SAFETY Archives - HazardCo AU

Got lone workers on your team? Here’s what you need to know

If someone on your team is working by themselves without other people around and without direct supervision, they’re likely considered a lone worker. Whether it’s a regular thing or just every now and then, it’s your job to make sure they’re safe and supported.

Who counts as a lone worker?

It’s not just remote bush jobs. Lone workers might be team members who:

Travel solo for work
Cover big distances
Work in a remote or isolated spot
Work by themselves in a separate area on a larger site
Do night shifts or work odd hours

If this sounds like anyone on your team, there are a few key things you need to think about:

Keep security front of mind

Lone workers may face more risks, both to their own safety and the gear or materials they’re using. You need to make sure they’re prepared and protected. Vulnerable workers like apprentices and inexperienced workers shouldn’t be working alone.

Don’t let them feel isolated

Working solo can be lonely. No banter. No team catch-ups. It takes a toll.
Stay connected with regular check-ins like phone calls, group chats, or video calls. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just make it consistent. A quick “How’s your day going?” can go a long way.

Don’t leave them out of the loop

Just because someone’s working away from the team doesn’t mean they should miss out on training, updates, or important info. Keep the comms flowing so everyone’s in the know – no matter where they are.

Set them up with the right gear

Make sure lone workers have the tools and tech to get the job done safely and stay connected. That includes:

A phone or two-way radio
GPS or location tracking if they’re in an isolated area
The HazardCo App – for easy hazard reporting and support
PPE that suits the job
A fully stocked first aid kit (and training on how to give first aid!)
A fire extinguisher that’s been checked in the last 12 months

Try a buddy system

Simple, but it works. Pair your lone workers with a buddy – someone they can check in with daily. Share location, talk through the day’s work, and have a bit of a yarn. It keeps morale up and helps you respond faster if something’s not right.

Have a plan for emergencies

Use the Emergency Management Plan template in your HazardCo Hub to create a clear plan for how to get help fast if something goes wrong.
Make sure your team knows what the plan is and how it works. Test it out, and keep emergency contact info up to date.

At the end of the day, look out for your lone workers the same way you would if they were right there beside you. A bit of planning and a good dose of communication makes a big difference. Put some restrictions like no High Risk Construction Work will be done by lone workers.

Need help?
If you’re a HazardCo member, the Advisory Team is just a tap away in the app. We’re here to keep things simple and help you keep your team safe, wherever they’re working.

Take the Hassle Out of Toolbox Meetings.

Toolbox meetings don’t need to be a paperwork mission. With the HazardCo App, you can run quick, focused chats straight from your phone. No prep, no printing, no hassle.

The Toolbox Meeting feature guides you through what to cover, step by step, so you can hold the meeting anywhere on-site and tick off all the right boxes as you go. It’s all recorded in the app, and a full report lands in your Hub, ready to download or share with the team.

How often should we have a Toolbox meeting?

Daily meetings: The gold standard in construction and high-risk sites. Kick off each shift with a short chat on that day’s hazards. These pre-starts keep safety front-of-mind and teams coordinated so everyone knows what’s going on.
Weekly meetings: Hold more in-depth sessions at least once a week to discuss recent incidents, site safety issues, changes to plans or regulations, new equipment or procedures, and upcoming high-risk work.
Ad hoc meetings: Jump in when new risks pop up: weather shifts, incidents, or handle issues that can’t wait.

Keeping toolbox meetings regular boosts safety in three big ways: they keep safety top of mind with frequent check-ins, help build a strong culture where everyone’s looking out for each other, and give you the chance to spot and fix hazards before they turn into incidents.

What to cover in a Toolbox meeting:

Stuck for ideas on what to talk about? Here’s some great starting points:

Today’s tasks and risks
Weather conditions
PPE requirements
Recent incidents or near misses
Any changes on-site
Questions from the team

Keep your toolbox meetings interactive by getting the crew involved, it makes a big difference. Ask for feedback at the end of each chat to see what’s working (and what’s not). Encourage the team to speak up about any issues they’ve spotted on-site. When everyone has a voice, safety becomes a team effort, not just another box to tick.

