HIA promotes safer site today, smarter sites tomorrow

THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) is marking National Safe Work Month by recognising the significant safety gains achieved across the residential building industry over the past two decades and highlighting how technology and innovation are helping create the smarter, and safer, building sites of the future.

HIA chief executive for industry and policy, Simon Croft, said today's residential building sites are safer, better managed and more safety-conscious than ever before.

"The residential building industry has made significant progress in workplace safety over the past two decades," Mr Croft said.

"That progress has been driven by builders, trades, workers and businesses embracing better training, stronger safety systems and a more proactive approach to managing workplace risks.

"Today's sites are safer than ever before because safety has become embedded in the way building businesses operate. From site inductions and toolbox talks to risk assessments and supervision, safety is now part of everyday business."

This year's National Safe Work Month theme throughout the month of October is, 'Safe Work is for Life', an important reminder that workplace safety is about more than preventing injuries today. It is also about protecting the long-term health, wellbeing and careers of workers across the industry.

"While the industry can be proud of the progress that has been made, there is always more work to do," Mr Croft said.

"Safety is not a destination. It is an ongoing commitment to continuous improvement, and every worker, subcontractor, supervisor and business owner has a role to play in creating safer workplaces."

Mr Croft said technology is playing an increasingly important role in improving safety outcomes across the residential building industry.

"Digital safety management systems, mobile site inspections, real-time reporting tools and online training are making it easier for businesses to identify hazards, manage safety obligations and respond to risks before incidents occur.

"Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and smarter project management tools also have the potential to further improve safety outcomes by helping businesses identify patterns, assess risks earlier and make better-informed decisions."

Innovation in products, equipment and construction methods is also helping make sites safer.

"Advances in prefabrication, modular construction, mechanical lifting equipment and modern building systems are reducing manual handling risks and improving workplace safety for builders and tradespeople,” Mr Croft said.

"The next generation of safety improvements will be driven not only by culture and training, but also by the adoption of smarter technologies and innovative ways of building."

Mr Croft said strong safety performance delivers benefits for workers, businesses and clients alike.

"Good safety outcomes are also good business outcomes. Safe workplaces help retain skilled workers, reduce disruption, improve productivity and support successful project delivery.

"The strongest safety outcomes occur when businesses combine good leadership, practical safety systems, effective training and innovative solutions."

As part of National Safe Work Month, HIA is encouraging all businesses to take the opportunity to review their safety practices and continue building strong safety cultures across their workplaces.

"HIA remains committed to supporting the industry with practical tools, resources, advice and training to help continue the industry's strong safety performance and drive further improvements into the future," Mr Croft said.

More information on National Safe Work Month can be found here and HIA's dedicated safety resources are available through HIA's Safety Hub.

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