Occupational health and safety in the construction sector

The construction industry is a hazardous industry in which to work. Many hazards relate to the physical work processes, equipment and materials used in construction work. However, there is an increasing focus on hazards arising from the ways that construction projects are designed and delivered, and that construction work is organised and managed. Client organisations are increasingly recognising a need to become more active and to use their purchasing power to shape improvements in OH&S performance. The consideration of construction OH&S in the pre-construction and design stages of projects can also improve the quality of risk controls implemented during the construction stage. At the local worksite, effective frontline supervision is critically important to ensuring the physical work undertaken by subcontractors is well managed and OH&S requirements are met. Participatory forms of management are also helpful to identify work process improvements, drawing on workers’ practical knowledge and worksite experience.