Managing safety on-site is no small task, especially when high-risk construction work is involved. Whether you’re working at heights, operating heavy machinery, or managing airborne contaminants, having a clear plan in place to identify and control hazards is essential.
That’s where HazardCo’s SWMS with Risk Matrix comes in.
This new feature goes beyond the basics of a standard Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS), giving you clearer documentation and stronger risk management. With a built-in Risk Matrix, you can better assess the likelihood and impact of potential hazards and demonstrate exactly how you’re reducing risk on-site.
What’s New
With SWMS Risk Matrix, you now have access to a built-in Risk Matrix that helps you make more informed, structured decisions. A risk matrix enables you to evaluate hazards based on two key factors:
By visually mapping out risks before and after control measures are applied, the risk matrix helps you plan more effectively, communicate more clearly, and maintain stronger safety records.
A risk matrix is often required when pre-qualifying or tendering for government or large-scale projects, where robust and detailed safety documentation is expected by the Principal Contractor and Clients.
But that’s not the only time it comes in handy.
A Risk Matrix is also useful in day-to-day operations, for example:
They help you reassess risks, update control measures, and engage your team in actively identifying and managing site-specific hazards.
Using a Risk Matrix provides clear evidence that hazards have been properly assessed and managed, making your SWMS easier to understand and more effective for everyone involved.
It allows you to:
Here’s why SWMS with Risk Matrix is a valuable addition to your safety toolkit:
SWMS with Risk Matrix is available on our Premium and Complete subscription plans.
If your jobs involve high-risk construction work, complex planning, or requires you to submit detailed documentation for tenders or prequalification, this tool is made for you
A common question we hear is, “Do I need to fence my worksite?” The answer isn’t always straightforward. Every worksite is different, and you need to think about a few key factors to get it right.
If you’re responsible for the site, it’s up to you to make sure it’s secured from unauthorised access. A fence can help keep hazards separate from the public, but how do you know if you need one?
Ask yourself:
When deciding to fence your worksite, consider the risk factors mentioned above. If any of these are present, a fence should be used. If you can’t secure the site, you will need to enclose specific hazards when workers are not present eg. overnight
A proper worksite fence should:
These standards ensure the fence is strong, secure, and meets general safety requirements.
Excavations
If you have excavations on-site it’s important to think about how long the excavation will remain exposed. If the excavation is going to be left unattended overnight, you should consider:
Simple barricades, cones, plastic mesh netting without a solid frame, and hurdles are not enough to protect against excavation hazards. A proper safety fence is the best choice for long-term or unattended worksites with excavation risks.
Remember, when you’re away from your worksite, it’s important to protect people from hazards they might not be aware of. Simply putting up a sign is not enough. Blocking access and protecting everyone from excavation dangers shows that you’re effectively managing the risks.
You can use our handy Site Security Checklist to make sure your site is in order when it’s left unattended. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call HazardCo on 1800 954 702.
When it comes to working at height, understanding the difference between fall prevention and fall arrest is critical. Fall prevention, also called fall restraint, stops you from being able to fall in the first place. Think of it as keeping you safely away from the edge. Fall arrest, on the other hand, is a backup plan, it doesn’t prevent the fall from happening, but catches you if one happens, reducing the risk of death to injuries that are survivable, depending on what you hit.
This blog explores fall arrest systems, covering the gear, techniques, and best practices to prevent falls or reduce injuries if a fall happens. Remember, no matter which type of equipment you use it has to be added into your SWMS. To make it even easier to follow, we’ve included short videos demonstrating each step. Let’s break it all down.
Not all gear is created equal! In fall arrest situations, quality isn’t optional – it’s life-saving. In Australia and New Zealand, fall arrest equipment must meet at least AS/NZS Standards.
Before anything else, confirm that your equipment complies with these standards, and if it’s something else like EN or ISO standards stop and ask questions, if you’re not sure who to ask then call us on 1800 954 702. Look for labels or certifications and ensure you’re using gear designed for fall arrest and not just general-purpose climbing equipment, because yes, there is a big difference!
A fall arrest system is only as strong as its weakest point. Just like building a house, the foundation must be solid. Your anchor point must be able to withstand the forces generated during a fall – this typically means being rated for at least 15kN (1,500kg) for 1 person 21kN (2,100kg) for 2 people.
Ask yourself:
Connectors are often overlooked, but they’re a vital part of your system. Use auto-locking karabiners over traditional screw gates – they’re faster to secure and less prone to accidental opening. As can be seen in the video showing the differences between manual and autolocking gates.
Be mindful of your connector positioning to avoid “roll-out.” Roll-out occurs when a karabiner rotates under pressure, such as a fall! Forcing the gate open. The video here should get you thinking…. Am I actually protected? Or do I just look protected?
The key takeaway is to ensure:
When selecting the thing between yourself and the anchor, you have three main options:
Each material type has its unique advantages and limitations, so consult an expert if you’re unsure about the best choice for your work situation.
