24 Jul

How do architects, builders and tradespeople work together to reduce safety risks in construction?

Adam Latham

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Teamwork is not about tedious staff planning days spent enduring dated trust exercises and falling backwards into the arms of your colleagues. When we're thinking about serious safety concerns and how they manifest in the construction industry, the importance of effective teamwork becomes clear. But successful collaboration is never as easy as it sounds, regardless of the workplace environment. So how exactly do architects, builders and trades work together to reduce safety risks in a construction project?

Know your own responsibilities

The responsibilities of each person involved in a building project should be outlined in the original construction contract, and any additional safety protocols set out in supporting documentation - such as a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS). Australia’s new Work Health Safety Regulations, which are gradually being adopted throughout all jurisdictions, stipulate the need to prepare a SWMS before any ‘high risk construction work’ is underway. It is the responsibility of the person conducting business or undertaking (PCBU) to ensure a SWMS is followed on the construction site.

Without these systems in place, health and safety situations can quickly escalate as time is wasted, or people think it's 'someone else's job' to address a potential problem. Keeping a written record of delegated responsibilities will help ensure that, if things go awry, the right person knows — and can take immediate action before it gets out of control.


Know the roles and responsibilities of others

Whether you’re a builder, project manager, tradesperson or architect, it’s important that you understand the risks inherent in the job…even when that job is not your own. For instance, a tradie may have concerns about workplace safety during periods of extreme weather conditions; knowing why this might be dangerous means that you’ll communicate better with your construction team, have more reasonable expectations about job timelines, and better mitigate against disaster. Architects, on the other hand, may have safety concerns of a more litigious nature — making it integral that contractors understand why an architect has chosen to use specific materials or building methods in construction plans.


This issue has become particularly relevant since changes to the NSW Home Building Act came into effect 15 January 2015, which effectively redefined the term ‘defect’ in the context of residential construction. In laymans terms, this modification to the law has meant that, should a safety issue arise post-construction (a defect caused through inappropriate design or poor choice of materials), professionals such as architects, engineers and surveyors may be liable — not the builder or tradesperson who carried out the work. Changes were also made to the law in order to recognise fire safety and waterproofing defects — which is why each expert on the construction team should play a role in identifying potential issues, and utilising the right safety products in the building process.


Use quality products, based on expert advice

There’s two aspects to residential construction safety — those associated with the actual building process, and those relating to the use of the building post-construction. While we've touched on how to enhance team communication while the project is underway, it's also critical that architects, builders and tradespeople use the proper techniques and materials to ensure safety — long after construction is complete. Components such as safety stair treads and nosings, wall protection systems such as hand and bump rails and non-slip flooring go a long way to safeguarding a property from future defect, so it’s worthwhile spending some time investigating your options.

Everyone has their own knowledge and experience to contribute in this area. Tradies, builders and architects are all experts in their own field; to make sure your project is being built on the most informed advice and best materials possible, each of these professionals has a role in choosing of the most suitable products. There’s no need to be a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to making decisions about safety and which supplies to use!


At the same time, don't be afraid to question a product choice that your employer or designer has made, or suggest an alternative product that might be more appropriate. If in doubt, Latham’s Product Selection Assistant can provide specific guidance around the right product to suit your particular project. Alternatively, you can always contact our staff for more comprehensive advice on how our architectural safety products can enhance and protect your building.

While those working in the construction industry commonly feel pressure from their employers to minimise costs, these savings should never come at the cost of safety. For instance, last month the NSW Master Builders Association released a warning to consumers who may be exposed to asbestos found in imported Chinese products such as plasterboard and other mechanical and building components. This served to highlight the importance of using premium quality, Australian-made building supplies in local construction projects — to safeguard your project from unnecessary safety risks.

The key to effective teamwork in the construction industry is communication between all players, and this starts with educating yourself on how to stay safe and protect the wellbeing of others. So be aware of the residential construction regulations and building codes specific to your jurisdiction ― they are different in each State and Territory, and frequently change over time. For more detailed information on the health and safety regulations that may apply to your construction project, visit the Safe Work Australia website.

To find out more about Latham products, please visit www.latham-australia.com. To talk to a Latham product expert, call 1300 LATHAM (528 426) or email sales@latham-australia.com. 

Adam Latham

As the Technical Sales & Product Development Manager at Latham Australia, I am responsible for ensuring that all our products will meet the specified needs of architects and the buildings they design, now and into the future. Along with mentoring and supporting our sales team, I work closely with our factory production team, direct clients and distribution partners to develop new products to satisfy an ever changing market. All in all, my job involves knowing everything there is to know about the Latham products - how we manufacture them, what they are used for and how much our customers know they can rely on them.

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