How to conduct safety checks and inspect building works during construction

Inspect records of recent site-safety-walks:

• Site-safety-walks must be conducted by contractor’s senior management representative and at least one employee representative, at regular intervals at least fortnightly but more frequently if appropriate for activity on site.

•  Site-safety-walks observe whether works are being undertaken safely; using correct procedures, equipment and tools.
• Confirm that observations have been recorded — usually on standard checklist from contractor’s OHS manual.
• Confirm that issues have been addressed.
• Confirm that site amenities are being maintained in hygienic conditions.

Inspecting Building Works

Confirm that the following high-risk construction work, is undertaken in accordance with pre-prepared Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS). For each SWMS there must be evidence by name or signature, that:

1. The SWMS is appropriate for the specific site.
2. Each person performing the work has been trained in the stated methods.

The OHS Regulations define high-risk work as follows:

• where there is a risk of a person falling more than 2 metre
• on telecommunication towers
• involving demolition
• involving the removal or likely disturbance of asbestos
• involving structural alterations that require temporary support to prevent collapse
• involving a confined space
• involving a trench or shaft if the excavation depth is more than 1.5 metres
• involving a tunnel
• involving the use of explosives
• on or near pressurised gas distribution mains or piping
• on or near chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines
• on or near energised electrical installations or services
• in an area that may have a contaminated or flammable atmosphere
• involving tilt-up or precast concrete
• on or adjacent to roadways or railways
• at workplaces where there is movement of powered mobile plant 
• in an area where there are artificial extremes of temperature
• in, over or adjacent to water or other liquids where there is a risk of drowning
• involving diving

 If there is variance from SWMS instruct that the high-risk work conform to SWMSs or cease until it can be performed in accordance with the SWMSs. Use your common sense if the SWMS appears to be inadequate

It is also important to maintain records of:

• observations,
• incidents,
• inspections,
• directions and
• meetings