Cool tip to save you time: Use your phone’s voice-to-text tool to speak your notes out loud (just look for the little mic on your keyboard). You can even snap a quick photo to record who was there.

Working solo? You can still use the App toolbox feature to log safety convos with other tradies or subbies. Every chat counts.

And remember, the Toolbox Meeting feature isn’t just for toolboxes. Use it for pre-starts, safety meetings, or committee catch-ups too.

Keeping your site safe starts with good conversations – and with HazardCo in your hands, they’re easier than ever.

Get your team scanning in and out – it’s a no-brainer!

We get it, health and safety chats aren’t always the most exciting. But they are the most important. When everyone on-site takes part, it makes a big difference. And the easiest place to start? Get your team and subbies scanning in and out of site each day.

Your HazardCo QR code (on your Hazard Board) makes it quick and easy and the benefits stack up:

You’ll always know who’s on-site – even if you’re not, the info is live in your app and saved to your Hub in real-time, so you can check back anytime.
Productivity boost – tracking trades on-site helps with timesheets and planning.
First-time users complete a site induction – so they’re across emergency contacts and safety rules from the get-go.
Access to your Site Specific Safety Plan (SSSP) – key hazards, emergency plans, and control measures all in one place.
Using Project Plus? This unlocks the app for workers to upload SWMS and use all the reporting features. They can also see site notices in the app, so it’s easy to keep everyone in the loop.

Scanning in each day is also a good nudge to stay switched on about safety. The more we talk about it, the more we act on it, spotting hazards and taking care of each other.

It also helps you:

Share the safety responsibility across the team.
Look after lone workers by tracking check-ins.
Keep a clear record in case there’s an incident or investigation.

Need help getting the team onboard? Try this:

Use your next Toolbox Meeting to show everyone how to scan in with the QR code.
Offer your team a Friday shout if everyone scans in all week.
Make it part of your contracts and set that expectation from the start.

There’s no downside, scanning in is fast, easy, and helps everyone go home safe. Got questions? Get in touch with the HazardCo team. We’re here to help.

Working with heavy machinery and managing traffic on-site can be risky. But with the right checks and planning, we can keep everyone safe.

Daily machinery checks

Before starting work each day, make sure your equipment is ready to go:

Visual checks (before starting the machine):

Check fluid and oil levels; look for leaks.
Ensure tyres are free from damage and in good condition.
Confirm safety mechanisms are in place and working.
Make sure warning signs are visible and readable.
Inspect attachments, clips, and pins for damage.
Look over hydraulics for any issues.

Stationary function test (with the machine on):

Test the horn and reversing alarm.
Check that lights, pedals, and controls work properly.
Move the bucket and arms to ensure they operate smoothly.

Moving function test:

Test the steering.
Ensure brakes are functioning correctly.

Using your manufacturer’s checklist or the HazardCo Heavy Machinery Prestart checklist can help you cover all these points.

Managing site traffic

Keeping vehicles and people safe on-site requires a solid traffic management plan. Here’s what to consider:

Traffic direction: Plan routes for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Delivery areas: Set up clear zones and schedules for loading and unloading.
Site layout: Define speed limits, traffic flow, and place barriers or fences where needed.
Safe practices: Establish procedures for loading, unloading, turning, and reversing.
Site restrictions: Be aware of noise levels and traffic volume.
Unattended sites: Plan how excavations are managed when no one is around.
Emergency procedures: Have clear steps in place for emergencies.

Discuss this plan during site inductions so everyone knows the rules and expectations.

Know your limits: Zone of influence

Heavy machinery can affect the stability of excavations if operated too close. Keep all heavy vehicles, materials, and spoil at least one meter outside the zone of influence unless specific designs support closer operations.

Preventing tip-overs

Uneven ground can cause machinery to tip over, leading to serious injuries. To prevent this:

Planning: Supervisors and operators should assess the area before work begins.
SWMS: Make sure a SWMS has been prepared.
Risk assessment: Operators should evaluate risks before starting each job.
Safe routes: Choose the safest paths for moving machinery.
Digging practices: Never dig underneath an excavator.
Distance: Work at a safe distance from excavation edges.
Procedures: Have standard operating procedures in place.
Design: Ensure work areas are designed to control hazards.
Safety features: Equip cabs with roll-over and fall-over protection; operators should wear seat belts and keep doors closed.
Exits: Ensure there are always two exits from the excavation.

If you would like more information head over to our website or to chat with one of our friendly Advisory team please give us a call on 1800 954 702.

Digging into the ground might seem straightforward, but excavation work is actually one of the most dangerous parts of construction. That’s why it’s important to plan ahead and put the right safety measures in place to keep everyone safe on site.

Start with a solid plan

Before you get started, take some time to plan things out. Planning involves identifying the hazards, assessing the risks, and deciding suitable controls — all with input from the team. Every site is different, so take its unique features into account.

Watch out for these common excavation risks:

Securing the area
Keep excavations fenced off with sturdy barriers that won’t give way if someone leans or falls against them. If you’re not actively working in or near the trench, cover it up or backfill it as soon as possible.
Falls from height
If there’s a chance someone could fall from one level to another, it’s considered working at height. Make sure you have effective controls in place to prevent falls.
Ground collapse
This is one of the biggest dangers. Don’t assume the ground will stay put. Use shoring, benching, or battering to prevent it from caving in.
Safe ways in and out
Make sure workers have safe access at all times. Keep the bottom of the excavation clear so nothing blocks a quick exit in an emergency.
Underground and overhead services
Always contact Before You Dig Australia. Know what’s under and above you — hidden services can be a major hazard if you hit them.
Water in the trench
Never let workers operate in a trench that has water pooling in it unless you’ve got the right safety controls in place.
Do you need to notify construction excavation work?
Some excavation work needs to be reported to WorkSafe Victoria before you begin. If that’s the case, you will need to notify at least three days before work starts.

Keeping yourself and your team safe is what matters most. Make sure you’re clear on your responsibilities when it comes to managing excavation risks.

Need a hand? The HazardCo App has helpful resources for site reviews and risk controls. And if you’ve got questions or need support, just reach out to the HazardCo team – we’re here to help.

When you’re able to get back on site after a flood or storm, here are the hazards, risks and control measures you should consider to help reduce the risk of injury and illness to yourself, your workers and others involved in the clean up and repair effort.

Some common hazards following a storm or flood:

Electrical – Water damage, loss of power, damaged electrical installations
Biological hazards and fauna – Contaminated floodwater and displaced fauna
Asbestos – Damaged building materials that contain asbestos
Slips, trips and falls – Uneven surfaces from storm/ floods
Hazardous chemicals – Buried, moved or damaged hazardous chemical containers including corrosives, oils, pesticides
Psychological stress – Remember to check on your team, the emotional impacts of a storm or flood can be overwhelming, particularly if they are dealing with personal damage

Risk Management

Identify the hazards – What are the hazards on your site including any newly introduced hazards due to the storm or flood?
Assess the level of risk – What is the likelihood of exposure to the hazard, and the consequences (what harm could be done)?
Control the risk – Identify and implement suitable control measures and ensure the risk has been reduced to an acceptable level prior to undertaking related work.
Review the control measures – Regularly assess how effective the controls are. It’s important to stop work and reassess if conditions change or if you have introduced any new hazards.

Safety tips when undertaking the cleanup and repair work

Work out the order of the work to be done so that new risks are not introduced, e.g. if you move things in the wrong order is there a possibility of creating instability.
Ensure surfaces are stable and access to areas with unstable floors are safe.
Have a licensed electrical contractor check any electrical appliances or equipment you suspect has been submerged or damaged.
Check in and under objects before attempting to move them as snakes, spiders and other undomesticated animals may be taking refuge from flood waters.
Consider workers performing cleanup in teams/ pairs where possible.
Wash your hands well before eating and drinking, after contact with mud, flood water and contaminated items and equipment.
Make sure that workers have the correct personal protective equipment to prevent injuries such as cuts and scratches or infections from contaminated flood water.
Check that your workers and contractors are not fatigued or potentially unfit to work, i.e due to mental health stressors.
Agree on what situations workers should remove themselves from, where the risk cannot be reduced to an acceptable level. Some work may have to be delayed until water subsides and other factors.
Ensure emergency procedures are discussed for the site with all workers.

Dust is a common hazard in the construction industry, especially during demolition or refurbishment. When buildings are demolished they can release materials that create hazardous dust (airborne contaminants) which can be hazardous to workers’ health. Understanding the risks will help you to identify how best to manage the risks.

Why is dust dangerous?

Exposure to hazardous dust can lead to serious health conditions, including:

Silicosis – A lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust, common in concrete, brick, and stone materials.
Lung Cancer – Prolonged exposure to certain airborne contaminants increases the risk.
Asthma & COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) – Inhaling dust particles can trigger or worsen respiratory conditions.
Skin & Eye Irritations – Dust exposure can cause infections and long-term discomfort.

Health and exposure monitoring
As a business, you have a duty to monitor your workers’ health when they’re exposed to certain substances and other hazardous materials. Regular health monitoring helps identify early signs of illness and ensures that the dust control measures in place are working effectively.

Health monitoring process should include:

collection of workers’ demographic, medical and occupational histories
records of workers’ exposure
respiratory questionnaire and function tests
in some cases, chest x-ray or other radiological procedure

It is important that you get your worker’s consent to monitor their health and engage them in this process.

Health monitoring should be carried out by a trained and competent person. They will also give recommendations based on the health monitoring results.

How to control dust exposure on-site
Controls to minimise the exposure to dust in the workplace could include:

on-tool dust extraction systems – attach vacuum extraction directly to power tools
water suppression – dampen materials to prevent dust from becoming airborne
personal protective equipment (PPE) – ensure workers wear correctly fitted masks and protective gear

Making sure your workers have the right tools and information to complete the job safely includes training and understanding the risks involved, what to do if anything should go wrong, as well as the correct use, storage, and maintenance of PPE.

Other controls to consider are:

limiting worker exposure – keep unnecessary personnel away from dusty areas
task rotation – reduce the time any one worker spends in high-dust zones
Dust containment – using sheeting or temporary screens to enclose the work to stop dust from escaping

Complete a SWMS for your demolition work through the HazardCo APP. This helps assess the risks and plan safe work processes. Involve your team so everyone can contribute and understand the plan.

Our team of health and safety experts are just a call away if you have any questions or would like to discuss further.

To put it simply, health and safety regulators (WorkSafe / SafeWork) work with you and your workers to keep you safe and healthy. Their main goal is to ensure that across Australia, businesses are safe and healthy environments. It’s important to know that not all visits are pre-arranged and inspectors are allowed to show up at any reasonable time, regardless of whether or not you’re there. So, what should you expect when they come a-knocking?

What does a site visit look like?

Typically a visit from WorkSafe/SafeWork follows the below process:

Step 1: Conversation

A friendly chat isn’t that scary, right? When the WorkSafe/SafeWork inspector first arrives, they’ll have a conversation. This discussion is a two-way street where they’ll be looking to learn about your business, what risks you’ve identified, the actions you’re completing to minimise them and answer any questions you may have. Ensure you use this opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification if anything doesn’t make sense.

Step 2: Observation

Following the chat, the inspector will usually take a walk around your worksite to have a look around. Sometimes its a general walk around, other times it may be focusing on a particular area or activity.

If the inspector sees anything concerning during the walkabout, they will discuss this with you further.

Step 3: Processes and Documentation

At this stage, the inspector might ask to see what kind of processes and safe practices you have. This could include anything from your risk assessments, worker’s licenses or training certificates, machine maintenance logs, to incident reports. The focus will be on whether your processes and records demonstrate good health and safety practices for your worksite, workers and business.

So what are inspectors allowed to do during the visit?

