2. This course covers fundamental occupational health and safety knowledge required to
undertake work tasks within any sector in the construction industry.
The course covers:
• Duty of care and other legislative requirements
• The identification of hazardous materials, including asbestos
• Risk Assessment
• Selection and application of safe work practices
• Emergency Response
After completing this course participants will have a basic knowledge of OHS
legislative requirements, particularly as they apply to the roles and
responsibilities of a professional involved in the construction industry.

3. OHS Legislation are laws and guidelines to help keep your workplace safe.
These can be broken down into four main types:
Acts
Laws to protect the health, safety and welfare of people at work
Regulations
Work with the Act to give more details or information on particular parts of the Act.
Codes of Practice
Are practical instructions on how to meet the terms of the Law.
Australian Standards
Give you the minimum levels of performance or quality for a hazard,
work process or product.
It is Important that you are familiar with the OHS laws that exist in your
state or territory. Each state in Australia has its own OHS legislation and
regulations that must be followed.

4. The following OHS Legislative Requirements will affect the way that you work
in the construction industry:
• Australian Standards
• Construction Industry OHS Standards and Guidelines
• Duty of Care
• Health and Safety Representatives, Committees and Supervisors
• Licences, Tickets or Certificates of Competency
• National safety standards
• OHS and Welfare Acts and regulations
• Safety Codes of Practice.
Talk to your OHS officer or representative if you have any
questions about legislative requirements

5. Both you and your employer have a legal responsibility under duty of care to do everything
reasonably practicable to protect others from harm in the workplace.
Duty of care applies to:
•Employers and self-employed persons,
•Persons in control of the work site,
•Supervisors,
•Manufacturers and suppliers,
•Workers,
•Subcontractors and inspectors.
Your own responsibilities are to comply with safe work practices, including activities that require
licences, tickets or certificates of competency. You should take reasonable care to protect the health
and safety of yourself and others through your actions at work.
Your employer’s responsibility is to provide a safe working environment, systems, equipment,
facilities, information, instruction and training. This safe environment should also extend to
protecting members of the public or visitors to the construction site.

6. Safe work practices are methods that must be implemented to make sure a
job is carried out as safely as possible.
Safe work practices include:
• Day to day observation of OHS policies and procedures
• Emergency procedures
• Risk assessment
• Use of basic fire-fighting equipment

7. Safe work practices are governed by legislative requirements and workplace procedures
Safe work practices relate to:
• Access to site amenities, such as drinking water and toilets
• Drugs and alcohol at work
• General requirements for safe use of plant and equipment
• General requirements for use of personal protective equipment and clothing
• Housekeeping to ensure a clean, tidy and safer work area
• Preventing bullying and harassment
• Smoking in designated areas
• Storage and removal of debris.
Safe work practices should be referred to, and documented, when completing Safe
Work Method Statements as a guideline for how to carry out a task safely.

8. All procedure and OHS documentation including hazard reports, risk assessments, safe work method
statements and incident reports must be developed, completed and reference relevant site and
construction industry information including:

9. An MSDS is a document containing important information about a hazardous chemical (which may be
hazardous substance and/or dangerous goods) and must state:
•A hazardous substance's product name
•The chemical and generic name of certain ingredients
•The chemical and physical properties of the hazardous substance
•Health hazard information
•Precautions for safe use and handling
•The manufacturer’s or importer's name, Australian address and telephone number.
The MSDS provides employers, self-employed persons, workers and other health and safety representatives
with the necessary information to safely manage the risk from hazardous substance exposure.
It is important that everyone in the workplace knows how to read and interpret a MSDS.

10. In respect of MSDS and labels, employers and self-employed
persons must:
• Obtain an MSDS of a hazardous substance from the supplier.
• Keep a register containing a list of all hazardous substances used at
the workplace and put a copy of any MSDS obtained in the register.
• Take reasonable steps to ensure the MSDS is not changed other
than by the manufacturer or importer.
• Keep the MSDS close to where the substance is being used.
• Ensure a label is fixed to a hazardous substance container.
• Ensure warnings are given about enclosed systems containing
hazardous substances.

