Slips and trips might seem harmless, but on-site they’re one of the biggest causes of injuries. A bit of ground clutter, a wet floor, or poor lighting is all it takes to put someone out of action.
Here’s the breakdown:
Businesses must make sure slip and trip hazards are spotted early and dealt with properly. That means checking the site, managing risks, and keeping controls up to scratch.
Reducing slips, trips, and falls starts with simple, practical steps that everyone on-site can take.
Good housekeeping makes all the difference. The HazardCo App has handy checklists to keep your site tidy and safe.
Don’t wait for a near miss to remind you. Start managing slips and trips today and if you need a hand, the HazardCo team is only a call away.
When you’re running a construction site, there’s already enough on your plate, the last thing you need is to be drowning in paperwork or missing a key safety step. That’s why we’ve pulled together a straightforward checklist to keep your team safe, your site compliant, and your projects moving smoothly.
Think of this as your pre-game warmup. Get these things sorted before the first nail goes in:
Safety isn’t “set and forget” it’s about checking in regularly:
At the end of the day, good safety practices don’t just tick a compliance box, they keep your crew safe, reduce downtime, and save you headaches when auditors or regulators come knocking.
The best part? With HazardCo, you can ditch the endless paperwork and manage everything in one easy system.
Health and safety doesn’t need to be complicated. With the right systems in place, you can focus on building, while knowing your site is covered.
Download your free Builder checklist, or Trade checklist.
Want an easier way to stay on top of it all? Get in touch with us or start a free trial.
Every year in September, people around the world mark Global Deaf Awareness Week (22–28 September 2025). It’s a chance to recognise the importance of communication, accessibility, and inclusion for the Deaf community. For those of us working in construction, it’s also the perfect reminder of how precious our hearing is, and how easily it can be damaged by the noise we’re exposed to every day.
Power tools, heavy machinery, vehicles, and hammering – the soundtrack of a busy site is loud. And while it might just feel like “part of the job,” that constant exposure can take a serious toll on your hearing over time.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) happens when loud sounds damage the sensitive structures in your inner ear. Depending on the type and extent of damage, NIHL can be temporary or permanent. The good news? Unlike many other forms of hearing loss, NIHL is entirely preventable.
It’s also very common. According to Safe Work Australia about 28–32% of Australian workers are exposed to loud noise at work. People who work in noisy industries, like construction, agriculture, carpentry, mining, oil and gas, and the military, are especially at risk.
You might be surprised at just how quickly noise becomes dangerous. Here are some benchmarks:
On a construction site, these levels are reached every day, sometimes without us even realising.
Hearing loss doesn’t usually happen all at once. Symptoms can creep up slowly, which is why many people don’t notice until it’s too late. Some of the most common signs of NIHL include:
There are two main types of NIHL:
Hearing loss doesn’t just affect you at work. It changes your whole life.
And the effects don’t stop there. Untreated NIHL has been linked to:
In short, it doesn’t just change what you can hear, it changes how you live, connect, and feel day to day.
The good news is, hearing loss from noise exposure is 100% preventable. Here’s how:
If you think you might already be experiencing signs of NIHL, don’t ignore it. Talk to your primary care physician or healthcare provider – they can refer you to an audiologist (hearing specialist) or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor) for further tests.
Specialists use a range of hearing assessments to diagnose NIHL and check if there are any other contributing factors. Getting tested early is important: even if hearing loss can’t be reversed, the right support and treatment can help you manage symptoms, protect the hearing you have left, and improve your quality of life.
This week, let’s not just raise awareness, let’s take action. Protect your hearing, look out for your team, and start conversations about noise on-site.
Because hearing isn’t just about safety at work. It’s about being able to connect, laugh, share stories, and enjoy life for years to come.
Picture this: you’re starting another day on site, and you’re heading out to your work area. You notice a ladder leaning against the wall, but one of the rungs looks cracked. A few metres away, someone’s left a pile of timber stacked a little too high, and the wind’s picking up. None of it looks like a disaster on its own, but these are the small things that can add up to a serious injury if no one speaks up.
That’s the reality of construction sites. They’re full of moving parts, changing conditions, and plenty of ways things can go wrong. A hazard is simply anything that could hurt you or someone else on-site. The trick is learning to spot them before they turn into incidents. Once you know what to look for, it becomes second nature, like checking your mirrors before pulling onto the road.
Some hazards are obvious, like a roof edge without guardrails or a live wire dangling where it shouldn’t be. Others are subtle. Falls are one of top causes of serious injuries on building sites, and they don’t just happen from rooftops. A wobbly ladder, a scaffold missing a plank, or even a wet surface after overnight rain can quickly lead to a fall and serious injury.
Then there’s the danger of being struck by something. A tool dropped from above, a reversing vehicle in a blind spot, or a swinging load from a crane, these moments happen in an instant and can change lives forever. Electricity brings its own set of risks. Damaged cords, overloaded circuits, or working too close to power lines are all hazards that can cause serious harm in an instant.
