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What This Checklist Is
This checklist is a practical self-review tool that helps businesses reflect on how risks associated with construction work are identified and managed. It is commonly used during internal reviews, planning activities, or improvement discussions where construction tasks, trades, or changing work conditions are involved. The checklist is intended for owners, managers, and supervisors who want a clear way to sense-check everyday Work Health and Safety practices on construction work.
It is a practical review tool, not a compliance test and not legal advice.
How This Checklist Relates to the Code of Practice
A WHS Code of Practice describes accepted ways of managing Work Health and Safety risks in Australia. This checklist reflects the key themes of the Code by focusing on hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control for construction activities. Answering “Yes” and “No” helps highlight where current practices support workplace safety and where gaps or weaknesses may exist.
The checklist supports understanding of good practice without claiming legal alignment.
Why Use a Code of Practice Checklist?
Construction work often involves multiple hazards and changing conditions that can be hard to track. A checklist like this helps clarify what “good practice” looks like in day-to-day construction activities. It supports early identification of weak or missing controls and helps set clearer priorities for WHS improvement.
It also supports more informed discussions with workers, advisors, or inspectors about workplace safety.
Key Features
Simple Yes / No checklist format
Written in plain English
Designed for Australian WHS Codes of Practice
Suitable for small and medium businesses
How to Use This Checklist
Work through the questions honestly, based on how construction work is actually carried out rather than how it is planned to occur. The checklist is most useful when answers reflect real site conditions, work methods, and supervision.
Treat “No” answers as areas needing further attention. Use the results to prioritise practical actions and revisit the checklist when work activities, site conditions, or risks change.
What Inspectors Commonly Expect to See
Inspectors generally focus on how construction risks are identified and managed in practice, not just on written plans. They look for evidence that hazards are recognised, risks are assessed, and controls are applied as work progresses. Tools like this checklist support informed decision-making by showing that construction risks are actively reviewed.
Action and understanding usually matter more than paperwork alone. Inspectors often want to see that issues identified lead to practical changes.
Notes or action lists from checklist reviews
Changes made to risk controls or work practices
Records showing issues were identified and addressed
FAQs
What types of work does this checklist apply to?
It applies to a wide range of construction activities, including building, maintenance, renovation, and related tasks. The focus is on how risks are managed during the work.
Is this checklist only for large construction projects?
No. It is suitable for small and medium businesses, including smaller projects and short-term construction work.
Does completing the checklist mean construction risks are controlled?
No. The checklist helps identify strengths and gaps but does not control risks on its own. It supports review and improvement.
When should construction risks be reviewed?
Reviews are useful when work stages change, new hazards appear, or incidents occur. Many businesses also review regularly as work progresses.
Articles and Further Reading
Regulation s297–s298 – Managing Risks in Construction – Establishes duties to manage health and safety risks associated with construction work activities.
Regulation s299–s303 – High Risk Construction Work and SWMS – Sets additional requirements for high risk construction work, including preparation and implementation of safe work method statements.
About the Author
About the Author
Nathan Owen
Nathan has worked in construction for 15 years, primarily in health and safety and site management. He has frontline experience including operating plant and machinery and post-graduate qualifications in health and safety.