Inspectors have the right to:

ask you, your employees or other people questions
take photographs, recordings and measurements
ask to see your documents, make copies or take the documents
take items away with them for examination, testing or for use as evidence

What happens if an issue is found?

If the inspector does find an issue, you and the inspector will discuss what needs to be done to fix it. The three main outcomes issued by the inspector are an improvement notice, prohibition notice, or an infringement notice.

Improvement notices – The most common type of notice which directs a person to address an identified health and safety risk in a specified time. The inspector will explain what was identified, how things need to change, and the timeframe in which it needs to be completed.
Prohibition notices – Directs the business to stop doing a particular thing that involves a serious risk to health or safety. For example, stopping a specific activity or instructing you to stop using a dangerous piece of machinery. The notice will tell you what needs to be fixed.
An infringement notice – This notice, or fine, is a penalty for breaking the law. Depending on your state or territory it can include an on-the-spot fine for breaching certain health and safety laws and may lead to prosecution.

Using HazardCo can cut the time you spend on health and safety admin in half and can guide you through what you need to do to keep your workers and your business safe.

Of course, if there are any questions or concerns, just call us at HazardCo for help on 1800 954 702.

The holiday season is over and now it’s time to get back into the swing of things. Coming back to work and reopening your site is just as important as shutting it down. The New Year is the perfect opportunity to refocus and set the tone for the year ahead. Coming back to work after a couple of weeks off can give some people a serious case of Mondayitis, so consider taking the following steps on the first day back:

Hold a kick-off Toolbox meeting to re-brief the team

Rather than diving straight into work, start with a kick-off toolbox talk. This is an essential step to rebrief your team on the SSSP (Site-Specific Safety Plan), emergency procedures, and Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS). Use this time to check that all workers are fit for work and mentally prepared after the break.

Complete a Site Review to identify any new hazards

Perform a site review to identify any new hazards or potential risks that may have emerged during the downtime. Check that fences are still secure and containers are locked.

Inspect Structures, Scaffolding, and Excavations

After a break, it’s crucial to ensure all structures and scaffolds are intact. Inspect scaffolds, check excavations, and assess other infrastructure that may have been affected by weather conditions during your time off. Ensure everything is in working order before resuming normal operations.

Check Tools, Equipment, and Mobile Plant

Before use, inspect all tools and equipment to confirm they are in good condition. It’s also vital to pre-start mobile plant to ensure it’s functioning correctly.

Start Slow: Prioritize a Safe and Smooth Transition

Consider a soft start to your operations. Allow your team the time to properly check their work areas, inspect equipment, and remind everyone that safety is the number one priority. This includes keeping in mind workers don’t overheat after spending the last couple of weeks in air conditioning, relaxing, and indulging. They may not be acclimatised to working in the heat.

Manage the Risks of Working in Hot Conditions

As the weather heats up, so can risk on-site. Make sure that workers are provided with adequate protection from working in the heat so that they can do their work safely and comfortably. Here are some steps to help mitigate these risks:

- - Provide Adequate Shade and Shelter: Set up shade tents or additional undercover areas if working outdoors. Ensure that windows are open, or fans are in use in indoor workspaces.
  - Ensure Hydration and Protection from the Sun: Workers should have constant access to drinking water, sunscreen, and wear appropriate PPE like lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and sun-protective hats.
  - Monitor Heat-Related Illness: Not everyone reacts to heat the same way. Be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illness such as dizziness, nausea, pale skin, rapid breathing, heat cramps, and dehydration. If a worker shows signs of heat illness, provide first aid and seek medical attention if necessary.
Know When to Stop Work in Extreme Heat

If temperatures are dangerously high, it’s sometimes best to stop work until conditions improve. Consider shifting physical tasks to machinery for tasks such as lifting or digging, reducing the exposure to extreme heat.

Support and Look Out for One Another

Safety is a shared responsibility. Encourage your team to keep an eye on each other and to report any symptoms of heat stress. Prevention is key, but swift action can prevent more severe conditions from developing. For the early stages of heat-related illness, first aid can often be effective, but you should always seek medical assistance if in doubt, or if the person’s symptoms are severe.