11. A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) details how specific hazards and risks, related to the
task they are completing, will be managed and is developed by the employer for their employees
or by a sub-contractor.
They fulfill a number of objectives:
• They outline a safe method of work for a specific job.
• They provide an induction document that workers must read and understand before
starting the job.
• They assist in meeting legal responsibilities for the risk management process, hazard
identification, risk assessment and risk control.
• They assist in effectively coordinating the work, the materials required, the time required
and the people involved to achieve a safe and efficient outcome.
• They are a quality assurance tool.

12. Completing a SWMS:
1. Break the job down into logical steps taking into consideration what is required to be achieved by the
task.
2. Against each step, identify the workplace hazards in this activity i.e. the ways that a person [or plant]
could be injured or harmed [or damaged] during each step.
3. Decide on measures required to mitigate hazards. i.e. what could be done to make the job safer and
prevent the injuries or harm that may occur.
4. Identify roles and responsibilities for actions and outcomes to make ensure risk controls are carried out
and supervision of the process occurs.
5. Ensure the SWMS is fully understood by all workers prior to commencing the task.
“A SWMS must be prepared in consultation with those people who will be doing the job.”

13. The Safe Work Method Statement must be available for inspection at
any given time.
It must also be reviewed each year and amended if necessary.
Safe Work Method Statements may also be referred to as Safe Work Procedures (SWP) or Job Safety
Analysis (JSA).

14. A RISK is the chance of a hazard hurting you or somebody else or causing some damage.
A HAZARD is the thing or situation that causes injury, harm or damage.
For example:
Using chemicals without the appropriate
protective equipment is creating a hazard
and increasing the risk of injury or harm.
If you can remove or at least control a HAZARD you can reduce the RISK involved.
This is known as RISK MANAGEMENT

15. Risk management is the process of reducing or managing the risks when working with or with a hazard
or in a hazardous situation.
Risk management is made up of the following stages:
1. Hazard Identification
2. Risk Assessment
3. Consultation and Reporting
4. Hazard Control
5. Review

16. Risk Management must be conducted in accordance with:
• Legislative, organisation and site requirements/procedures
• Australian Standards (AS/NSZ 4360 – 2004)
• Codes of Practice
• Employment and workplace relations legislation
• Equal employment opportunity and disability legislation

17. Each worksite has its own specific hazards. A site induction
needs to inform you if any of these hazards exist on site. Some
of these hazards can be removed through staff training, better
equipment and safe work methods. Talk to the OHS officer for
more information.
Each specific worksite will have risk management procedures,
safety systems and information, and procedures for
communication, reporting and record keeping. Before
conducting a risk assessment at a work site, check to see what
systems and procedures are in place as they may affect the
outcomes of the risk assessment.

18. Hazards that you are likely to have to deal with in the construction industry include:
• Chemical spills • Manual handling
• Electrical safety work in confined spaces • Moving machinery and equipment
• Excavations, including trenches • Noise, dust and vapours
• Falling objects • Overhanging beams
• Fires • Protrusions
• Gases • Sharp equipment
• Hazardous materials • Traffic
• High or very low temperatures • Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• HIV and other infectious diseases • Unplanned collapse
• Liquids under pressure • Working at heights

19. Hazardous substances, dangerous goods, combustible liquids and lead are examples of hazardous
materials classified according to their relevance to workplace health and safety.
Hazardous materials can cause adverse health effects such as severe poisoning, asthma, skin rashes,
allergic reactions, allergic sensitisation, cancer, and other long term diseases from exposure to
substances as well as physical effects such as fire, explosion, release of hazardous gases and
corrosion.
Hazardous materials include many commonly found industrial, commercial,
pharmaceutical, agricultural and domestic chemicals.

21. It is important to understand the HAZCHEM code system when inspecting a work site.
The number indicates the type of medium used:
1 = the use of solid streams of water
2 = the use of a water fog or fine water spray
3 = the use of a water-based foam
4 = the use of a dry agent such as a dry chemical powder
You may use a higher number classification than the one indicated but not a lower one (e.g. a 2
would mean you could use water fog/fine water spray, water based foam or a dry agent. You
could NOT use solid streams of water).

