Safety performance is a challenge for everyone in Australia’s construction industry. The construction industry has an obligation to ensure the safety of workers, the public, suppliers and other participants in the construction process.
Injury and death in the workplace is unacceptable, yet workplace fatalities in Australia’s construction industry cost the nation $3.6 billion each year. Add to this research showing that 20-24 year olds in the building and construction industry are four times more likely to have a fatal accident than those in other industries, and it becomes clear that safety needs to be a priority.
The National OHS Strategy 2002-2012, which provides a basis for developing sustainable, safe and healthy work environments and for reducing the number of people hurt or killed at work, has identified the construction industry as a priority industry for safety improvement. As construction accounts for nine percent of the Australian workforce, it is critical that industry implements the highest standards of occupational health and safety (OHS) to protect their workers.
The Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Construction Innovation is committed to leading the Australian property, design, construction and facility management industry in collaboration and innovation. Our CRC works with business and government to improve productivity and sustainability through innovation and best practice programs. We have created an unprecedented alliance of industry practitioners, government policy analysts and researchers who are committed to saving lives and preventing injuries on Australia’s construction sites.
Key projects
Since 2005, Construction Innovation has led safety-based research projects in an effort to address the alarming safety statistics generated by the construction industry. Our reputation in the field of applied safety research has continued to grow as has our commitment to disseminate our findings and supply skill development to the industry.
The CRC has been instrumental in directing the industry’s attention to safety management through these projects aimed at improving Australia’s construction safety record.
