Managing OHS in Building and Construction: A Risk Assessment Report

This report delves into the critical aspects of occupational health and safety (OHS) within the building and construction sector, focusing on risk management and compliance. The report begins with an identification of specific risks inherent in various construction occupations, such as slips, trips, falls, work at height, gas leaks, electrocution, and material handling, highlighting the potential consequences of each hazard. It then outlines the legislative requirements for OHS and company policies, particularly within the Australian context. A key component is the creation of a risk register, detailing potential hazards and associated control measures. The report further includes a workplace inspection of the Dandenong campus to identify site-specific risks, followed by an inspection report assessing the site's compliance level. The report also emphasizes the importance of seeking expert advice and consultation with workplace personnel. It concludes with recommendations based on the inspection findings, a discussion of compliance issues, and strategies for effective communication and implementation of OHS policies, including the review of control measure effectiveness.

Manage occupational health and safety
in the building and construction
workplace

Table of Contents
Assessment 1....................................................................................................................................1
1.1. Identification of specific risks for the range of occupations in the workplace.....................1
1.2 Legislative requirements for OHS and company policies in construction............................2
1.3 A risk register with risk controls to manage impact of hazardous in workplace...................3
Assessment 2....................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Inspection of workplace to find risks relevant to several trades that will be working on-site
of Dandenong campus.................................................................................................................4
2.3 An inspection report to management detailing the compliance level of the site...................5
Assessment 3....................................................................................................................................6
2.2. Expert advice, including advice from workplace personnel, is sought as appropriate.........6
3.1 Recommendations as per findings of inspection report.........................................................7
3.2 Discussion regarding compliance issues relating to statutory requirements with relevant
parties...........................................................................................................................................7
4.1 Effective strategies for communicating OHS policy and practice.........................................8
Assessment 4....................................................................................................................................8
3.3 Implementation of agreed control measures in conjunction with relevant workplace
personnel......................................................................................................................................8
3.4 Review on effectiveness of control measures........................................................................9
Assessment 5..................................................................................................................................15
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................19

Assessment 1
1.1. Identification of specific risks for the range of occupations in the workplace
Construction industry is considered as one of the high-risk industries, which has a
significant impact on occupational health & safety of workers. Although, it has seen that
construction labours and all associated workers mainly work at heights, with building and high
equipment materials (McLinton and et. al., 2018) (Bayram, 2018). So, such scenarios at sites, are
plagued potentially by dangerous situations as well as with poor working conditions. Workers
are highly exposed towards hazards which are difficult to quantify. In this regard, promote and
maintain safety within workplace, it is essential to obtain knowledge regarding with primary
causes of fatalities help in assessing the level of safety. But as there are number of job sites in
constructions that have different procedures or conditions, therefore, identifying source(s) which
poses challenges or risks to OHS of workforce remains critical (Gurmu, 2019). However, some
sources that arise risks at workplace includes tasks related with material handlings, unintended
collapses, asbestos, airborne fibres and toxins etc. Henceforth, contribution for implementing
safe working conditions, detection of risks that have greater potential to arise hazardous
conditions and fatalities with workers, when they encounter with the same is one of the main
responsibility of site inspector (Suarez, Carvajal and Catalá Alís, 2018). Some of risks arise at
construction are explained as below –
Slips, trips and falls
In any sector of organisations, range from heavy manufacturing companies to office
works, there is a high risk of slips, trips and falls. It creates serious consequences for the people
working there such as broken bones or other fatalities (Hassan and Esmail, 2018). Key causes of
slips, trips and consequences in construction includes obstacles, uneven surface, slippery or wet
surface, etc.
Work at height –
Falls from height is another main causes behind fatal accidents within construction
industries, where such risks can be characterised into two main types - fall of workers while
working from height; and fall of heavy objects on those workers who work on ground at most
construction sites (Quaigrain and Issa, 2018). Therefore, in both conditions, consequences are
considered as more severe greater when falling from height. Falls occur generally from the
1

