Amidst the hustle and bustle of the construction industry, one aspect cannot be overstated – health and safety. In today’s blog, Grant Wells, Unita’s Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) Officer, delves into the paramount importance of prioritising health and safety on a construction site. By understanding the significance of maintaining a safe working environment, our team prioritises the well-being of one another, mitigate risks, and fosters a culture of safety that benefits all involved.

General Safety Practices

Above all else, health and safety protocols on a construction site exist to protect lives while minimising risks. Construction sites are inherently hazardous due to heavy machinery, power tools, and potential exposure to dangerous materials, however, by implementing and adhering to safety protocols, we prioritise the preservation of life and the well-being of workers. At Unita, we do this by prepping work areas such as moving Mobile Plant around any hazards, keeping strict records of SWMS, liability controls and competent operators and tradesmen, and monitoring work practices in real-time. This leads to a reduction in accidents, injuries, and fatalities, ensuring our team can return home safely. Plus, by promoting health and safety measures we can create a safer working environment and maintain productivity.

Building a Positive Safety Culture

Putting an emphasis on health and safety on-site fosters a positive safety culture that permeates throughout the team. Unita teams across Australia use software and follow procedures that are dedicated to ensuring health and safety on worksites, establishing the importance of safety in the team’s daily practices. This establishes a collective mindset where everyone takes responsibility for their own safety as well as the safety of their colleagues. Additionally, we find that acknowledging our team’s value and skill improves employee morale and thus, encourages people to adhere to safety procedures. We offer our trust and appreciation to everyone who is involved in the construction process, which creates a cohesive work environment where everyone feels valued, protected, and motivated to uphold the highest standards of safety.

Compliance with Legal Requirements

Maintaining health and safety on a construction site is not only an ethical obligation, but a legal and professional duty that Unita takes very seriously. Each year, we are audited for our ISO Certification, which allows no error for liability and accountability on regulations and legal requirements. Everyone on a worksite is responsible to keep sites compliant, safe, and free from hazards, us WHS staff just manage the control! By complying with stringent regulations, the Unita team demonstrates their commitment to worker well-being, ethical operations, and avoiding legal consequences and reputational damage. 

Are you ready to kickstart your project or don’t know where to start? Unita delivers spaces that are built better. Get in touch with our team today.