Raising the bar: Practical steps to improve construction site safety across Brisbane

WHS framework and legal responsibilities in Queensland

Construction businesses in Brisbane operate under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) and the supporting Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. These instruments set out duties for Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs), officers, workers and other persons at workplaces. PCBUs must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers and others affected by their work. Officers have a duty to exercise due diligence to ensure the PCBU complies with its obligations. Understanding these statutory duties is the foundation for practical safety compliance on any site.

Principal contractor obligations on multi-party sites

In Queensland construction projects where more than one contractor is engaged, a principal contractor is usually appointed to manage the construction phase and to coordinate safety across the site. The principal contractor must prepare and maintain a site-specific construction safety management plan, ensure appropriate coordination between subcontractors, and provide adequate site induction and supervision. They also have an obligation to monitor compliance with permit systems, ensure safety in relation to plant and temporary structures, and manage risks associated with subcontracting arrangements.

Contractor compliance and expectations

Contractors working on Brisbane sites must understand that compliance is not limited to paperwork. They are required to implement control measures identified through risk assessments, hold relevant licences and training (such as high-risk work licences and a general construction induction card), and follow site safety systems such as permit-to-work and confined space entry procedures. Contractors should also cooperate with the principal contractor’s coordination efforts and participate in toolbox talks, incident investigations and consultative processes.

Risk assessment: from identification to ongoing control

Effective risk assessment begins with systematic hazard identification: reviewing plans, inspecting the site, and consulting workers to discover known and emerging risks. The hierarchy of controls must guide control selection — eliminate hazards where possible, substitute with safer options, isolate risks, apply engineering controls, and finally use administrative measures and personal protective equipment (PPE) where other controls do not fully reduce the risk. High-risk work requires written Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and regular review of controls as the work changes.

Practical steps for conducting robust risk assessments

Start by breaking the project into tasks and assessing each task for probability and consequence. Use site-specific data — past incident reports, near-miss records and worker feedback — to prioritise risks. Incorporate dynamic risk assessment practices so supervisors and workers reassess hazards when conditions change (weather, ground conditions, plant movement). Document decisions clearly and ensure controls are assigned to accountable people with deadlines and verification steps.

Consultation, training and competence

Consultation is a legal and practical requirement. PCBUs must consult with workers and health and safety representatives about issues likely to affect their health and safety. Provide site inductions tailored to the project and refresher training for specific tasks. Competency is demonstrated through licences, documented experience and observed safe performance. Structured on-the-job coaching and competency checks reduce reliance on administrative controls and ensure controls are followed consistently.

Incident reporting, investigation and continuous improvement

All incidents and notifiable events must be reported in accordance with Queensland requirements; serious incidents will need to be notified to the regulator. Investigations should be fact-based, focus on root causes, and result in practical corrective actions that are tracked to completion. Use findings to update risk assessments and SWMS, and share lessons across projects. A visible process for learning and follow-up builds a safety culture that prevents repeat events.

Key site systems and documentation

Principal contractors and contractors should maintain accessible documentation: site safety management plans, SWMS, plant inspection records, training and induction logs, incident registers and asbestos registers where relevant. Permit-to-work and isolation (lockout/tagout) systems must be enforced for high-risk tasks. Regular audits and toolbox talks help ensure documentation reflects actual site practice rather than being a compliance exercise alone.

Managing sub-contractors and supply chain risks

Subcontracting introduces risk through varied practices and differing competency levels. Principal contractors should pre-qualify suppliers, include safety requirements in contracts, and verify compliance through site checks and performance metrics. Clarify roles and responsibilities in writing, including who will supply and maintain plant, who manages specific hazards and who will coordinate emergency response. Effective coordination ensures that multiple activities do not create unforeseen hazards.

Practical leadership and health-led culture

Leaders set the tone: visible, consistent actions from site managers and senior officers embed safety into day-to-day operations. Practical leadership includes walking the site, engaging directly with workers about hazards, and responding promptly to safety concerns. Promote worker wellbeing as part of safety — fatigue management, mentoring and mental health support reduce error rates and improve overall performance.

Where to get support and why specialist advice helps

Large and complex projects benefit from specialist WHS advice. External consultants can provide independent risk assessments, auditing services, and tailored safety management plans that align with Queensland legislation and Codes of Practice. For those seeking experienced local assistance, organisations such as Stay Safe Consulting Brisbane can assist with site audits, SWMS development and contractor management strategies to ensure compliance and better outcomes.

Practical checklist for Brisbane construction sites

Before work starts, ensure: a site-specific safety plan is in place; SWMS are prepared for high-risk tasks; all workers hold required licences and inductions; plant and temporary works are inspected and certified; emergency and traffic management plans are established; and a consultation process is operating. During the project, maintain active supervision, dynamic risk assessments, incident reporting and continuous improvement cycles. These actions turn legal obligations into practical, day-to-day safety performance.

Following Queensland’s WHS framework while focusing on practical, demonstrable controls protects workers, reduces project interruptions and improves reputation. Effective compliance is not just about meeting regulatory checkboxes — it is about creating a reliable system where risk is managed proactively, responsibilities are clear, and everyone on site can go home safe each day.