Construction sites can be dangerous places if safety is not taken into account. There are many things that need to be done in order to keep everyone safe, from the workers to the pedestrians. In this blog post, we will discuss who is responsible for safety on a construction site and what they need to do in order to keep everyone safe!
Who is legally responsible for safety in construction?
The Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995 (Qld) places significant obligations on “principal contractors” to ensure the safety of persons on a construction site.
A “principal contractor”, in relation to a construction project, is defined in the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) as a person who:
a) carries out construction work; and
b) controls or coordinates the carrying out of construction work at a workplace.
As a result, principal contractors have a range of obligations under the Act, including the duty to:
a) ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the health and safety of workers and other persons is not put at risk from the carrying out of construction work; and
b) consult with workers who carry out construction work for the principal contractor.
These duties are in addition to the general duty under the Act, which requires all PCBUs (person conducting a business or undertaking) to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and other persons
If you are a PCBU who carries out construction work, or are thinking about carrying out construction work, you should be aware of your obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth). You should also consult with workers who will be carrying out construction work for you, to ensure that they are aware of the hazards and risks associated with the work and how these can be controlled.
What is a work health and safety officer responsible for?
A Work Health and Safety Officer is responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of safety programs in the workplace. They also investigate accidents and incidents, as well as provide training on health and safety topics. In addition, they may be required to liaise with other agencies to ensure that the workplace is compliant with health and safety laws.
How to keep workers safe in construction:
- Have a clear plan:
All workers should know what their roles and responsibilities are, as well as what the hazards are. The project manager is responsible for creating this plan and making sure that everyone understands it.
- Follow the plan:
Once the plan is in place, it is up to the workers to follow it. They need to be aware of the hazards and take precautions to avoid them. If something does happen, they should know what to do in order to minimize the damage and keep everyone safe.
- Be aware of the environment:
In addition to the workers, there are also other people who need to be considered when it comes to safety on a construction site. Pedestrians, for example, need to be aware of the dangers that construction sites pose. They should stay away from areas where work is taking place and be careful not to get in the way of any vehicles or equipment.
The bottom line is that health and safety on a construction site is the responsibility of management, health and safety officers, and everyone else involved. By following the safety plan, being aware of the hazards and taking responsibility for your own safety, you can help to make sure that the site is a safe place for everyone.
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