Guides & Resources

Accidents describe safety incidents where someone is injured. Although accidents are unintended, few are unforeseeable. An employer’s duty is to control knowable risks to workers safety and health.

Health effects of asbestos exposure are asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. It can take years for the harm to become evident. 220 people die from asbestos related disease every year.

Biological hazards include bacteria, fungi, viruses, plant, and animal particles. Pathogens can be water- or air-borne, or live in organic matter and soil. 80 cases of Leptospirosis and 180 cases of legionellosis were notified to MOH in 2021 (ESR data).

Body stressing is muscular stress caused by lifting, carrying, twisting, putting down objects, and repetitive movements (manual handling).

Confined Spaces are "enclosed or partially enclosed spaces not intended for human occupancy" (AS 2865). They pose significant risks due to poor access and environmental, chemical, biological, energy, or impact hazards.

It is up to everyone on site to understand all critical risk activities and that they are identified, managed and mitigated.

Demolition work is risky and requires high awareness to avoid falls, falling objects, moving machinery, and unstable structures. It can disrupt or uncover live services, hazardous chemicals, or biological materials.

Toolbox talks are a key part of an employer’s duty to manage risks. Talks help demonstrate that an employer informs and trains workers to work safely. They are also an opportunity to encourage positive safety culture through worker engagement.

Many construction sites require excavation work, particularly trenches. If this work isn't planned or carried out correctly, it may lead to serious injury or death.

Existing services covers every service that is present on site. This includes underground or overhead services. This Toolbox Talk steps you through working with existing services safely.

Safe work systems should eliminate or minimise the risks of fire. HSAW Regulations require workers to be trained to follow emergency response plans, have the appropriate equipment on hand, and have access to first aid.

156 workers were seriously injured by moving objects in 2022, and five workers died from vehicle accidents.

The HSAW Act (2015) requires employers (PCBUs) to ensure safe workplaces and collaborate with other PCBUs. Officers are liable for resourcing safe work and policies. Workers must care for their own and others’ safety and follow employer instructions.

The Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) mandates workers protect their own and others’ welfare and follow employers' reasonable instructions. Employers (PCBU) have a duty to control risks due to their resources and authority over safe work praticices.

Hot Works are any operation that creates high heat or fire. This is a critical risk because it could be fatal.

Good housekeeping prevents accidents, protects workers, and reduces costs. A messy workplace shows poor safety commitment and site management. The Health and Safety at Work Act (2015) mandates safe workspaces and clear access at all times.

Drinking and drug taking while at work covers any instance that impacts negatively on the workplace, even if it happens outside work hours and away from work.

Ladders and residential roofs cause up to 70% of fall injuries, with over 50% from heights less than three meters. Ladders, lacking platforms and fall protection, are inefficient and suitable only for short-term use and accessing levels.

Lead paint, common in older buildings and beneath newer layers, is a chemical hazard. Some special purpose paints still use lead and are clearly labeled as toxic. Assume buildings over 25 years old contain lead.

In civil and commercial construction, cranes are used to move large loads. A competent crane operator is essential. The dogman (rigger) handles slinging the load. The site controller ensures the crane is operational, safely positioned, and used properly.

Lifting and slinging (also known as load lifting and rigging) comes with known dangers which can lead to serious injury or death.

Managing waste in an organised and safe way contributes to efficiency and sustainability. Storing rubbish and material waste unsafely contributes to the thousands of slips, trips, and falls that injure workers and cost employers in lost production.

Manual handling risks are the most common injuries in construction, with 1 in 4 workers receiving a back injury of some description in any year. ACC claims for lifting, carrying, and strain injuries number over 50,000 a year.

Talking about mental health and suicide prevention enable us to provide information and options, and it lets others know they are in a safe environment to do so.

The movement of vehicles and mobile equipment on a construction site presents a critical risk for people and property.

It is crucial that everyone in the workplace is aware of the potential hazards of using power tools as well as being competent at using the tool.

Environmental hazards such as seasonal conditions can change our working environments – bringing new risks and changing existing risks.

Temporary Work Platforms include trestles, podiums, folding and step-up platforms, constructed work platforms, and platform ladders. Since 2013, over 5000 construction workers fell from heights, many from low heights, which remain largely unregulated.

Traffic on a construction site can be highly dangerous if moving vehicles and equipment are not used correctly or safely.

Physical hazards pose immediate risks of injury. Cutting and grinding tools must be properly matched and fitted to the machine and task. Workers need to be informed, trained, and supervised to use equipment safely and change discs correctly.

Working at height is a hazard. WorkSafe reported 645 injuries and 12 deaths in construction from 2022 - 2023. Most falls occur from low heights. Work under 3m and scaffolding under 5m are largely unregulated, although duties under HSAW still apply.

All workplaces, including civil and commercial construction sites, must provide safe work areas and healthy facilities for workers. Workers must be able to enter, exit, work, and move within a workplace safety - including in an emergency.

Immediate safety risks often overshadow health risks, though work-related illnesses kill 750-900 NZer's annually. Health issues accumulate over time, unlike injuries from single incidents.

Dust is defined as fine, dry powder consisting of tiny particles of earth or waste matter, either on the ground or carried in the air. When breathed deep into the lungs it can cause damage.

There is no electrical appliance that will provide 100% protection. This Toolbox Talk takes you through safe use of working with electricity on site.

We all deserve to work in a safe environment. Unfortunately, there are situations where violence is present in the workplace.