Common hazards that workers in this industry are exposed to include:

1. working at heights
2. vehicles
3. electricity
4. working near overhead power lines
5. lifting heavy objects
6. alcohol and drugs
7. hot and cold weather conditions.

Underlying causes of hazards and injuries in the construction industry;

1. Physical construction site – unlike a factory, construction work takes place in many and varied environments. Different sites can present a range of health risks, including existing ones like asbestos. The extent of these risks can also vary between areas of the same site.
2. The dynamic nature of the work – construction sites are constantly changing and a large number of trades may all be carrying out tasks potentially dangerous to their health and that of others.
3. Awareness of risk factors – there is generally a low awareness of health risks and the controls needed. It can take many years for serious ill health conditions to develop and the immediate consequence of a harmful workplace exposure may often be dismissed as not significant compared to the immediate impact of injuries caused by accidents.
4. Nature of employment – many workers are either self-employed, work for small companies, or frequently change employers. Others work away from home. These situations can make it problematical for workers to easily look after their own health and they often have little or no contact with occupational health professionals.

1. Site safety rules: Documenting the site-specific rules to provide direction on how people handle and carry themselves.
2. Emergency procedures and contacts: Every site should have an evacuation plan and emergency response procedures
3. Registered worker license details: As part of the construction sector permits, it is a requirement for site workers to have licenses and permits that allows them to work in the sector.
4. Hazard and incident report process: Incidents reporting, and therefore a system to keep up with the incidences is important.

On a large construction job, there can be many employers:

1. the main or principal contractor on the site (also called the ‘principal’) has overall responsibility for ensuring (as far as is reasonably practicable) a safe worksite and making sure there are proper facilities for workers.
2. individual sub-contractors working on the site are responsible for the workers under their control or direction, and must consult with the principal to manage safety.
3. Employers supplying and delivering goods to the site must comply with any safety directions made by the principal.

Workers must:

1. follow site safety rules and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
2. not put their workmates at risk
3. report any incidents or hazards to their supervisor
4. wear and look after any personal protective equipment connected with their work

With the potential for there to be many employers on busy construction site, the principal must make sure there’s a process for coordinating and sharing information with sub-contractors and their workers.

Toolbox meetings are a useful way to get everyone on site to understand and contribute to the management of risk.

It makes good sense to have documented:

1. site safety rules
2. emergency procedures and contacts
3. a register of worker’s white card/licence details
4. your hazard or incident reporting process.

You or your workers may need these licences to work in the construction industry: