The Safer Construction project was initiated by Engineers Australia in response to the recognised need to reduce accidents and deaths in construction processes. The CRC for Construction Innovation provided the industry research leadership in coordinating and funding this key project. Significant funding was also provided by the John Holland Group, the Australian Constructors Association, Bovis Lend Lease and Engineers Australia.

 

The Safer Construction project sought to reduce construction workplace accidents by creating a Guide to Best Practice for Safer Construction to integrate occupational health and safety (OHS) and improve safety levels in the Australian construction industry. The Guide was developed following significant industry input and collaboration, and a detailed review of practical Australian and international best practice initiatives. It was launched in September 2007.

 

Additional industry supporters were:

The Engineers Australia Taskforce on Construction Safety was chaired by Leighton Holdings Chief Operating Officer, Bill Wild; the Project Leader was Tim Fleming, Operations Safety Manager, NSW/ACT Region, John Holland Group; and project partners were:

The project examined OHS practices at the design, procurement, construction and commissioning stages of built assets in order to develop the voluntary code of practice and supporting tools; and brought together stakeholders across the supply chain of the project ensuring a whole-of-industry solution.

 

The Guide to Best Practice for Safer Construction provides a framework for improving safety performance on construction projects. It addresses all stages of the construction process: planning, design, construction and post-construction. Its overarching objective is to reduce the number of accidents and deaths on construction sites and to improve the ability of the industry as a whole to deliver safer construction projects and healthier employees.

 

The Guide was designed to integrate OHS into strategic decision-making by owners, clients, designers and constructors in order to reduce workplace injuries within the construction industry. It addresses safety principles and practices for key stakeholders that influence safety in the Australian construction industry and it will help guide the procurement, design, construction and commissioning of safer projects in the future.

 

An implementation kit has also been developed to support industry’s uptake of The Guide to Best Practice for Safer Construction.

 

 

For further information about the project, please contact Tim Fleming, the Project Leader, on (02) 9552 4288 or email t.fleming@construction-innovation.info.