WHS and safety
Work Health and Safety Acts, SWMS, high-risk construction work, principal contractor duties, incident reporting.
104 entries
Concrete pump operation on residential sites in Australia
How concrete pump operators, AS 2550 plant rules and remote stop devices apply to residential pours in Australia under the model WHS Regulations.
Confined space entry on residential builds in Australia
Pump pits, septic tanks and roof voids often meet the WHS definition of a confined space on residential sites. This entry covers the AS 2865 permit process, atmospheric testing and rescue plan.
Confined space work on residential construction sites in Australia
When residential builders trigger confined space duties under the model WHS Regulations, including AS 2865, entry permits and rescue planning.
Crane hire on residential construction sites in Australia
Mobile crane and dogger licensing duties for residential builders in Australia, covering AS 1418, high risk work licences and PCBU hire obligations.
Demolition of residential buildings in Australia
Knocking down a weatherboard cottage or a brick veneer to make way for a new build involves AS 2601, an asbestos register, council notice and structural support planning. This entry covers the duty chain.
Drug and alcohol policies for residential builders (Australia)
What a compliant drug and alcohol policy contains for an Australian residential builder. Cut-offs, testing methods, refusal consequences and worker consultation under the WHS Act.
Drug and alcohol testing on residential construction sites (Australia)
When drug and alcohol testing is lawful on Australian residential construction sites. AS/NZS 4308, AS/NZS 4760, informed consent and the WHS duty to manage impairment risk.
Electrical safety on residential construction sites
Every powered tool, lead, board and temporary supply on an AU residential build sits under AS/NZS 3012 and the WHS Regulations. RCD protection is mandatory, test and tag intervals are short, and
Emergency management on Australian residential sites
Every PCBU must have an emergency plan for the workplace, including first aid, evacuation and response to medical and fire events. AS 3745 is the reference standard for evacuation planning.
Emergency Response Plan for a Residential Construction Site
How to build an emergency response plan for an Australian residential site, covering first aid, evacuation, the nearest hospital and the Regulation 43 duty under the model WHS Regulations.
Environmental protection on Australian residential sites
Sediment and erosion runoff from a residential build is the most heavily enforced environmental risk. This entry covers the E&S plan, council audit and EPA inspection process.
EWP Licensing for Residential Construction
Elevating work platforms split into two tiers in Australia. The Yellow Card under 11 m and the WP high risk work licence over 11 m. Here is how to tell them apart.
Excavation and trenching WHS duties for residential builders
Any trench 1.5 metres or deeper on a residential site is high risk construction work under the model WHS Regulations. That means a SWMS before work starts, an engineered control like shoring,
Fatigue Management on Residential Construction Sites
Fatigue is a WHS risk a residential builder must manage. Here is what the model Code of Practice covers and the controls that work on a residential site.
Fire Extinguishers on Residential Construction Sites in Australia
Selection, placement and servicing of portable fire extinguishers on residential building sites in Australia, covering AS 2444, AS 1851 routines and site setup.
Forklift Licence Rules on Residential Sites
Forklift work on a residential site is high risk work. Here is what the LF licence requires, when delivery drivers need one and how AS 2359 fits in.
High Risk Work Licences on Residential Sites
High risk work licences cover cranes, forklifts, scaffolding and other tickets a residential site needs. Here are the classes, the rules and the renewal cycle.
Hot work on residential construction sites in Australia
Hot work duties for residential builders in Australia, including permit systems, fire watcher arrangements and the role of AS 1674.1 in safe welding.
Hot work permits on Australian residential sites
Welding, grinding and torch-down roof work create ignition sources that have started major fires on partially built homes. This entry covers the hot work permit, spotter and fire watch rules.
Industrial and Workplace Manslaughter Across Australian Jurisdictions
Every Australian jurisdiction now has an industrial or workplace manslaughter offence. Penalties range from $10 million to $20 million for a body corporate. NT has unique life imprisonment for individuals.
Lone workers on Australian residential builds
A plumber locking up at dusk, a tiler working a Saturday or a chippy doing a one-off repair are all lone workers. This entry covers the PCBU duty, check-in protocols and insurance traps.
Mental Health on Residential Construction Sites
How Australian residential builders meet the WHS duty to manage psychosocial hazards, the 1 April 2023 model regulation change and what good practice looks like on site.
National Crystalline Silica Regulatory Reforms from 1 September 2024
All 8 Australian jurisdictions strengthened crystalline silica controls from 1 September 2024. Silica risk control plan, air and health monitoring, 0.05 mg/m3 exposure standard.
