Why is there so much paperwork in construction?
Construction is a heavily regulated industry, and for good reason. Construction workers are often exposed to a variety of potential hazards on the job site. To help protect workers, construction companies must comply with a host of safety regulations.
One way construction companies can meet these safety regulations is by having the proper safety-related paperwork in place. This paperwork helps ensure that workers are aware of potential hazards and know how to protect themselves. All paperwork should be readily available to workers and should be reviewed and updated as needed.
What safety-related paperwork do I need?
Job safety analysis (JSA)
A JSA is a document that identifies potential hazards associated with a job and outlines specific control measures to mitigate those hazards. A shorter, pre-task version is the Take 5 safety checklist.
Hazardous chemicals register
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) that uses, handles or stores hazardous chemicals at a workplace must prepare and keep a register of them, including the current safety data sheet for each chemical, and make it readily accessible to workers and anyone else likely to be affected (Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld), section 346).
Safety data sheets (SDSs)
SDSs provide information on the potential hazards of chemicals and other materials used on the job site. They also outline specific control measures to mitigate those hazards.
SWMSs (safe work method statements)
SWMSs detail the high risk work activities associated with a project and the controls that need to be in place to mitigate those risks.
Hazard report form
Hazard report forms are used to document potential hazards on the job site. These forms help construction companies track and address potential hazards in a timely manner.
Injury report
An injury report is a document that is used to record any injuries that occur on the job site. This information can be used to help improve safety on future projects. A report must be filed for every injury that occurs, no matter how minor.
Incident report
An incident report is a document that is used to record any incidents that occur on the job site. This information can be used to help improve safety on future projects.
What if I don’t have the proper safety-related paperwork?
If you don’t have the proper safety-related paperwork in place, you could be putting your workers at risk and you may also be subject to fines or other penalties.
We understand that dealing with paperwork can be time-consuming and frustrating. But when it comes to safety, it’s important to do things by the book.
Free construction safety paperwork templates
This Post Is Part Of A Series:101 Toolbox Topic Ideas For The Construction Industry
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Templates for this job
Ready-to-edit Word and Excel templates for Queensland workplaces.
