• Make the work and workplace safe by:
  • finding what is unsafe or unhealthy in the workplace and taking action to fix it
  • deciding what is the highest risk and needs to be fixed first, and how to go about fixing it
  • checking that the problem has been fixed and won't happen again
  • providing health and safety induction
  • training workers on how to do the work safely
  • providing appropriate safety gear
  • ensuring the waterproofing job has been planned properly.

Remember, everyone is responsible for workplace health and safety.

• Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008
• Risk Management Code of Practice 2007
• General building and construction
• Building and construction industry workplace health and safety guide (Orange book) (PDF, 432 kB)

• When working with hazardous materials make sure that you:
  • provide and make readily available to workers Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for substances classified as hazardous
  • provide a work method statement to the principal contactor when hazardous substances are being used on site and a copy of the substance's MSDS
  • label all hazardous substances (safety and risk phrases) and make sure workers read them
  • conduct and record risk assessments to identify hazardous substances and control the risks
  • eliminate or substitute the substance for a less harmful product
  • provide adequate ventilation
  • store substances safely and securely when not in use and store flammable and combustible liquids away from ignition sources
  • train workers in the safe handling of hazardous substances and what PPE to wear
  • do not store hazardous substances in food and/or drink containers
  • train workers in how to enter and exit a confined space safely.

• Part 16 - Hazardous substances, Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008
• Hazardous Substances Code of Practice 2003
• Hazardous materials
• Dangerous goods
• Confined spaces (PDF, 1.03 MB)

• Select and provide appropriate PPE for the work to be performed including:
  • safety helmets wherever there is a risk of objects falling from above and on any worksite where the hard hat sign is displayed (helmets should comply with AS1801- 1981 Industrial safety helmets)
  • PVC gloves when using waterproofing agents
  • high visibility safety vests or work shirts that comply with safety standards
  • eye protection if the worker is likely to be exposed to flying particles (dust, metal), chemical damage (toxic liquids, gasses and vapour dusts) or radiation damage (sunlight, infra red, laser)
  • respiratory protection (complying with AS1716 Respiratory protective devices) if the worker is likely to be exposed to toxic gases and vapours and irritating dusts, such as silica
  • hearing protection if exposed to dangerous noise levels (must comply with AS1270 Acoustics hearing protectors)
  • footwear which is comfortable, gives maximum grip and provides protection from pinching, jamming and crushing (AS2210 Safety footwear).
• Store and maintain PPE properly and signpost PPE areas.
• Ensure all workers wear PPE and are instructed in its proper use.
• Ensure workers have easy access to first aid kits and trained first aid personnel.

• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• First aid
• Risk Management Code of Practice 2007
• First Aid Code of Practice 2004

• Ensure work method statements are prepared for high risk activities such as:
  • using a hazardous substance
  • working in confined spaces
  • working at heights greater than two metres
  • activities performed on a roof with a pitch of more than 26 degrees
  • where the principal contractor concludes an activity could result in death or bodily harm.

• Part 20, Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008
• Safe work method statements

• Use mechanical and assistive equipment/devices (e.g. forklifts, trolleys, cranes) to reduce the force needed to lift, carry, move, hold or restrain material and tools.
• Adjust equipment to minimise bending, twisting and overreaching (e.g. adjust height of work platforms to avoid overreaching and bending).
• Change work practices or equipment to avoid repetitive actions or prolonged tasks (e.g. use power drills to avoid repetitive arm movements when using screwdrivers).
• Rotate workers through a variety of tasks so they are not undertaking the same task or holding the same postures for extended periods.
• Train workers about manual tasks and in the safe use of equipment and devices.