Symptoms to look out for are:

- - Dizziness and feeling weak
  - Vomiting and nausea
  - Pale, cool and clammy skin
  - Rapid breathing and shortness of breath
  - Heat cramps resulting from heavy sweating without replacing salt and electrolytes
  - Dehydration from increased sweating and workers not drinking enough water

Be prepared this summer and make sure to keep the health, safety, and well-being of workers front of mind. Refer to the below resources for more information:

If you have any questions you can contact our Advisory Team on 1800 954 702.

The holiday season is almost upon us, and we’re all eager to have a bit of a rest, recharge, and spend quality time with our families. As we wind up 2024, it is a demanding time for construction as we try to complete jobs before the holiday shutdown. This can make it tempting to take shortcuts, however, it can also lead to an increase in incidents, with the last two months of the year seeing a spike in workplace incidents.

Common factors can include time pressure, working in the heat, and fatigue. It’s important to keep the health, safety, and well-being of workers front of mind.

It’s necessary to start preparing for the Christmas shutdown so that you don’t have any interruptions during your break or come to a nasty surprise on your first day back. This is particularly important with residential sites which are mostly in populated areas.

Unsecured sites could be hazardous to members of the public, especially children, particularly with sites near parks, schools, homes or recreational areas. Children are unaware of the dangers of a construction site so keeping them out is key.

A safe and secure site is more than just locking the gates. Ask yourself the following questions:

Is the worksite fenced off from the public and the boundary secure?
Make sure your site is securely fenced and all entrances are locked. Ensure your fencing is a sufficient height and that the gap at the bottom isn’t too big that people including children could squeeze through underneath.
Is clear signage present to warn people of danger?
Make sure your Hazard Board is up to date listing the current hazards and your contact details are clearly visible in case something does pop up you can be contacted quickly. If you need to order a project for your job this can be done through the HazardCo HUB.
Have steps been taken to prevent any unauthorised access, e.g. are all ladders removed or their rungs boarded so they can’t be used?
Remove any temptation to access hazardous areas. Where practical, remove all ladders from the site, including scaffolding and excavation ladders, or block access to these accessways.
Are excavations and openings securely covered, fenced off, or backfilled?
Cover and fence off any excavations to prevent potential falls. Where practical backfilling excavations are recommended.
Is all plant immobilised to prevent unauthorised use?
If you are unable to remove your vehicles or plant from the site, make sure they are left in a secure area, preferably out of sight and the keys removed.
Are materials safely stacked and secured?
Ensure building materials are safely stacked and stored so they can’t topple or be knocked over.
Are all flammable or dangerous substances locked away in secure storage places?
Lock up your hazardous substances in secure storage appropriate for the type of substances being stored. Where possible remove hazardous substances from the site.
Are temporary structures stable and able to withstand bad weather conditions?
Check your temporary structures such as scaffolding and barriers to ensure they are secure and stable. Taking into consideration the changing weather.
Has the mains power been switched off?
Make sure the builder’s temporary or main power supply and switchboard are switched off and locked out.
Do unwanted construction materials and waste need to be removed from the site?
A quick clean-up can make a big difference. Make sure you remove all waste and empty skip bins on site.

Download our Site Security Checklist for a comprehensive list.

Some other things to consider

Doing a Site Review on the HazardCo App on the last day before you lock up will ensure you haven’t missed anything. Completing one when you return back to site gives you the opportunity to pick any additional hazards that may have occurred while away.
Although not recommended, if you do have lone workers on-site over the holiday season, ensure you have a lone worker policy in place. Key points are setting up regular check-ins, first aid kit on hand, a trained first aider, and to not carry out any high-risk work. See our lone worker article for more details.
In higher risk areas you may want to consider organising security to do regular patrols.

Taking the time to prepare your site for the holiday shutdown can help to make sure you get to spend uninterrupted time with your family and friends.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your Health and Safety please give our Advisory Team a call on 1800 954 702 or email info@hazardco.com.

We hope you have a safe and enjoyable break over the holiday season!