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WHS Resource 06
Critical
Construction
Hazards
Construction
Hazards
Identify which critical hazards apply to each project and prove that the controls that must not fail are in place, checked and followed through.
Accreditation readiness
Critical controls in practice
Strong systems prove the controls that must not fail are in place.
Having a SWMS or generic hazard procedure on file is not enough. Stronger systems identify which Hazard Criteria apply to the project and show that critical controls are selected, implemented, physically checked and maintained as conditions change.
Applicable
Hazard Criteria are identified for the actual scope of work.
Specific
HIRAC, SWMS and permits reflect the task, location, sequence and interfaces.
Engineered
Current approved design and temporary works information is available and followed.
Verified
Critical controls are physically checked before and during work.
Followed through
Defects and changes trigger stop, review, close-out and effectiveness checks.
RISK
Hazard by hazard
Know which hazards apply and what must be verified.
Open a hazard to compare weak and stronger practice and see what to check on site. Not every Hazard Criterion applies to every project, so start with what is relevant to your scope.
Weak / informal practice
The same hazard checklist is used on every project.
Accreditation-ready practice
The project identifies applicable Hazard Criteria from its scope, HIRAC, design, methods and site conditions.
Check on site
What critical construction hazards are present today and which controls must not fail?
Weak / informal practice
A SWMS and harnesses are available.
Accreditation-ready practice
Falls are eliminated or minimised using higher-order controls, and access, edge protection, scaffolds/EWPs and rescue arrangements are verified.
Check on site
Observe height work. Are access, edge, scaffold or EWP controls and rescue arrangements consistent with the safe system?
Weak / informal practice
Formwork or scaffold information is filed.
Accreditation-ready practice
Design/engineering, erection and dismantling, stability, inspection and handover requirements are current and followed.
Check on site
Check current design/engineering, erection or dismantling status, stability and inspection/handover evidence.
Weak / informal practice
A permit or service plan exists.
Accreditation-ready practice
Ground support, falls, access, underground services, plant interaction and inspection controls reflect current excavation conditions.
Check on site
Verify collapse and fall controls, service information, access and plant exclusion or interaction controls.
Weak / informal practice
Test and tag records are available.
Accreditation-ready practice
Electrical supply, temporary installations, RCDs, leads/equipment, exclusion and inspection/testing controls are managed for actual site conditions.
Check on site
Check temporary supply and equipment condition, RCD/testing controls and safe use in the actual work area.
Weak / informal practice
Plant is registered and operators are licensed.
Accreditation-ready practice
Plant risk, onboarding, inspection/maintenance, competency, traffic management, exclusion and pedestrian interaction are controlled and observed in the field.
Check on site
Verify plant onboarding, prestart and maintenance, operator competency, traffic and exclusion controls.
When a control fails
Stop, review and follow through.
Defects, missing controls and changed conditions should trigger a clear response that ends with a verified control, not an administrative close-out.
01
Stop
Missing controls, defects or changed conditions pause the affected work.
02
Review
Revisit the HIRAC, SWMS or permit against the actual task, sequence and conditions.
03
Escalate
Raise material or repeated failures to the people who can authorise change and restart.
04
Close out
Assign and correct the issue, then reinspect before work continues.
05
Verify
Confirm the control is restored and effective, not just closed on paper.
Accreditation readiness
Evidence should trace one hazard from risk assessment to the field.
Start with the systems and records you already have. Select one applicable critical hazard on an active project and trace it from the project HIRAC and Hazard Criteria, through design, SWMS and permit requirements, to field verification, corrective-action close-out and review.
This resource supports OFSC accreditation readiness. It does not replace State or Territory WHS/OHS legislation and does not guarantee accreditation.
Practical resource
Ready to strengthen control of critical construction hazards?
Download the Critical Construction Hazards Accreditation Readiness Workbook and use the readiness check, practical tools and action plan to focus your next steps.
Download here
→