• Manual tasks
• Manual Tasks Code of Practice 2010
• An employer's guide to the Manual Tasks Code of Practice 2010 (PDF, 353 kB)
• Sprains and strains prevention (PDF, 503 kB)

• Ensure work is performed safely at heights and/or on uncompleted structures by:
  • installing handrails on stairways and ramps
  • providing good lighting in work areas
  • providing steps/ladders so that workers don't have to jump down from working at a height
  • ensuring there are no gaps in perimeter protection
  • securing and maintaining railings, fences and barriers around entrance holes
  • employing licensed riggers to perform rigging work.
• Supply only well designed safety belts and harnesses and ensure safety checks are completed on equipment before and after use to maintain integrity.

• Part 20, Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008
• Working at heights
• Slips, trips and falls prevention (PDF, 703 kB)
• Scaffolding
• Obligations for guard rail systems

• Identify and avoid overhead powerlines.
• Keep electrical equipment away from water.
• Secure and protect extension leads from damage.
• Check equipment and leads for damage before using.
• Don't use equipment that is damaged and label it accordingly.

• Electrical laws and penalties
• Electrical safety
• Electrical dangers and hazards
• Electrical Safety Act 2002 (PDF, 788 kB)
• Electrical Safety Regulation 2002 (PDF, 1 MB)

• Ensure:
  • principal contractor completes a safety plan before work commences to ensure worker and public safety on or near the site
  • adequate safety signs are visible and site fencing is erected
  • safety barricades are maintained and adequate for the environment and area
  • perimeter containment screening or exclusion zones are enforced
  • a traffic management plan is implemented.

• Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008
• Risk Management Code of Practice 2007

• Provide workers with:
  • sheltered meal areas
  • access to toilets (1 toilet for every 15 workers or part thereof)
  • hand and face washing facilities (separate from toilets)
  • access to potable, clean and cool drinking water
  • first aid equipment that is easily accessible, hygienic and appropriate for the size and complexity of the project.

• Schedule 13, Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 2008
• Workplace amenities

• Encourage workers to protect themselves from the sun by:
  • seeking shade where possible or erecting shelters/canopies
  • wearing clothing and polarised sun glasses or safety glasses with a 30+ ultraviolet protection factor
  • wearing long sleeves, long trousers and a hat
  • fitting wide brims and neck covers to safety helmets
  • applying 30+ sunscreen regularly as suggested by the manufacturer.

• Sun safety
• Sun safety and heat stress

• Promote clear policies and procedures that address bullying, harassment and work pressure, and enforce an effective issue reporting and resolution plan.
• Ensure all workers understand what bullying and harassment are and the procedure for reporting incidents (e.g. explain policies and procedures during induction).
• Provide post-incident care, including counselling and support.
• Monitor work demands and control fatigue.
• Provide support systems for talking about tough situations at work.
• Ensure role expectations and work structures are clear particularly through times of change.
• Ensure workers have the appropriate skills to meet the demands of the job including how to manage traumatic events.
• Ensure work procedures are applied consistently and in an unbiased manner.
• Provide positive reinforcement, recognition and reward.

• Overview of occupational stress (PDF, 339 kB)
• A risk management approach to occupational stress (PDF, 174 kB)
• Implementing an occupational stress risk management process (PDF, 240 kB)
• Risk factors for occupational stress (PDF, 226 kB)

• Consider the tasks you give to new and young workers, given their skills, abilities and experience.
• Train and supervise new and young workers by:
  • making it easy for them to ask questions - don't assume they will ask
  • providing and showing workers how to wear and use any equipment safely
  • showing workers how to report any safety concerns or hazards
  • helping workers get to know the workplace layout, their immediate supervisor, health and safety representative and workmates.

• For New and Young Workers and their Employers (PDF, 774 kB)
• Children and Young Workers Code of Practice 2006
• Young workers

• Wear appropriate PPE for the job being done.
• Follow safe work procedures implemented by your employer.
• Make sure you are trained to do the job safely.
• Be aware that if you wear contact lenses this could pose a hazard as they can absorb and concentrate irritants.

• Health and safety information for construction
• Personal protective equipment