22. The first letter indicates the risk of violent reaction or explosion type of Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) to be worn and whether the substances should be contained or diluted.
Violent reaction
P, S, W, Y = A violent reaction or explosion may occur
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
P, R, W X = a full chemical protection suit and breathing apparatus should
be worn.
S, T, Y, Z = breathing apparatus only needs to be worn
Dilute or Contain
P, R, S, T = Substance should be diluted
W, X, Y, Z = Substance should be contained

23. White letters on a black background indicate that
breathing apparatus should be worn only if the
substance is involved in a fire
There may be a letter E after the first letter. This
indicates that evacuation of other personnel in the
area should be considered.

24. Class 1 Explosives
Class 2 Gases (flammable, non-flammable, toxic)
Class 3 Flammable liquids
Class 4 Flammable solids (substances liable to spontaneous combustion, and substances that emit flammable
gases when wet)
Class 5 Oxidising substances (oxidising agents and organic peroxides)
Class 6 Toxic and infectious substances
Class 7 Radioactive material
Class 8 Corrosive substances
Class 9 Miscellaneous dangerous substances

25. Some common dangerous goods codes you may see on containers are:

26. Product specifications are written information describing important data
about a product such as:
• Hazards and hazard control measures
• Safety requirements
• Material requirements, targets and tolerances
• Environmental requirements
• Specific uses and limitations
• Storage
• Disposal
• Technical information and drawings
• Quality control and performance testing

27. Materials are classified as dangerous goods if they meet the criteria established by the
United Nations and documented in Australia by the Australian Dangerous Goods Code.
Hazardous substances and dangerous goods are chemicals for
which a manufacturer or importer must prepare, amend, provide
and review a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS).

28. You need to be able to detect asbestos-containing materials commonly used in
buildings and construction materials as part of working in the construction industry.
Listed here are some examples of Asbestos-Containing Materials:
• Asbestos rope/fabrics
• Asbestos cement sheeting
• Asbestos cement piping and lagging on pipes
• Bituminous waterproof membrane
• Fire doors
• Electrical switchboards
• Millboard
• Sheeting under ceramic or vinyl floor tiles in wet areas.

29. Any identified ACM must be reported to designated personnel including:
• Designated safety officers who have undertaken specific safety response training
• Managers or other senior personnel
• Personnel competent and or licensed in the safe handling of asbestos
• Supervisors
• Or in accordance with the Asbestos Management Code.
Do not use the following equipment near identified asbestos-containing materials:
• High-speed abrasive power and pneumatic tools
• High-pressure water cleaners
• Compressed air or abrasive blasting
• Any vacuum cleaning equipment that is not specifically designed for safe work with asbestos.

30. All of these types of equipment can cause the asbestos fibres to become
airborne and risk the chance of asbestos poisoning of nearby personnel.

31. Once a hazard has been identified check for
any existing procedural documentation, or
workplace procedure or policy, which
describes how to eliminate or control the
hazard.
Talk to other workers, your manager,
supervisor, team leader or health & safety rep
to find out if the hazard has already been
addressed, and what techniques area
available to you to resolve it.
If you find that there is no documentation or
guideline in place to resolve an identified
hazard, you need to assess the risk associated
with the hazard and identify a feasible course
of action to deal with it.

32. Risk assessment is made up of 3 factors:
• Probability
• Consequence CONSEQUENCE
• Risk Level PROBABILITY
Insignificant Minor Moderate Major Severe
Almost certain M H H VH VH
Using a table similar to
the one shown here you Likely M M H H VH
can assess how high the
risk is, and how soon
Possible L M H H VH
you should act to
remove or control the
hazard. Unlikely L L M M H
Rare L L M M M

33. Risk level Required action
Act immediately:
The proposed task or process activity must not proceed. Steps must be taken to
Very high
lower the risk level to as low as reasonably practicable using the hierarchy of risk
controls.
Act today:
The proposed activity can only proceed, provided that:
(i)the risk level has been reduced to as low as reasonably
(ii)practicable using the hierarchy of risk controls;
High (ii) the risk controls must include those identified in legislation, Australian
Standards, Codes of Practice etc.
(iii) the risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by the Supervisor and
(iv) a Safe Working Procedure or Safe Work Method has been prepared.
(v) The supervisor must review and document the effectiveness of the
implemented risk controls.
Act this week:
The proposed task or process can proceed, provided that:
(i) the risk level has been reduced to as low as reasonably practicable using the
Medium
hierarchy of risk controls;
(ii) the risk assessment has been reviewed and approved by the Supervisor and
(iii) a Safe Working Procedure or Safe Work Method has been prepared.
Act this month:
Low Managed by local documented routine procedures which must include
application of the hierarchy of controls.

