Prioritizing Safety on Building and Construction Sites

Safety on site is everyone’s responsibility. Even if you are the homeowner client, safety onsite is not something that is the builder’s responsibility alone. Safety is not merely an obligation to comply with state and federal regulations; at its core it is the goal to ensure that everyone returns home safely at the end of a work day.

Most builders and contractors are aware of their requirements for safety onsite; they are required to carry out training and inductions and often have created Work Method Statements prior to coming on site. However, for a homeowner client whose house is being built, the importance of safety onsite may not be something that you have turned your mind to. Set out below we offer some important notes for homeowners to remember.

The Site Is Under the Builder’s Control

The site is under the possession and control of the builder. Even though you own the land that the dwelling is being built or renovated on, throughout construction the site is the builder’s responsibility. For this reason, you must always follow the direction of the builder while you are on site.

It is against regulation and often the construction contract for you to come onsite without giving notice. Most construction contracts will have a requirement that if the owner wishes to come onsite they must give written notice to the builder and only come onsite while the builder is there.

Safety Fencing Is Not to Be Ignored

Safety fencing is there for a reason. Fencing around the site is there for two main reasons: to keep people off an unsafe environment and also to deter theft. It is important that you do not climb or break into the safety fencing. Many builders are now installing ring cameras on their site for insurance purposes, so if there is an injury onsite it is likely that this will be captured.

Injuries on Site Will Cause Delays

Obviously the priority of any builder or contractor is to ensure that no injuries occur. However, if an injury does occur onsite, particularly a major injury, it is likely that there will be investigations by the workplace health and safety regulator in your state, the building regulator and even the insurer. All of these investigations can lead to delays in the works onsite.