OHS Training is one of the key principles of effective management of health and safety management in construction works.
Federal and State OHS legislations and regulations across the Australian require from employers to have their staff including managers, work supervisors and employees to be trained in control measures and specific hazards of their assigned tasks.
OHS Training in the construction industry includes:
- General OHS induction training
- Work activity-based health and safety training
- Site-specific health and safety induction training
The general OHS induction training is provided by external organisations approved by workcover organisations such as the Workcover NSW or Workcover Victoria. This training covers general aspects of health and safety issues in construction sites, common hazards and risks that an employee could face when working on a high risk activities such as the construction works. An induction card is provided as attainment of the training and the card is valid interstate.
The work activity-based health and safety training concerns training provided on the safety procedures also know as safe work method statements or job safety analysis developed for a specific construction site. This training is normally provided by the Works Supervisor or Team Leader through toolbox meetings before each activity commence on site.
The site-specific induction training concerns training on identified specific hazards, risks and controls measures required at a particular construction site. The induction is normally delivered by the Works Supervisor to employees and subcontractors commencing work on construction sites
To add up to OHS Training discussed above there is also training and/or competencies requirements on specific trades and occupations such as electricians, plumbers, gas fitters, plant operators and others.
As an employer your construction safety responsibilities involves the identification of training gaps within your workforce to deliver your projects safely and planning the training needs of the workforce to ensure their health and safety is not compromised.
From the three types of OHS Training, all are important and are must on construction works; having a properly trained staff will reduce work related injuries and increase productivity.