34. The Hierarchy of Hazard Control is the name given to a range of control methods used to eliminate or control
hazards in the workplace. The Hierarchy has 6 levels:
This is the best kind of hazard control. Eliminating or removing the hazard completely reduces any risk
1. Elimination connected to it. An example of eliminating a hazard would be removing dangerous materials from the
site, or repairing defective equipment.
This is where you swap a dangerous work method or situation for one that is less dangerous. An
2. Substitution example of this would be to use a groups of people to move an item instead of trying to move it on
your own (where the item cannot be broken down into smaller loads).
This is where you isolate the hazard. This might mean fencing off an area or restricting access
to the hazard in some other way.
3. Isolation
This is where you use an engineering or mechanical method of doing the job. An example would be
4. Engineering using a piece of equipment to move a load instead of moving it by hand, installing ventilation.
This is where site rules and policies attempt to control a hazard. It can include working in
5. Administrative / teams, setting specific break times and frequent rotations for repetitive work or using signage
Safe Work Practices to warn of hazards.
This is your last line of defense and should be used in conjunction with other hazard control
6. Personal
methods. PPE includes any safety equipment worn on your body. Workplaces often have
Protective
mandatory PPE requirements to go on site.
Equipment
Hazards should be re-assessed after the implementation of control measures to review if the risk has been
reduced enough

35. Coming up with a way of controlling hazards includes talking to the people with knowledge of the situation, or
who are directly effected by any action you take.
You should always talk to any workers
involved in the hazard control
measures as well as the OHS officer or
supervisor.
Controlling a hazard can be a team effort and its important that everybody knows what they need to do and
how/if they need to change their work process to suit.

36. These resources could include:
• New or different equipment
• Staff training
• More personnel
• Creation of procedures and instructions
• Fencing or traffic control
Once you have reviewed the possible control strategies for dealing with a hazard and decided
on an approach that is appropriate and feasible you need to see that the control measure is
implemented properly.
Plan out, in detail, the steps required to implement the control strategies. Consult with other
workers and management to ensure the implementation is done correctly and does not have a
negative bearing on other trades, procedures or workers.

37. Once a Hazard Control Strategy is in place you should
review the situation to see if the risk has been reduced to
a safer level, and if there is more you can do to reduce
the risk. Often a number of strategies need to be used
together to reduce risk.
Make sure you record any action you have
taken and talk to your supervisor and OHS
officer about the control strategies in place.

38. LOCATE RELEVANT PROCEDURAL DOCUMENTATION BEFORE YOU START
Obtain any existing documentation and/or
complete a Safe Work Method Statement
outlining the job, hazards, hazard controls,
equipment and tools required to complete
the task.
You may need to refer to Material Safety
Data Sheets and existing Safe Work
Method Statements / Job Safety Analysis.

39. Depending on the job being carried out the PPE requirements may differ. PPE in the construction industry could include:
• Aprons
• Arm guards
• Caps
• Dust mask/respirators
• Ear muffs/plugs
HEARING PROTECTION EYE PROTECTION FOOT PROTECTION
MUST BE WORN
• Gloves IN THIS AREA
MUST BE WORN
IN THIS AREA
MUST BE WORN
IN THIS AREA
• Hard hats
WWW.SAFEWORKSIGNS.COM WWW.SAFEWORKSIGNS.COM WWW.SAFEWORKSIGNS.COM
• High visibility retro reflective vests
• Jackets
• Overalls
HI-VIS
• Safety glasses/goggles HARD HAT HAND PROTECTION
MUST BE WORN CLOTHING
AREA IN THIS AREA REQUIRED
• Steel capped boots WWW.SAFEWORKSIGNS.COM WWW.SAFEWORKSIGNS.COM WWW.SAFEWORKSIGNS.COM
• UV protective clothing and Sunscreen.
Follow the requirements of any mandatory signage before entering the work site. All PPE must be fitted, worn and used correctly
to achieve the maximum benefit. Make sure all PPE selected is used according to site and workplace procedures.