Notifiable Incident Under-Reporting Risk in Australia
Every PCBU with management or control must notify, so "the subbie reported it" is no defence. Failing to notify costs up to $50,000 in NSW and records must be kept 5 years.
PCBU and Employer Primary Duty of Care Across Australian Jurisdictions
Primary duty of care duties are broadly consistent across Australia despite framework differences. Seven jurisdictions use PCBU terminology; Victoria uses employer.
Plant and equipment registration on Australian residential builds
Cranes, EWPs and some scaffolds need both design and item registration with the WHS regulator before use on a residential build. This entry covers what triggers registration and how it varies by state.
Plant and machinery WHS duties on residential sites
Plant covers excavators, telehandlers, scissor lifts, boom lifts, skid steers and most powered tools on a residential build. Part 4.5 of the WHS Regulations sets the duties for design, supply,
PPE on Australian residential construction sites
PPE is the last line of defence under the hierarchy of control. This entry sets out the minimum PPE on a residential build and the AS/NZS standards for helmets, eye protection and footwear.
PPE on Residential Construction Sites in Australia
Mandatory PPE on Australian residential building sites, covering AS/NZS standards for helmets, eye protection and footwear, who pays and when PPE is wrong.
Responding to a SafeWork Site Visit on a Residential Build
How a residential builder should respond when a WHS regulator inspector attends a site, including PIN response, improvement and prohibition notices and what inspectors check.
Risk Assessment on Residential Construction Sites in Australia
How to run a defensible WHS risk assessment on an Australian residential site, covering the PCBU duty, the risk matrix, the hierarchy of control and records.
Safe Work Method Statements for residential construction
A SWMS is required before any of the 18 categories of high risk construction work starts on an AU residential build. It has to be site-specific and task-specific, prepared by the PCBU, signed by
Scaffolding licensing and inspection duties for residential builders
Scaffolding above 4 metres needs a licensed scaffolder, written handover and recorded inspections every 30 days. Builders running second-storey framing on unlicensed scaffold are routine
Silica dust on residential construction sites in Australia
Silica is the next asbestos. Engineered stone fabrication is now banned across Australia and silica controls on residential sites are being enforced hard. Builders cutting bricks, blocks, tile
Silica exposure standards and monitoring duties for residential builders
The exposure standard is the legal ceiling. Air monitoring is the proof a builder is under it. Health monitoring is the evidence a worker has not been hurt. Get one wrong and an inspector has
Site fencing and public safety on residential sites in Australia
Temporary site fencing duties for residential builders in Australia, covering AS 4687 Class A and Class B fencing and public safety on unattended sites.
Site induction for residential construction (Australia)
Two-step induction for Australian residential building sites. White Card (CPCWHS1001) as the prerequisite then a site-specific induction with documented sign-off and records.
Site Induction Record Keeping on Australian Construction Sites
The records a residential builder must keep for site inductions in Australia, including retention, Privacy Act and Notifiable Data Breach obligations.
Site safety inductions on Australian residential builds
Every worker on a residential site needs a white card plus a site-specific induction. This entry covers the PCBU duty, daily toolbox talks and how ISO 45001 frames a defensible system.
Smoke alarm requirements for residential construction in Australia
Smoke alarm rules for Australian residential builds are set by the NCC and each state. Type, location, power supply and interconnection all matter, and Queensland has a hard 2027 deadline for
The National Engineered Stone Ban from 1 July 2024
Australia banned the manufacture, supply, processing and installation of engineered stone containing crystalline silica from 1 July 2024. Nation-wide reform following silicosis epidemic.
Traffic management on Australian residential sites
Concrete trucks, frame deliveries and skip bin swaps on a suburban lot need a TGS or TCP if any work touches the road. This entry covers AS 1742.3, council permits and who has to sign off.
White Card for Residential Construction Sites
Every worker on a residential construction site in Australia needs a White Card. Here is what the General Construction Induction card covers and how to get one.
WHS vs OHS: Framework Differences Across Australian Jurisdictions
Victoria is the only Australian jurisdiction that retains its own OHS Act 2004 rather than the model WHS Act. Seven states and territories operate model WHS Act frameworks.