And it’s not always about dramatic moments. Sometimes it’s the slow-burn hazards that do the most damage: breathing in dust or silica dust particles day after day, being exposed to paint fumes, or dealing with asbestos in an old structure. They might not knock you down on the spot, but they can cause long-term health issues that no one wants to bring home.
So how do you get good at seeing hazards before they catch you out? It starts with building a habit. Each morning, take a few minutes to conduct a safety walk around the worksite. Look at what’s changed since yesterday. Is there new equipment? Has the weather caused damage? Are materials stacked differently? That quick scan can save you from nasty surprises later in the day.
Hazard spotting isn’t something you do once and tick off. It’s an all-day habit. At the start of your shift, scan the site. During the day, keep checking, especially after breaks or when conditions change. At the end of the day, tidy up, secure materials, and make sure barriers are still in place. That way, the next crew isn’t walking into danger before they’ve even started.
And when you do find something? Don’t wait. Stop what you’re doing, warn others, and report it. Even better, document it so there’s a record, because the last thing anyone needs is for the same hazard to crop up tomorrow.
Here’s the thing: safety isn’t just the job of the person with the clipboard. Everyone on-site can use their awareness and judgement to spot hazards. The people who make the biggest difference are the ones who keep asking “what if?”, who don’t rush past something that looks dodgy, and who aren’t afraid to speak up. Passing that mindset on to new workers is how you build a strong safety culture.
Of course, knowing how to spot hazards is one side of the story. Keeping track of them and making sure they’re fixed is the other. That’s where HazardCo makes life easier. Instead of scribbling notes on scraps of paper or trying to remember everything until you see your supervisor, you can log hazards in the app as soon as you spot them using our Site Review feature in the HazardCo App. The system guides you through each step, so nothing falls through the cracks.
Site Supervisors see updates instantly, workers know what’s being done, and the whole process is clear and simple. No chasing paperwork, no confusion, just a guided way to manage hazards that gives everyone peace of mind.
Next time you’re on-site, take 10 minutes to really look around the area. What’s stacked where? What’s changed since yesterday? What could go wrong, and what could you do to make it safer? That small step is the start of a habit that keeps you and your crew safe.
And if you want a system that doesn’t just leave hazard spotting up to memory or luck, HazardCo’s got your back. With our guided approach, you’ll have everything you need to identify, report, and track hazards with confidence. Because at the end of the day, safety isn’t about ticking boxes, it’s about making sure everyone goes home safely at the end of the day.
Want an easy way to make your workplace safer without spending a cent? Here’s a simple trick that takes just 30 minutes and can help prevent incidents on the job.
During your next Toolbox Meeting, get everyone to list their top 10 workplace hazards—the things that could go wrong and cause injuries. This could be anything from slippery floors to dodgy equipment or working at heights.
Once everyone’s shared their list, use the HazardCo Toolbox Meeting feature to record and combine the results into a master list of the 10 biggest hazards in your workplace. This makes sure nothing important gets missed and gives your team a clear safety focus.
Now that you know the biggest risks, it’s time to do something about them. This list can help your workplace:
By using HazardCo’s Toolbox Meeting feature, all of this is tracked and recorded, so your team has solid proof of what’s been done to make work safer.
Incidents at work can be serious, but most of them can be prevented. This simple 30-minute exercise gets everyone involved, so safety isn’t just a rule—it’s part of the way your team works. Plus, with HazardCo’s easy reporting tools, you can keep improving and stay ahead of risks before they become real problems.
So next time you are running a toolbox, encourage everyone to speak up – their input could stop someone getting hurt.
If you have any questions, reach out to the HazardCo team. We are always happy to help.
The below information is applicable to those in Western Australia.
From 10 August 2025, operating earthmoving machinery (like excavators) as a crane to suspend loads over 3 tonnes will require a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) under WHS regulations.
Only if:
A thorough risk assessment must be done to decide if this method is the safest option. If not, alternative lifting equipment should be used.
A SWMS is mandatory and must:
WorkSafe will focus on education until 10 December 2025. For example, information and verbal directions may be given instead of compliance notices. After that, safety breaches may lead to enforcement.
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) is a critical layer of defence for workers exposed to airborne hazards like dust, fumes, vapours, But not all RPE offers equal protection, and even the best equipment won’t keep you safe if it doesn’t fit properly, isn’t suited to the task and things it’s filtering, or isn’t well maintained.
Here’s what you need to know about getting RPE right, from upfront fit testing to choosing the right cartridges, to regular check-ups and health monitoring.
Before a worker ever steps into a hazardous area, they need to be fit tested for the right RPE. Why? Because no two faces are the same. RPE comes in different sizes typically ranging from Small to Extra Large, and a poor fit can mean poor protection, even if the mask looks like it fits.
Fit testing must be:
Fit testing is also a great opportunity to train workers on how to wear and check their masks properly, which brings us to the next step.
Not all filters protect against all hazards. It’s essential to choose RPE that’s targeted to the type of contaminant and the task at hand.
To get this right, consider:
Important: Choosing the wrong size or type of RPE will give the illusion of safety, while leaving workers dangerously exposed. There is a world of difference between “looks safe” and “is safe”
Once the right gear is chosen and correctly fitted, the work doesn’t stop. RPE needs to be maintained, checked, and re-evaluated regularly.