unguarded edges or might from openings at roof work, via fragile materials of construction into
excavations.
Risks related to gas –
Natural gas is generally distributed via network of distribution pipes and buried
transmission. Therefore, leaking of gas can occur as a result of failures of mains or due to
accidental damage (Montano, 2019). This may also happen from bulk storage tanks, smaller
cylinders stored and more on construction sites. In this regard, under such circumstances, such
leakage may result in an explosion fire or explosion.
Electrocution –
The major risks occur due to poorly maintenance of electricity equipment, work nearby
overhead power at OSHS is electrocutions, that results in severe injuries or sometime deaths also
(Uzun and Cebi, 2020). It may also cause due to unsuitable cables, electrical equipment within
explosive areas. In addition to this, untested worksite distribution boards as well as defective
protected devices also results in causing severe fatal accidents at workplace.
Material handlings –
Manually handling the construction materials, which involve tasks like lifting, holding,
lowering, pushing and pulling materials, carrying and loading etc. So, doing such kind of works
at sites arise a number of injuries that are bruises, punctures, broken bones, etc. In addition to
this, the most common issue that may arise due to improper handling of materials, is soft tissue
damage, which includes damage to ligaments, muscles, discs, cartilage or nerves (Gul and Ak,
2018). Typically, injuries related to soft tissue affect shoulders, necks, elbows, wrists, arms,
hands, hips, lower back and more. Furthermore, intensity of such injury might also vary, with
potential of permanent disability from mild to moderate discomfort.
1.2 Legislative requirements for OHS and company policies in construction
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) is regarded as one of such important document,
which is approved by a trained as well as competent OHS practitioner (Lingard and Wakefield,
2019). Without a proper documentation, any contractor is not allowed to access or work on a
construction site as per legislations. So, considering this document aid site inspectors, to analyse
what type of OHS management plan has been taken by contractors. In addition to this, it also
helps in evaluating risk assessments made on prior basis, to analyse if workers during
constructions was protected or actions that have been taken in case of any fatalities (Al-Bayati,
2

Abudayyeh and Albert, 2018). In Australia, companies that engage in construction work develop
organisational policies as per legislation requirements, to mitigate risks and reduce occurrence of
same at workplaces.
1.3 A risk register with risk controls to manage impact of hazardous in workplace
For controlling risks and managing the impact of hazardous situations at workplace, OHS
guidance materials are mainly be used in Australian construction companies to help professionals
in development of risk management strategies to mitigate risks (Rebelo and et. al., 2019). As
mentioned above, electrocution, work at height, handling of materials and more, causes severe
health and safety issues. Therefore, a risk register plan with controlling potential occurrence of
same, has been created as mentioned below –
ID Risk
Description
Likelihood
of the
occurrence
of risk
Impact of
risks in case
of its
occurrence
Severity Mitigating actions
1. Work at
height
High Fatal
accidents
with broken
bones or
concussion.
High Managing work properly
while doing at height by
following a hierarchy of
controls – avoid, prevent
and immediate actions
2. Slips, trips and
falls
High damage to
muscles,
broken legs,
damage to
ligaments,
tendons,
cartilage,
Mild effective inspection,
with proper maintenance
and repair arrangements
refers to some of
important measures
which can be taken for
reducing the likelihood
3

nerves of fatal accidents
3. Electrocution Medium Multiple
fatalities with
life changing
injuries
High Hiring special qualified
team while installing
electrical equipment
during constructions
Assessment 2
2.1 Inspection of workplace to find risks relevant to several trades that will be working on-site of
Dandenong campus
Managing the safety and health at workplace is consider to be an integral part of the management
as they require to ensure that place where people are working remain safe for them. A safe
workplace makes people to work effectively without having any fear of risk to heir health and
safety. A business must per a regular inspection of workplace for determining the risks as well as
hazards that are s hazard to keep a place safe to work (Badri, Boudreau-Trudel and Souissi,
2018).
The Dandenong campus is consider to be one of the largest campus situated within the
South East Melbourne which provide facilities to international as well as VCE students such as
café, hair and beauty salon, patisserie, hi-tech automotive centre, polymer testing lab, computer
lab and large library. It is situated at 121 Stud Rd, Dandenong, VIC 3175. The Dandenong
campus is a well equipped site which provide a student with all the facilities which they require
to get succeed within studies (About Dandenong campus. 2020). This campus is located at Stud
Rd and best part about this road is that bus routes, train stop as well as freeway are all nearby and
on site parking is also available.
The Dandenong Town hall was built within the free classical style in year 1890 as
combined Courthouse, Shire hall and Mechanics institute. The two storey stucco rendered brick
over a bluestone base course was very much attractive (Eyiah, Kheni and Quartey, 2019). Later
on by 1960s it become suburban area of Melbourne and central Dandenong where modern
buildings get transformed along with redevelopment of post office by two storey building which
is followed by three storey office development. This campus exterior is made up of material such
as geopolymer as well as alkali activated material which is consider to be better material for the
4