Working at heights on residential construction sites in Australia
Falls from height remain the leading cause of construction fatalities in Australia. SafeWork inspectors target heights work first on any residential audit, and prosecutions consistently follow
Asbestos in NSW residential renovations: when a licensed removalist is required
How asbestos is regulated for NSW residential renovation work. The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 framework, Class A and Class B asbestos removal licences, the 10 square metre threshold,
Crystalline Silica Control Requirements in NSW Residential Construction
WHS Regulation 2017 (NSW) Part 4A crystalline silica reforms commenced 1 September 2024. High-risk processes require a silica risk control plan, air monitoring and health monitoring.
Industrial Manslaughter Under the WHS Act 2011 (NSW)
Section 34C WHS Act 2011 (NSW) industrial manslaughter carries penalties up to $20 million for a body corporate and 25 years imprisonment for an individual - highest in Australia.
PCBU Primary Duty of Care in New South Wales
A NSW PCBU has a primary duty of care under section 19 of the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) to ensure health and safety so far as is reasonably practicable.
Safe Work Method Statements for High-Risk Construction Work in NSW
WHS Regulation 2017 (NSW) reg 299 requires a SWMS before any of 18 categories of high-risk construction work. Reg 291 defines the categories. Penalties up to $6,450 individual.
WHS Incident Reporting Requirements in New South Wales
Section 38 WHS Act 2011 (NSW) requires PCBUs to notify SafeWork NSW of notifiable incidents immediately. Written notice within 48 hours only if the regulator requests it.
WHS principal contractor obligations on NSW residential building sites
When NSW residential builders carry principal contractor duties under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017. The $250,000 project threshold, the written WHS management plan under regulation
Asbestos removal licensing in Victoria for residential builders
A Victorian builder who lets a worker disturb friable asbestos without a Class A licensed removalist, or strips more than 10 square metres of bonded asbestos without a Class B licensee, is in
Crystalline Silica Control Requirements in Victorian Construction
OHS Regulations 2017 (Vic) Part 4.4A crystalline silica reforms commenced 1 September 2024. Silica risk control plan and monitoring for high-risk processes.
Employer Primary Duty of Care in Victoria (OHS Act 2004)
Victoria retains its own OHS framework. Section 21 of the OHS Act 2004 (Vic) imposes the employer primary duty to provide and maintain a safe workplace so far as is reasonably practicable.
Notifiable Incident Reporting in Victoria Under the OHS Act 2004
Section 38 OHS Act 2004 (Vic) requires WorkSafe Victoria notification of workplace incidents. Notification is by phone; written notice within 48 hours or as otherwise directed.
Safe Work Method Statements for High-Risk Construction Work in Victoria
OHS Regulations 2017 (Vic) reg 5.1.9 requires a SWMS for high-risk construction work. Different list from model WHS. WorkSafe Victoria enforces separately.
Workplace Manslaughter Under the OHS Act 2004 (Vic)
Section 39G OHS Act 2004 (Vic) workplace manslaughter commenced 1 July 2020. Body corporate penalties up to approximately $19.8 million; individuals up to 25 years imprisonment.
Asbestos removal licensing in Queensland for residential builders
Queensland sits under the harmonised WHS scheme and the asbestos rules in the WHS Regulation 2011 are the ones a Queensland builder has to comply with. Class A and Class B removal licences track
Crystalline Silica Control Requirements in Queensland Construction
WHS Regulation 2011 (Qld) Part 4A crystalline silica reforms from 1 September 2024. Silica risk control plan, air monitoring and health monitoring for high-risk processes.
Industrial Manslaughter Under the WHS Act 2011 (Qld)
Section 34C WHS Act 2011 (Qld) industrial manslaughter commenced 23 October 2017 - first in Australia. $20 million body corporate maximum after 2024 amendments.
PCBU Primary Duty of Care in Queensland
A QLD PCBU has a primary duty of care under s 19 of the WHS Act 2011 (Qld). Industrial manslaughter offence under s 34C carries penalties up to $20 million for a body corporate.
Safe Work Method Statements for High-Risk Construction Work in Queensland
WHS Regulation 2011 (Qld) reg 299 requires a SWMS before high-risk construction work. Reg 291 defines the 18 categories aligned with model WHS.
WHS Incident Reporting Requirements in Queensland
Section 38 WHS Act 2011 (Qld) requires PCBUs to notify Workplace Health and Safety Queensland of notifiable incidents immediately. Written notice conditional on regulator request.
Asbestos Removal Licensing in Western Australia for Residential Builders
Class A and Class B asbestos licences in WA, the 10 square metre rule, the 5 day notification to WorkSafe WA, clearance certificates and the engineered stone ban.