Fall Arrest Devices come in 3 types. Most commonly you will see the “roofers kits” in the safety shops, these have a type 1 device that will move towards your anchor but not away from it without your input.
A type 2 is much like a seatbelt, they are Self Retracting Lanyards also known as SRLs, these are pretty easy to understand, and they will have their limitations printed on the device.
Type 3 fall arrest devices are like type 2 but the key difference is that they are retractable, these are what most people use for confined space entries where the entrant may have to be “winched” to safety if they pass out
All Lanyards that are the link between you and the device must include a shock absorber also known as a personal energy absorber. It’s like the brakes on a car, it slows your fall gradually, reducing the impact on your body. Without one, it would be like using a concrete wall to stop your car! Stopping that fast can generate forces over 4kN (400kg), which is enough to seriously injure or even kill by doing serious damage to your neck.
Shock absorbers are designed to limit the force put through your body to less than 4kN (400kg), protecting your neck, spine, and internal organs.
Your harness is a major piece of the puzzle, and proper fit is everything! Harnesses come in different sizes (S, M, L, XL), so check the manufacturer’s instructions for their size chart to ensure it’s the right size so you can fit it properly.
Key fitting tips:
A poorly adjusted harness can turn a fall arrest into a painful or life-threatening situation.
When working at height, it’s not just your safety that’s at stake – it’s the safety of everyone around you. One small slip of a tool can lead to serious injuries, property damage, or expensive delays.
Here’s why it matters:
In fall arrest scenarios, gravity isn’t your friend! Because your fall is uncontrolled, there’s the risk of striking whatever objects are in your path on the way down. A standard hard hat simply won’t cut it here. Use a safety helmet with a modified chin strap to keep it securely in place during a fall. A good helmet can make all the difference between walking away and serious injury that stays with you for life.
Setting up a fall arrest system isn’t just about having the right gear or looking good.
It’s about understanding how each component works together to keep you safe. Follow the steps above, inspect your equipment regularly, don’t cut corners, and never work alone when using harnesses as you will need a solid rescue plan!
If you’re unsure about which equipment is right for your situation or need help finding out about setting up your systems, get in touch with our qualified H&S advisors.
It’s better to ask questions now than face the consequences later.
We are here ready to talk when you are 1800 954 702
advisory@hazardco.com
Knowing the difference between confined spaces and restricted spaces is important for keeping everyone safe. Both can be risky, but they’re treated very differently when it comes to safety rules and legal compliance. Let’s break it down.
A confined space is a space that:
Once a space is a confined space, it stays a confined space unless all these risks are completely removed—permanently! Temporary fixes, like extra ventilation or gas testing, don’t change its classification, they are simply controls you put in place to protect yourself if you have to enter it.
Because working in confined spaces is classed as high-risk construction work, there are strict rules that will need to be followed:
A restricted space is less dangerous but still has risks. It’s an area that:
While restricted spaces aren’t always as risky as confined spaces, it’s still important to assess the situation carefully and take the right precautions for what you’re doing as they can present challenges and risks like slips/trips and body strain.
The big difference is that confined spaces are always classified as confined spaces, even when “controlled” for an entry, as their risks can’t be permanently removed. Restricted spaces don’t have the same risks related to air quality and risks of engulfment as confined spaces do. Confined spaces always need an entry permit and a rescue plan in place.
If you’re a HazardCo member and you’re unsure about a space on your site, we’re here to help. Our qualified H&S advisors can give you advice specific to your situation.
Call us on 1800 954 702 or visit www.hazardco.com for more information.
Emergencies and natural disasters can happen anytime. Although you can’t predict when they will happen, you can take actions to make your business more prepared.
Do you and your workers know what to do if a disaster strikes?
An emergency plan is a health and safety requirement necessary for keeping everyone safe, and not having one is a big risk for your business and your workers.
Your emergency plan should include the following:
What to consider when making an emergency plan:
When working out your emergency plan, you must take into account:
Maintaining and testing emergency plans:
A well-maintained emergency plan should be reviewed and updated when:
Testing your emergency plan is important to ensure it works:
Worker Engagement
Involve workers in emergency planning and decisions. All workers should know who is responsible for activating and coordinating emergency procedures and what they must do to keep themselves and others safe in an emergency.
First Aid Kits and Fire Extinguishers
Having first aid kits and fire extinguishers readily available ensures that workers can quickly address emergencies, potentially saving lives and preventing extensive property damage.
Keeping you and your workmates safe at work is a top priority, so it’s important to understand what your business needs for an effective emergency plan. Make sure you’re aware of these requirements to help keep everyone safe!
Use the handy templates available in the Hub to help you document your plan and drills so you can be prepared for any emergency situation. Find these below:
If you would like more information, get in touch with our friendly HazardCo team – we’re always happy to help!