construction of building as it remains safe and proven by the industry as well. The campus of
Dandenong exterior is designed with the combination of geopolymer, waste valorisation based
materials, alkali activated and Portland cement hybrid concrete system and CO2 storage
concretes (Design and development of materials for construction. 2012). The combination of this
provides a perfect look to the building and at the same time make it safe and risk free.
While inspecting the site it has been observed that the campus is designed in a way that it
remains safe to the student with less possible chances of hazard to be happen. But after observing
the site there are certain hazard that may happen at site. This includes,
Hazardous chemical: The Dandenong campus involve use of certain chemical that will be
used while at executing the operations at workplace. Some of the organic or inorganic chemicals
are consider to be corrosive for skin and eyes which can be toxic and harm the health of people
(Ilbahar, Karaşan, Cebi and Kahraman, 2018). So in order to fix it the students the instant
treatment can be provided with a little irritation a student face while working within lab and
more concentration must be presented toward their work.
Electrocution: This kind of risk mainly occurs when the electric flow as well as wiring
are not inserted well and remain open. This may cause several kind of issues such as electric
shock, fire etc. which can be a small accident or sometimes it takes a form of a huge hazardous
accident (Suarez, Carvajal and Catalá Alís, 2018). Hence, this is one of the biggest risk factor
present at site while working or while other people gathered there.
2.3 An inspection report to management detailing the compliance level of the site
From the inspection of the Dandenong campus it has been found that this campus is created
with considering all the NCC codes to keep it designed over the legislator standards and keep
free from any kind of legal issues. The NCC also known as National Construction code of
Australia which consist of certain technical provisions that consider while design as well as
construction of the building throughout the Australia. This provide a legal effect by building up
the regulatory legislation within each territory or state. The legislation consists of Act of
Parliament as well as subordinate regulation. This help in assuring some factors that the related
with eth safety, amenity, health and sustainability. From the inspection of Dandenong campus, it
has bene found that the building itself doesn’t involve any kind of risk that comes under the
legislator standard (Tchiehe and Gauthier, 2017). Therefore, the campus is safe as it is designed
while considering all the legislator standard and code which are designed under the national;
5

construction code of Australia. The Dandenong campus involve those hazard risk that may
happen due to some ignorance of things that may result into accident which are situational.
From the inspection it has been found that there is certain risk that may happen at workplace
are hazardous chemical, electrocution etc. These risks are based on situation, so following are
certain suggestions that can be used
 In order to avoid the issue related with the hazardous chemical, it must be ensured that
the chemical must be placed with the tight fit container so that it doesn’t get spread
accidentally that may cause issues to the health of people present there (Tsalis, Stylianou
and Nikolaou, 2018). Other than this while using any chemical for working it must be
ensured that the people must wear the uniform specially designed for working with
chemicals as well as also carry gloves so that the chemical touch can be avoided which
can harm the skin.
 For avoiding the risk of electrocution, it is suggested that before started working at site all
the wiring must be re check so that if any of the wire remained open then it must be
covered properly and save it from any accident to get happened. Other than this
precaution which are usually guided while working with electric instrument must be
followed so that if there remain any kind of risk then it can be avoided on timely manner.
Assessment 3
2.2. Expert advice, including advice from workplace personnel, is sought as appropriate
The employee safety is paramount for creating a healthy and safe workplace environment that
they can work freely. To keep a place safe for people it is essential to designed and arrange the
things by considering the regulatory standards such as occupational Health and safety standards
(17 WORKPLACE SAFETY TIPS TO SHARE WITH YOUR EMPLOYEES. 2020.). With the
expert advice following are certain guidelines that must be followed to keep the workplace safe
and secure,
 Try to keep every corner organised, clean and clutter free so that nothing would be
scattered in a way that may harm people or may lead to any accident such as falling, slip
etc.
 Must provide worker with training about using the equipment and machinery in right
manner and the worker who do not have appropriate understanding about handling the
6