Crystalline Silica Control Requirements in Western Australian Construction
WHS Regulations 2022 (WA) crystalline silica reforms from 1 September 2024. Silica risk control plan, air and health monitoring for high-risk processes.
Industrial Manslaughter Under the WHS Act 2020 (WA)
Section 30A WHS Act 2020 (WA) industrial manslaughter commenced 31 March 2022. $10 million body corporate maximum; individual up to $5 million and 20 years imprisonment.
Notifiable Incidents in Residential Construction in Western Australia
Section 38 of the WHS Act 2020 (WA) makes you notify WorkSafe immediately. WA also catches any injury keeping a worker off normal duties for 10 days, which no eastern state does.
PCBU Primary Duty of Care in Western Australia
A WA PCBU has a primary duty of care under s 19 of the WHS Act 2020 (WA), commenced 31 March 2022. Industrial manslaughter under s 30A carries $10 million body corporate maximum.
Safe Work Method Statements for High-Risk Construction Work in Western Australia
WHS Regulations 2022 (WA) reg 299 requires a SWMS before high-risk construction work. Reg 292 uses a 5-person headcount for construction projects (unique in Australia).
WHS Incident Reporting Requirements in Western Australia
Section 38 WHS Act 2020 (WA) requires PCBUs to notify WorkSafe WA of notifiable incidents immediately. Framework commenced 31 March 2022 replacing the OSH Act 1984.
WHS Obligations for Residential Builders in Western Australia
WA has been a WHS jurisdiction since 31 March 2022. The principal contractor trigger is not a dollar figure: it is five or more people working at the same time on a construction project.
Asbestos Removal Licensing in South Australia for Residential Builders
Class A and Class B asbestos licences in SA, the 10 square metre rule, the 5 day SafeWork SA notification, and air monitoring that is mandatory for both classes here.
Crystalline Silica Control Requirements in South Australian Construction
WHS Regulations 2012 (SA) crystalline silica reforms from 1 September 2024. Air monitoring and health monitoring required alongside 0.05 mg/m3 workplace exposure standard.
Industrial Manslaughter Under the WHS Act 2012 (SA)
Section 30A WHS Act 2012 (SA) industrial manslaughter commenced 1 July 2024. $18 million body corporate maximum; individual up to 20 years imprisonment.
Notifiable Incidents in Residential Construction in South Australia
Section 38 of the WHS Act 2012 (SA) means you call SafeWork SA immediately, keep the record 5 years and do not touch the site. Failing to notify costs a body corporate up to $50,000.
PCBU Primary Duty of Care in South Australia
A SA PCBU has a primary duty of care under s 19 of the WHS Act 2012 (SA). Industrial manslaughter under s 30A commenced 1 July 2024 with $18 million body corporate maximum.
Safe Work Method Statements for High-Risk Construction Work in South Australia
WHS Regulations 2012 (SA) reg 299 requires a SWMS before high-risk construction work. The 1 July 2026 fall threshold reduction from 3m to 2m expands the SWMS net.
WHS Incident Reporting Requirements in South Australia
Section 38 WHS Act 2012 (SA) requires PCBUs to notify SafeWork SA immediately of notifiable incidents. Written notice conditional on regulator request.
WHS Obligations for Residential Builders in South Australia
SA runs the model WHS Act 2012 under SafeWork SA. Principal contractor duties bite at $450,000, and from 1 July 2026 a fall risk over two metres is high risk construction work.
Asbestos Removal Licensing in Tasmania for Residential Builders
Tasmania runs the WHS Regulations 2022. Class A covers any friable asbestos, Class B covers more than 10 square metres of bonded sheet, and WorkSafe Tasmania needs 5 days written notice.
Crystalline Silica Control Requirements in Tasmanian Construction
WHS Regulations 2022 (Tas) crystalline silica reforms from 1 September 2024. Silica risk control plan, air and health monitoring for high-risk processes.
Industrial Manslaughter Under the WHS Act 2012 (Tas)
Section 34C WHS Act 2012 (Tas) industrial manslaughter commenced 2 October 2024. $18 million body corporate; up to 21 years imprisonment individual.
Notifiable Incidents on Residential Construction Sites in Tasmania
The section 38 duty to notify WorkSafe Tasmania immediately of a death, serious injury or dangerous incident. Trench and structure collapse, site preservation, $10,000 and $50,000 fines.
PCBU Primary Duty of Care in Tasmania
A TAS PCBU has a primary duty of care under s 19 of the WHS Act 2012 (Tas). Industrial manslaughter under s 34C commenced 2 October 2024.