Even with the best gear, health monitoring plays an essential role in a full respiratory protection programme. It’s how you check whether control measures (like RPE) are really working, and catch signs of harm early.
You’re required to monitor workers’ health if they’re exposed to substances that pose a serious health risk.
Health monitoring can include:
RPE isn’t just a piece of kit, it’s a commitment to keeping people safe. By following these three steps:
You’re doing more than following regulations. You’re creating a culture where safety is personal, proactive, and properly managed.
The right mask, worn the right way, backed by the right training and monitoring – that’s how you keep your team safe.
At HazardCo, we’re all about making health and safety simple – and it’s working. New data shows that our members are safer on site compared to the national average. Whether you’re on the tools or managing a team, these numbers show the real impact of doing health and safety the HazardCo way.
There’s a big difference between having a health and safety system and using one that actually works.
At HazardCo, we don’t just help you tick boxes. Our guided tools make it easy to follow the right health and safety steps at the right time — and when that happens, sites are safer. Now we’ve got the data to back it up.
New stats show that HazardCo members are significantly safer on site than the national average. Whether you’re on the tools or running the business, this proves that doing health and safety the HazardCo way pays off.
We’ve crunched the numbers and here’s what we found:
That’s a massive difference.
Why it’s working
Our digital tools make it easy to manage health and safety day to day. From guided Site Reviews that help you put the right controls in place, to risk assessments, toolbox talks, site inductions, SWMS and incident reports — it’s all handled in the HazardCo App.
Everyone on site can get involved, making it easier to spot risks early, take action, and keep things running smoothly. Plus, if something does go sideways, our expert advisors are available 24/7 to help you respond the right way.
When health and safety is easy to follow and part of your everyday routine, it becomes second nature – and it keeps people safer.
Fewer injuries mean less time off the tools, and that saves your business money. When your team stays safe, you avoid costly downtime, keep your jobs on track, and reduce the chance of needing to bring in extra workers to cover.
You’ll also be in a better position if the Regulator (Worksafe / Safework) ever comes knocking. HazardCo helps you meet your legal responsibilities and show you’re doing things properly, without the paperwork pile-up.
A well-run site is a safer site. It’s better for your crew, your schedule, and your bottom line.
Using HazardCo isn’t just about ticking boxes faster, it’s about making your site genuinely safer.
You’re working smarter, with fewer accidents, less downtime, and more time getting the job done right.
Our mission is to keep the person at the top of the ladder safe, and the data shows it’s working.
Not a member yet? Maybe it’s time to make the switch.
Over the next 5 years Australia’s multi-dwelling construction industry is expected to grow due to urbanisation and strong population growth. Despite having a downturn in recent years, the number of businesses in the industry has grown 1.9% per year, reaching 27,700 in 2024.
What is Multi-Dwelling Housing?
In Australia, “multi-dwelling housing” refers to residential developments with three or more dwellings on a single lot, each with ground-level access, and excludes apartment buildings.
What’s the difference?
The key difference between single and multi-dwelling housing is the level of complexity required to manage the build and the likelihood of additional layers of responsibility e.g. directors and development owners above the principal contractor.
There are often complex stages of these builds, which are generally run by specialised subbies e.g. planning (engineers, architects, quantity surveyors), and build stages (civil works, construction management, carpentry/joiners, concreting) etc. In addition, there are often more intricate designs, additional fire safety regulation and stricter compliance standards.
Multiple dwellings also mean more trades are on-site working in close proximity to each other, and on top of that sites are located in more established areas where there is more interaction with existing residents and the general public.
Multi-dwelling Project Requirements
Because multi-dwelling housing creates more risk on-site due to the increased amount of subbies, machinery, equipment, and high-risk work taking place, It’s important that you have the right H&S tools in place for your contractors and a safe system of work e.g. Site Specific Safety Plan (SSSP) for all multi-dwelling projects.
A SSSP for a multi-dwelling build will outline how all involved parties will manage health and safety on-site. This includes details between parties on how they will manage workers, their expectations, roles, and responsibilities to ensure that all relevant site safety information is available.
Due to the potential complexity of multi-dwelling builds, we always recommend a more detailed and customised SSSP to manage risks effectively and reduce overall risk to the business and the workers.
The extra complexities that can need extra planning and control include:
Got a new multi-dwelling build kicking off?
Project Pro and the HazardCo system are suitable and capable of meeting the H&S requirements of multi-dwelling builds, so you can feel confident that HazardCo can support you as your business grows.
If you are a builder starting to diversify, now’s the right time to review your Health and Safety activity.
That’s where HazardCo comes in. If you’re building 3 or more dwellings within a fenced-off section, you will need HazardCo’s Project Pro. This is a customised project, specifically for your build that gives you everything you need for your team and all the subcontractors you will have coming onto the site.
Here are some key components of Project Pro that will help you cover all your bases.
If you have a new multi-dwelling residential project kicking off, give us a call on 1800 954 702 or email info@hazardco.com to discuss your requirements and what you need to be thinking about from a H&S perspective and the added complexities that come with it.
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
