Where to start with Health and Safety
Oct 13, 2025

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.
Here’s a brief overview:
Before You Kick Off the Project
Think of this as your pre-game warmup. Get these things sorted before the first nail goes in:
- Create a Site Safety Plan (SSSP) – Who does what, how you’ll handle risks, safety rules, and what to do if something goes wrong.
- Put up a Principal Contractor sign – Make it clear who’s in charge, with contact details in case of emergencies
- Fence the site – Keep it secure so no one wanders in by accident.
- Amenities – Provide the basics, toilets, handwashing, and drinking water.
- Check the electrics – Make sure your switchboard meets AS/NZS 3012 standards.
- Paperwork check – Insurance certificates, white cards, high-risk licences, maintenance records are all in order.
- Asbestos clearance (if needed) – Non-negotiable if there’s been demolition.
During the Build
Safety isn’t “set and forget” it’s about checking in regularly:
- Site inductions – Make sure every contractor knows the hazards and is logged on record.
- Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) – Required for high-risk construction work. If something changes, update before work continues.
- Regular site reviews – Keep an eye on hazards like scaffolds, ladders, hot works, or electrical gear.
- Toolbox talks – Share updates on incidents, risks, and fixes. Short chats, big impact.
- Incident reporting – Near misses, injuries, or illnesses? Get them in the register and investigate. Some might need to notify the regulator.
Why This Matters
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.
Ready to Make Safety Simple?
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.
Get in touch with us
Want an easier way to stay on top of it all? Get in touch with us or start a free trial.