40. Make sure the work area is adequately isolated from other workers and
pedestrians before starting. Install / erect any barricades and signage to warn
others that you are going to be working in the area, and where applicable
and requirements of entry (e.g. personal protective equipment) and hazards
that exist in the work area.

41. While carrying out the construction work you need to
make sure all work is carried out according to site
approved safe work practices and the approved Safe
Work Method Statement.
If you are using plant and equipment you need to make
sure that all guards and safety devices are properly
installed and operational before using the equipment.
Check the manufacturer’s specifications for instructions
and information of safety devices and equipment guards.
Remember, all work carried out must be done in a
manner that is safe for operators, other personnel and
the general community in accordance with legislative
requirements and workplace policies and procedures.

42. Danger Signs Warning Signs Prohibition Signs Mandatory Signs
AS 1319 specifies that these AS 1319 specifies that these AS 1319 specifies these signs AS 1319 specifies these signs
signs are to be used where signs warn of conditions that are to have a red annulus and shall be a blue disc with the Site safety, directional, traffic and warning signs
conditions are likely to be life are NOT likely to be life slash symbol on a white symbol in white. The word
threatening. The sign is to threatening if the message is background. They indicate MUST is usually contained in and symbols
incorporate the word Danger in ignored. The symbol used is a actions or activities that are not the message.
white letters on a red oval yellow equilateral triangle with permitted.
shape inside a black rectangle. a black enclosure.
Emergency Signs Fire Signs Hazchem Signs Safety tags & lockout systems
AS 1319 specifies these signs AS 1319 - 1994 refers to fire signs AS 1216 - 1995 specifies the relevant
which are covered in AS 2444 - 1995. "designs, layout and size". These
shall comprise of a white
These signs indicate the location of signs are prescribed in the
symbol or text on a green fire alarms and fire fighting "Australian Dangerous Goods Code"
rectangle with white enclosure. equipment. Signs shall comprise a and various State Government
These signs indicate the red rectangle sign with a white "Dangerous Goods, Storage and
location or direction to legend and enclosure. Handling Regulations".
emergency related facilities and
first aid or safety equipment.

43. Clean up any rubbish you
make as you go to help
prevent tripping
accidents, or accidents
caused by flying debris.

44. Dispose of any debris
properly without
impacting negatively
on the environment.
Make sure all
materials are collected
and removed
properly.

45. WHAT IS AN INCIDENT?
An accident resulting in personal injury or damage to property or, A near miss or dangerous occurrence which does not cause injury but
may pose an immediate and significant risk to persons or property, and needs to be reported so that action can be taken to prevent
recurrence.
 Breathing apparatus malfunctioning to the extent that the user's health is in danger
 Collapse of the floor, wall or ceiling of a building being used as a workplace
 Collapse or failure of an excavation more than 1.5 metres deep (including any shoring)
 Collapse or partial collapse of a building or structure
 Collapse, overturning or failure of the load bearing of any scaffolding, lift, crane, hoist or mine-winding equipment
 Damage to or malfunction of any other major plant
 Electric shock
 Electrical short circuit, malfunction or explosion
 Uncontrolled explosion, fire or escape of gas, hazardous substance or steam
 Any other unintended or uncontrolled incident or event arising from operations carried on at a workplace.
ALL INCIDENTS MUST BE REPORTED!

46. Construction Site Emergencies may include:
• Fire DIAL ‘000’ IF
• Gas leak THERE IS AN
• Toxic and/or flammable vapours emission
EMERGENCY
• Vehicle/machine accident
• Chemical spill
• Injury to personnel
• Structural collapse

47. In the case of an emergency:
1. Remain calm
2. Raise the alarm with your supervisor and/or first aid officer
3. Get help from emergency services (Dial 000)
4. Evacuate if necessary (refer to site emergency plans)
When calling emergency services (Dial 000) let the operator know the following
details:
1. Where the emergency is
2. What has happened
3. What is being done to solve the emergency
4. Your name
Do not hang up the phone until you have been given instructions on how to
proceed.

