starting
  • Readily accessible during work
  • Reviewed if circumstances change
  • Kept until work is completed, or for 2 years if a notifiable incident occurs

WHS Management Plans​

See WHS Management Plans for comprehensive guidance.

Required for: Construction projects ≥$250,000

Must Include:

  • Health and safety arrangements for project
  • Consultation, cooperation, coordination mechanisms
  • Site-specific induction process
  • Incident and emergency management procedures
  • Monitoring and review processes

Common Construction Hazards​

Falls from Height​

Most common cause of construction fatalities.

Sources:

  • Roofs, edges, penetrations
  • Scaffolding
  • Ladders
  • Excavations

Controls: See Managing Risk of Falls for detailed guidance.

Mobile Plant and Vehicles​

Hazards:

  • Collision with workers or other plant
  • Rollover
  • Being struck by moving plant
  • Reversing incidents

Controls:

  • Separate pedestrians and vehicles (dedicated walkways)
  • Traffic management plan
  • Exclusion zones around operating plant
  • Spotters for reversing
  • Proximity detection systems
  • Trained/licensed operators

See Plant for detailed guidance.

Electrical​

Hazards:

  • Electric shock from damaged equipment, overhead/underground powerlines
  • Arc flash

Controls:

  • RCDs on all portable equipment
  • Test and tag portable tools
  • Locate underground services (Dial Before You Dig)
  • Maintain safe distances from overhead powerlines
  • Licensed electricians for electrical work

See Electrical Risks for detailed guidance.

Excavation​

Hazards:

  • Collapse of excavation walls
  • Falls into excavations
  • Underground services (gas, electricity, water)
  • Vehicles reversing near excavations

Controls: See Excavation Work for detailed guidance.

Confined Spaces​

Hazards:

  • Oxygen deficiency
  • Toxic/flammable atmospheres
  • Entrapment

Controls: See Confined Spaces for detailed guidance.

Noise​

Common Loud Equipment:

  • Concrete saws, grinders, jackhammers
  • Generators, compressors
  • Heavy plant

Controls: See Noise for detailed guidance.

Hazardous Substances​

Common Construction Substances:

  • Silica dust (concrete, masonry cutting)
  • Asbestos (in existing structures)
  • Paints, solvents, adhesives
  • Welding fumes

Controls:

  • Water suppression for dust
  • Proper ventilation
  • Respiratory protection
  • Health monitoring where required

See Silica Dust, Asbestos, Hazardous Chemicals.

Manual Handling​

Common Tasks:

  • Lifting materials (cement bags, bricks, timber)
  • Repetitive tasks (bricklaying, nailing)
  • Awkward postures

Controls: See Manual Handling for detailed guidance.

Workplace Management Arrangements​

Access and Egress​

  • Safe pedestrian access (separated from vehicles)
  • Stairs/ramps/ladders to different levels
  • Clear, well-lit pathways
  • Protected from falling objects

Housekeeping​

  • Clear walkways daily
  • Remove rubbish regularly
  • Store materials safely
  • Clean up spills immediately

Falling Objects​

  • Barricades and exclusion zones below overhead work
  • Mesh/screens on scaffolding
  • Tool lanyards for working at height
  • Hard hat areas clearly marked

Facilities​

See Work Environment and Facilities:

  • Toilets and washing (1 per 15 workers minimum)
  • Drinking water (ample, cool, clean)
  • Eating area (shelter, seating, away from contaminants)
  • First aid facilities
  • Protection from weather

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)​

Minimum Construction PPE:

  • Hard hat (AS/NZS 1801)
  • Safety boots with toe protection (AS/NZS 2210)
  • High-visibility clothing (day/night use as required)
  • Eye protection (for grinding, cutting, chipping)
  • Hearing protection (where noise >85dB)
  • Gloves (task-appropriate)

Task-Specific PPE:

  • Respirators (silica dust, welding fumes)
  • Fall arrest harnesses (working at heights)
  • Face shields (grinding, chemical splash)

[!important] PPE is Last Resort PPE does not eliminate hazards. Always implement higher-level controls first.

Emergency Planning​

Construction sites must have:

  • Emergency evacuation procedures
  • Assembly points
  • Fire extinguishers (appropriate types)
  • First aid kits and trained first aiders
  • Emergency contact numbers (displayed prominently)
  • Procedures for notifying emergency services

Emergency Drills: Conduct evacuation drills regularly (minimum quarterly for long projects).

See Emergency Planning for detailed guidance.

Consultation, Cooperation, Coordination​

Consultation​

Must consult with workers on:

  • Identifying hazards and assessing risks
  • SWMS development and review
  • Changes affecting WHS
  • Facilities and amenities

Methods:

  • Toolbox talks
  • Health and Safety Representatives
  • Safety committees
  • SWMS reviews

See Consultation Requirements.

Cooperation and Coordination​

Multiple PCBUs on site must:

  • Share WHS information
  • Coordinate activities to avoid creating risks
  • Inform each other of hazards and controls
  • Coordinate emergency response

Principal Contractor Role: Facilitates cooperation and coordination through WHS Management Plan.

See Cooperation and Coordination.

Incident Reporting and Investigation​

Notifiable Incidents: Must notify SafeWork NSW immediately (13 10 50) if:

  • Death
  • Serious injury/illness (hospitalization, amputation, etc.)
  • Dangerous incident (collapse, explosion, etc.)

Preserve Site: Do not disturb incident scene (except to help injured, make safe, or with regulator permission).

Investigate:

  • Identify immediate and underlying causes
  • Implement corrective actions
  • Review controls
  • Document findings

Practical Construction Example​

Scenario: Two-storey residential construction

Project Details​

  • Total cost: $450,000 (construction project)
  • Duration: 6 months
  • Peak workforce: 25 workers
  • Multiple contractors (builder, plumber, electrician, etc.)

WHS Management Structure​

Principal Contractor: Builder appointed, responsible for:

  • WHS Management Plan prepared
  • Site-specific induction program
  • Coordination of all contractors
  • Management of workplace arrangements

SWMS Required For:

  • Excavation (>1.5m deep)
  • Formwork and concrete pouring at height
  • Roof framing and sheeting (fall risk >2m)
  • Scaffolding erection
  • Electrical work near overhead powerlines

Site Setup​

Access:

  • Pedestrian gate separate from vehicle entry
  • Marked walkways
  • Temporary stairs to upper floor (handrails both sides)

Facilities:

  • 2 portable toilets
  • Drinking water cooler (iced in summer)
  • Lunch shed with tables
  • Hand washing station
  • First aid kit in site office

Signage:

  • Site entry sign (project details, emergency numbers)
  • Hard hat/hi-vis/safety boots mandatory
  • Exclusion zones (excavation, crane operations)
  • Emergency assembly point

Daily Site Management​

Morning:

  • Pre-start toolbox talk (hazards for the day, SWMS review)
  • White Card checks for new workers
  • Site-specific induction for first-time visitors
  • Pre-start plant inspections

During Day:

  • Supervisor monitors compliance with SWMS
  • Regular site inspections
  • Coordination meetings if multiple high-risk activities

End of Day:

  • Site cleanup
  • Secure site (fencing, lighting)
  • Lock away tools and materials

Results​

  • Zero lost-time injuries over 6-month project
  • Regular toolbox talks maintained awareness
  • Effective coordination prevented conflicts between trades
  • All SWMS followed, reviewed when conditions changed