Types of Risk in Construction

Health risks at work can range from catching a common cold off co-workers to suffering a serious injury. These risks however, are far more prominent in the construction industry, which saw 17 workplace deaths in 2013*. This is a stark figure, especially for a developed and modern country like Australia. Nonetheless the number of Australian worker injuries and fatalities is a solemn reminder of the inherent dangers involved in high risk construction work. 

The central role risk assessments play in preventing injury and fatalities is more evident than ever but there is more to the risk assessment process than paperwork and red tape. According to section 291 of the Work Health and Safety Act, there are 18 types of high risk work. These include construction activities which:

(a) involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres; or
(b) is carried out on a telecommunication tower; or
(c) involves demolition of an element of a structure that is load‑bearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure; or
(d) involves, or is likely to involve, the disturbance of asbestos; or
(e) involves structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to prevent collapse; or
(f) is carried out in or near a confined space; or
(g) is carried out in or near:
(i) a shaft or trench with an excavated depth greater than 1·5 metres; or
(ii) a tunnel; or
(h) involves the use of explosives; or
(i) is carried out on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping; or
(j) is carried out on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines; or
(k) is carried out on or near energised electrical installations or services; or
(l) is carried out in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere; or
(m) involves tilt‑up or precast concrete; or
(n) is carried out on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor that is in use by traffic other than pedestrians; or
(o) is carried out in an area at a workplace in which there is any movement of powered mobile plant; or
(p) is carried out in an area in which there are artificial extremes of temperature; or
(q) is carried out in or near water or other liquid that involves a risk of drowning; or
(r) involves diving work

In many of the above cases, contractors and workers are required to gain special licences and risk assessment training before conducting any work. This is to ensure that those engaging in high risk construction work are aware of the risks involved, trained to deal with these risks and properly accredited. For more information, head to Safe Work Australia’s licensing page.
*Source: Safe Work Australia, Worker fatalities.