machinery or any electric equipment must not be given such work (Bayram, 2018). This
is so because it may cause accidents such as electric shock or another kind of issue. So
workers must be provided with appropriate training before working with an instrument or
machinery.
3.1 Recommendations as per findings of inspection report
By performing inspection over the Dandenong campus, it has been found that there are
certain situational risks, that may lead to accident if get neglect such as hazardous chemical,
electrocution etc. So, following are recommendation made as per the findings to make a place
safe to work,
 The electrical instrument, tools and machineries must be provided to the worker who are
actually having experience of using this in order to avoid any kind of accident while
working (McLinton and et. al., 2018).
 For avoiding gas leakage, a regular check must be done o the pipelines so that if any hole
and damage found then it can be repair.
 The workers must be provided with appropriate clothes and accessories which are crucial
at workplace while using particular power tool, machinery or chemical (Gurmu, 2019).
This help in avoiding any kind of harmful impact on worker that may involve any kind of
risk to their health.
 While handling material it must be assured that less load must be followed by people so
that the case of any injury or falling of material can be avoided.
3.2 Discussion regarding compliance issues relating to statutory requirements with relevant
parties
As statutory compliances are imposed by laws which do not arise usually out of a contract,
therefore, such obligations are applicable to construction, design and building options. But
applicability of same in these areas are most extensive and complicated, depends as per specific
nature of proposed development (Suarez, Carvajal and Catalá Alís, 2018). Therefore, before
applying any such concept to deal with statutory compliance, the given firm i.e. Dandenong
campus, its management needs to be updated with labour, health & safety regulations to mitigate
risks. For this purpose, making discussion with contractors, employers and construction
management, helps in resolving compliance issues, that makes mandatory for them to be
7

adhered. This firm also needs to seeks expert advice from taxation law and labour law experts,
by conducting some meetings with them.
4.1 Effective strategies for communicating OHS policy and practice
The employee safety remains as the top priority for keeping the workplace free from any
kind of accident or other issues. So, it remains crucial to communicate about the OHS policy and
practices while consulting with professionals so that it must be followed by each of the
individual present at working site (Hassan and Esmail, 2018). Some of the common method that
can be adopted to communicate about the OHS policy can be organising a meeting and discuss
about several OHS policies and practices that are to be comply while working along with the
reason behind following these policies (Cooklin, Joss, Husser and Oldenburg, 2017). Other than
this, a training session can also be arranged for the people in order to teach them the way they
must follow all the practices in their work by providing them appropriate instruction about the
procedure. Along with this, for more safety of workers, adequate facility will be provided like
first aid, clean and hygienic washrooms, lockers, dining area and more. This would help in
facilitating more job satisfaction to labours and all associated construction staff. Furthermore, for
more safety and to ensure that machines and raw materials are handling properly, with
appropriate usage, storage and transport from one place to another with less occurrence of
incidents which may harm people adversely, proper instructions will be given to them, along
with training and supervision.
Assessment 4
3.3 Implementation of agreed control measures in conjunction with relevant workplace personnel
As Dandenong is committed to provide health and safe environment to its employees,
students, contractors and visitors, which is vital for its successful functioning. Through
Dandenong High School Occupational Health & Safety Policy, it has also been analysed that for
performing OHS roles and responsibilities, this firm has also provided appropriate information
and training to all its associated staff and principals (Suarez, Carvajal and Catalá Alís, 2018). But
after through site inspection, it has been identified that still there are some issues happen at this
campus, that arise risks of hazardous. It includes risks with improper instalment of electrical
equipment, handling material and more. Therefore, site plan mitigate to such risks from this
8

campus will be proper discussed with contractors, employers and other main stakeholders first,
before implementing the same (McLinton and et. al., 2018). Now, new OHS policies of
Dandenong will include its commitment for bringing awareness among people about major
potential risks, rearrangement of electrical equipment for more safety, drafting a Contractors
Agreement for seeking appropriate legal advice from experts and more. In addition to this, risk
register plan with controlling potential occurrence of same, will be strategically developed and
executed in proper way, that leads to cultivate more safe workplace for associated people.
3.4 Review on effectiveness of control measures
For reviewing effectiveness of control measures established in site plan, a self-
questionnaire survey will be conducted, with ten upper management staff of Dandenong in
following way –
Questionnaire
Name:
Contact No.:
Designation:
Question 1: Are you aware with OHS policy of Dandenong Campus?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Not having specific information
Question 2: As per your opinion, likelihood and impact of which risks create serious
fatalities at Dandenong Campus?
a) Hazardous chemical
b) Electrocution
c) both a) & b)
Question 3: Which is the best way to mitigate risks at Dandenong Campus and provide
better safe working environment:
a) Risk Assessment
b) Employee safety programme
c) Changes in company’s OHS policies
d) Allocation of proper control for occupational exposure
Question 4: Do you think that implementing employee safety programme will help in
9