Safe Work Method Statements for High-Risk Construction Work in Tasmania
WHS Regulations 2022 (Tas) reg 299 requires a SWMS before high-risk construction work. Reg 291 defines the 18 categories aligned with model WHS.
WHS Incident Reporting Requirements in Tasmania
Section 38 WHS Act 2012 (Tas) requires PCBUs to notify WorkSafe Tasmania immediately of notifiable incidents. Written notice conditional on regulator request.
WHS Obligations for Residential Builders in Tasmania
Tasmania runs the model WHS scheme: the $250,000 principal contractor threshold, a written WHS management plan, SWMS for high risk construction work and industrial manslaughter at 18 million dollars.
Asbestos Removal Licensing in the ACT for Residential Builders
The ACT scrapped the 10 square metre exemption in 2015. Any asbestos removal needs a licensed removalist, and loose-fill Mr Fluffy insulation makes pre-1980 Canberra houses a category of their own.
Crystalline Silica Control Requirements in ACT Construction
WHS Regulation 2011 (ACT) crystalline silica reforms from 1 September 2024. Silica risk control plan, air and health monitoring for high-risk processes.
Industrial Manslaughter in the ACT: Dual WHS Act and Crimes Act Pathways
The ACT runs dual industrial manslaughter offences: s 34C WHS Act 2011 (ACT) and s 15 Crimes Act 1900 (ACT). Body corporate up to $16.5 million; individual up to 20 years.
Notifiable Incidents on Residential Construction Sites in the ACT
The ACT rewrote its incident notification rules on 19 November 2025. Bone fractures, crush injuries and serious falls are now notifiable, and industrial manslaughter carries 20 years.
PCBU Primary Duty of Care in the ACT
An ACT PCBU has a primary duty of care under s 19 of the WHS Act 2011 (ACT). Industrial manslaughter under s 34C carries penalties up to $16.5 million body corporate.
Safe Work Method Statements for High-Risk Construction Work in the ACT
WHS Regulation 2011 (ACT) reg 299 requires a SWMS before high-risk construction work. Reg 291 defines the 18 categories. $250,000 construction project trigger.
WHS Incident Reporting Requirements in the ACT
Section 38 WHS Act 2011 (ACT) requires PCBUs to notify WorkSafe ACT immediately. The 19 November 2025 notification rewrite broadened categories of notifiable incidents.
WHS Obligations for Residential Builders in the ACT
ACT WHS duties for builders: the $250,000 principal contractor threshold, the WHS management plan, SWMS, the Construction Occupations licence and industrial manslaughter at $16,500,000.
Asbestos Removal Licensing in the Northern Territory for Residential Builders
NT WorkSafe issues Class A and Class B asbestos removal licences under the WHS (NUL) Regulations. Class B starts above 10 square metres of bonded sheet and NT WorkSafe needs 5 days written notice.
Crystalline Silica Control Requirements in Northern Territory Construction
WHS Regulations 2011 (NT) crystalline silica reforms from 1 September 2024. Silica risk control plan, air and health monitoring for high-risk processes.
Industrial Manslaughter Under the WHS Act 2011 (NT)
Section 34B WHS Act 2011 (NT) industrial manslaughter from 2020. Life imprisonment maximum for individuals is unique in Australia. Body corporate up to $15.5 million.
Notifiable Incidents on Residential Construction Sites in the NT
The section 38 duty to notify NT WorkSafe immediately of a death, serious injury or dangerous incident. Strict liability, trench and structure collapse, $10,000 and $50,000 fines.
PCBU Primary Duty of Care in the Northern Territory
A NT PCBU has a primary duty of care under s 19 of the WHS (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011 (NT). Industrial manslaughter under s 34B carries $15.5 million body corporate maximum.
Safe Work Method Statements for High-Risk Construction Work in the Northern Territory
WHS Regulations 2011 (NT) reg 299 requires a SWMS before high-risk construction work. Reg 292 construction project trigger at $1 million from 28 May 2026 (highest in Australia).
WHS Incident Reporting Requirements in the Northern Territory
Section 38 WHS Act 2011 (NT) requires PCBUs to notify NT WorkSafe immediately. The reg 292 construction project trigger sits at $1 million from 28 May 2026.
WHS Obligations for Residential Builders in the Northern Territory
The NT principal contractor trigger rose to $1 million on 28 May 2026, against the $250,000 used everywhere else. Plus PCBU and officer duties, WHS management plans, SWMS and industrial manslaughter under section 34B.