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Kick off the New Year safely on site

The holidays are done and dusted, and it’s time to ease back into work. Reopening your site is just as important as shutting it down properly and the New Year is the perfect chance to reset, refocus, and set the tone for the year ahead.

After a couple of weeks off, it’s normal for the team to have a bit of Mondayitis. So on day one, take it slow and run through a few key steps to get everyone back on track safely.

Kick-off the year with a Toolbox Meeting

Before anyone gets stuck in, hold a Toolbox meeting:
Go over your SSSP (Site-Specific Safety Plan), walk through emergency procedures, and make sure everyone is fit for work both physically and mentally after the break.

Do a Site Review for new hazards

A lot can change while you’re off-site.
Walk the site and note any new hazards or risks, check fences, gates, and signage are secure and make sure access ways are clear and exclusion zones intact.

Inspect structures, scaffolding, and excavations: Weather and time can take a toll. Check scaffolds, excavations, temporary structures, and anything else that could have shifted, been damaged, or affected by the weather.

Check tools, equipment, and mobile plant: Before the team starts using anything, run inspections and pre-starts.
Make sure tools, gear, and mobile plant are in good working order.

Ease back into it, safety first: Think about a soft start. Give everyone time to check their work areas, ease into the pace, and remember that safety is the priority.
Also keep in mind: after a couple of weeks relaxing in air-con, people may not be ready for full heat exposure straight away.

Heat Safety: Keep Your Team Cool and Safe

Hot weather brings extra risks, so put simple steps in place to keep your team safe and comfortable.

Provide shade and shelter: Set up shade tents or covered areas. For indoor work, open windows or use fans to keep air moving.

Keep everyone hydrated and protected: Make sure workers always have access to drinking water, and encourage sunscreen, lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and sun-protective hats.

Watch for signs of heat-related illness: Everyone reacts differently to heat. Keep an eye out for symptoms like:

• Dizziness, weakness or fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pale, cool, clammy skin
• Rapid breathing
• Heat cramps
• Dehydration

If someone shows symptoms, provide first aid and seek medical help if needed.

Know when to stop work

If temperatures get extreme, it might be safer to pause work until conditions improve.
Where possible, shift heavy physical tasks to machinery to reduce strain.

Look out for each other

Safety is a team effort. Remind everyone to check in on their mates and report any heat stress symptoms early. Quick action can stop things from getting worse.

Be prepared this summer

Keep your team’s health, safety, and well-being front of mind as you head into the New Year.
Here are some handy resources to help:

• Blog: Looking out for everyone in the heat of summer
• Health & Safety checklist for Builders
• Health & Safety checklist for Tradies

If you need support or have questions, our Advisory Team is here to help on 0800 555 339.

If you have any questions you can contact our Advisory Team on 0800 555 339.