Site Safety & Administration Checklists

PCBUs managing construction sites have specific administrative safety obligations under the WHS Act and the model WHS Regulations for construction work. Site induction is one of the most foundational — every worker, visitor and contractor must receive a site-specific induction before they start work on the site, covering emergency procedures, site hazards, safety rules and reporting obligations. The principal contractor must keep records of all inductions completed.

Toolbox talks, also called pre-start meetings or safety briefings, are a practical mechanism for communicating task-specific safety information before work commences. While not mandated by name in the WHS Act, they support the PCBU's consultation obligations under section 47, which requires the PCBU to consult with workers on matters that affect their health and safety, including when identifying hazards and making decisions about controls.

Hazard identification and incident reporting checklists support the risk management process under WHS Regulation 34, which requires the PCBU to identify hazards, assess risks and implement controls in accordance with the hierarchy of controls. Documented hazard inspections provide evidence of proactive safety management and are typically reviewed during WHS audits and insurance assessments.