Building and construction

Any house or building constructed or renovated prior to 1990 could contain asbestos.

Common incidents involving concrete placing equipment could include:

• workers being hit by a concrete line hose,
• concrete hoses bursting due to blockages,
• equipment hitting powerlines and scaffolding.

The common risks associated with cranes are loads falling or the crane hitting a building, powerlines, scaffold or persons.

Microscopic silica dust particles can settle deep in the lungs, causing serious illness and death. Crystalline silica laws changed in 2024 see the crystalline silica page for more.

Demolition work carries major risks. It can lead to structural collapses. Workers might also be exposed to dust, silica, and asbestos. There is also risk of hitting electrical lines.

Consideration should be given during the design phase for buildings and structures to eliminate or minimise risks to the health and safety of persons during the construction process.

The most common electrical risks include hitting overhead and underground powerlines, working on live equipment, and arc flashes. Consult with the supply authority and de-energise equipment before working near electricity. Don't do electrical work without a licence.

Operators of load-shifting equipment must be given adequate information, training, instruction and supervision to work safely.

In construction, materials can fall from cranes, scaffolds, or buildings. So, always secure them and set up protections.

Formwork involves major risks. These include falls through penetrations or platform edges, being hit by falling timbers or crane loads, formwork collapse and contact with powerlines.

Workers require a licence or permit to undertake certain activities in the workplace.

Manual tasks can turn into musculoskeletal disorders. This happens with repetition, high effort, sudden force, awkward positions, and vibration.

Construction sites pose mental health risks, not just physical ones. Harassment and bullying lower morale. High pressure leads to burnout. Traumatic events leave lasting effects. Violence is a significant threat. Recognising these risks is vital for safety.

Using your phone while on a construction site distracts you from being alert to hazards and risks around you.

There are many items of plant on construction sites that can be a risk to workers if not managed properly.

There are also specific laws around design, registration, supply and use.

Sexual harassment is a workplace hazard that can injure both the mind and body. It includes unwanted sexual advances, requests for favors, or any behavior that offends or intimidates.

The main risks with scaffold include falls from incomplete scaffolds, being hit by falling tools or materials and scaffold collapse. Tradies who don’t hold a scaffold licence must not erect, alter or dismantle a scaffold where the risk of a person or object falling is more than 4 metres.

You must use fall prevention devices E.G. temporary edge protection or scaffold when installing solar, even on a one-story house. Harness-based systems can only be used if edge protection or scaffold can't be installed.

Employers have a duty to ensure traffic is appropriately managed on their site Workers must have the SafeWork NSW Traffic Control Work Training Card if they work in traffic control.

Most serious and fatal falls are from roofs, ladders, scaffolds, voids and building edges and are from a height of less than 4 metres. WHS laws say you must protect workers from falling from one level to another – regardless of the height. You also need a safe work method statement (SWMS) for work above 2 metres. Fines may apply.

Keep your site safe with access to clean facilities and first aid, manage noise and changing environmental conditions and keep it secure when unattended.

Young workers who are new to construction can be more at-risk in your workplace. These workers may require additional supervision or information to work safely.