48. An example of an evacuation procedure may be:
• Prepare to evacuate when the alarm is raised or when directed by a warden
• Leave your worksite in a safe condition
• Close the doors if there is a fire – DO NOT lock them
• Help anyone in immediate danger
• Leave the work area via the nearest safe route
• Follow all directions from wardens and emergency services personnel
• Move calmly to the nearest assembly point
• Wait for the all clear before returning to the work area

49. In the event of a leak, spill or uncontrolled release of a hazardous material, emergency procedures
should be established to enable the source of a release to be safely identified and repairs to be made.
Everyone not directly affected by the emergency should be excluded from the area of contamination.
Emergency procedures may include special treatment in the workplace of affected workers where
this is indicated in the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Where medical treatment is subsequently
sought, the MSDS should also be made available to the medical practitioner.

50. First Aid kits must be supplied by your employer. The location
of these kits should be clearly marked with signage.
In the case of an emergency where somebody requires first
aid notify your supervisor or first aid officer and they will take
action.

51. The Recovery Position
This is the best position for a casualty who is unconscious and breathing. It keeps their airway open and
allows any vomit to drain onto the floor, so they don't choke on it.
1. Place arm nearest you at a right angle.
2. Move the other arm, as shown, with the back
of their hand against their cheek. Then get hold
of the knee furthest from you and pull up until
foot is flat on the floor.
3. Pull the knee towards you, keeping the
person's hand pressed against their cheek, and
position the leg at a right angle.
4. Make sure that the airway remains open by
tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Check
breathing.
5. Monitor the casualty's condition until help arrives.

52. DR. ABCD is the acronym given
to the stages of a first aid action
plan. The following slides will
review each of these stages.

53. 1. Danger
Check the surrounding area and make sure it’s safe for you, the injured person
and others in the area.
Do this by looking, listening and smelling.
2. Response
Check the patient’s responses by talking and touching them (squeezing their
shoulders). If the patient responds, make them comfortable and check them for
any injuries. If you don’t get a response call 000 immediately.
3. Airway
If you don’t get a response from the patient, open their mouth and check that
the airway is clear.
a) If blocked with an object –place them in the recovery position and clear out
the obstruction with your finger.
b) If clear, (Adults and Children) open their mouth and gently tilt their head
backwards.
c) If clear, (Infants) open by keeping head in line with their body.

54. 4. Breathing
While keeping the airways open, look, listen and feel for normal breathing signs.
a) If they are breathing normally, roll into the recovery position and call for emergency service (dial
000).
b) If they are NOT breathing normally, dial 000. Pinch their nose and seal their mouth with yours
and blow until their chest gently rises. Give 2 rescue breaths (1 second each) and check for signs of
life.
If they do not respond to the rescue breaths immediately begin CPR.
5. CPR - 2 Breaths & 30 Compressions
Pinch their nose and seal their mouth with yours and blow until their chest gently rises. Give 2
rescue breaths (1 second each)
Combine rescue breaths with chest compressions. Push down on the middle of their chest
(between the nipples) 30 times to 1/3 chest depth. Compress at a rate of 100/min (faster than 1
per second)
DO NOT STOP until emergency help arrives. Only stop to recheck the patient if they start
breathing normally.
6. Defibrillation
Apply a Defibrillator (if available) following the instructions or on-screen prompts of the unit.

55. Breathing Apparatus Fire Blanket Fire Extinguisher Fire Hose Reel
A self contained breathing Fire Blankets are ideal for Portable Fire Extinguishers can Fire Hose Reels provide a
apparatus (SCBA) is a device settings where small Class F save lives and property by reasonably accessible and
worn by rescue workers, fires are a risk such as in putting out or containing fires controlled supply of water to
firefighters, and others to kitchens or wherever oils or within the capability of the combat a potential Class A fire
provide breathable air in fats are exposed to potential extinguisher. However, they risk. All Fire Hose Reels must
situations with an immediate ignition. They can also be used must be of the correct type for comply to Australian Standard
Danger to Life and Health if a person’s clothing has the particular fire, and they AS/NZS1221.
caught fire. must be used correctly.

57. Depending on the nature and severity of the situation you may need to report to:
• Your supervisor
• Emergency services (e.g. police, ambulance, fire brigade and emergency rescue)
• OHS regulatory authority (e.g. WorkSafe, WorkCover)
Ask your OHS representative, supervisor at the site office for the
relevant forms and procedures for reporting hazards, incidents
and injuries.

58. Incident report forms are available for recording the details of incidents in the workplace: