11 Key Training Topics for All Construction Workers

The Federated Employers Mutual Assurance Company (FEM) reported a fatality rate of 17.5 per 100,000 workers in 2022, significantly higher than the 2.1 per 100,000 workers reported in the Australian and UK construction sectors for 2021 and 2022/23, respectively (V and S publications).

With so many hazards at play, there are countless ways to get injured on the job. Dangerous environments, heavy equipment, and hazardous materials are just some of the risks. One way to mitigate these is by providing high-quality and continuous training for construction workers.

Below are 11 examples of training for construction workers that are essential for keeping your staff safe.

1. Administration and Legal Requirements

   Before any construction work begins it is important to understand and complete the appropriate Health and Safety Administration process. This is outlined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Construction Regulations and includes the Notification of Construction, Registration with Compensation Insurer, Health and Safety Plan, Hazard Identification and Risk Assessments, Legal Appointments, Health and Safety Representatives and Committees, First Aid and Facilities, Recording, Reporting and Investigation of Incidents and agreements with subcontractors. Although these processes may often seem boring or unnecessary, they are vital for well-managed Health and Safety on-site.             

2. Education, Training, and Promotion

   In many routine construction jobs, the same tasks are repeated with little conscious thought. This is when the odds of an accident occurring increase. There are many rules and regulations regarding Health and Safety, but these are ineffective if not communicated and prominently displayed to the appropriate persons. All staff should be trained on the Company OHS policy, HIV/AIDS and substance abuse policies, general site OHS rules as well as on Hazard Identification and task-specific training. All employees and visitors should receive induction training. Workers may not always recognise the importance of safety training or think of it as unnecessary because they’ve "been doing it for years." However, an important benefit of regular safety training is the reminder that danger can exist and that no one is immune to accidents.

3. Public Safety and Emergency

   In most cases, construction sites are located close to public areas or amongst already populated public spaces. In the interests of protecting the general public from the hazards associated with these construction sites, it is necessary and the responsibility of the contractor to display appropriate signage to inform the public of the dangers apparent during the construction period. Contractors and staff should be aware of the required notices and signs for a construction site to ensure the safeguarding, security and emergency preparedness of anyone at or near the construction site.

4. Personal Protective Equipment & Clothing

   Personal Protective Equipment and Clothing or "PPE" refers to the equipment worn on site to protect and limit employees’ exposure to harmful hazards. It is the Contractor's responsibility to identify all safety hazards and thereafter try to remove the hazards. Should it not be possible to remove the hazard then, and only then, workers exposed to these hazards must be provided with suitable PPE. All workers issued with PPE should understand the need for that PPE, the various types of PPE available, how to wear the PPE correctly, and how to ensure the proper maintenance and record keeping of their PPE.

5. Housekeeping

   Construction sites, by their nature, will always generate waste and byproducts therefore it is important that all items of scrap, unsuitable off-cuts, rubble and redundant materials are placed in designated areas and removed from the site at least once a day. With this comes the importance of understanding the issues around scrap removal systems, the stacking and storage of materials and waste control to ensure that waste is dealt with in the safest possible manner. “Housekeeping means a place for everything and everything in its place, always!”

6. Scaffolding, Temporary works, Ladders and Fall Protection

   Working at height is an essential and highly risk-filled component of most building projects and its safe implementation is absolutely vital. This includes the use of scaffolding, falsework and ladders. There is no room for error when working at height. A fall, no matter the height, can result in serious injuries and even death. Workers often fail to understand these risks. Each of these areas should make an appointment of a competent person to erect and inspect scaffolding, falsework and ladders. These appointments must be made in writing using an appropriate appointment form. Fall protection systems should also be developed to eliminate any chance of a fall-related accident.

7. Electrical Safeguarding

   Electricity is vital for the efficiency and productivity of a construction site. However, with this powerful resource, comes much responsibility. The source of this power on construction sites is found in the form of Temporary Electrical Installations on a site. Staff should be aware of the dangers of electricity and what can happen if they tamper with any of the electrical installations. Staff should also know who the appointed competent person is in case there are any issues that need to be reported.

8. Fire prevention

   There are many types of materials or flammable liquids on construction sites. If proper precautions are not in place, a fire could break out. Staff should be aware of all fire hazards and precautions to maintain a safe working environment. Supervisors must conduct a fire risk assessment, and staff should know the type, quantity, and location of the firefighting equipment on site.

9. Excavations and Demolition work

   In almost any construction scenario there will come a time when earth needs to be moved or removed, or demolition needs to take place. Excavating is one of the most hazardous construction operations conducted on-site. There are many regulations that need to be followed in this area, and it is vital that a competent person be appointed in writing to supervise and control all excavation and demolition work. Staff must be trained on the Work Method Statement and risks, and adhere to all regulations.

10. Site Plant & Machinery and Storage yards

    Site plants and machinery are the workhorse and backbone that drive construction productivity. However, it is essential that staff know how to safely use, maintain and implement these machines, as well as understand the dangers they pose. Site plant and machinery must only be operated by trained persons who are authorised to do so. This will reduce the chances of any serious injuries occurring.

11. Health and Hygiene in the workplace

Just because you work on a construction site does not mean that your workplace facilities cannot be hygienic. In fact, it is a legal requirement to provide a workplace that has sufficient toilets, showers, change rooms, and eating areas that are clean and hygienic. The work environment must also have adequate lighting and ventilation, and workers must be protected from excessive noise and heat. Staff should be aware of these requirements and their role in ensuring that areas remain hygienic for all staff on-site.

Competency Training and toolbox talks

The Master Builders KZN Institute of Learning offers competency training for all legal appointments required by the Construction regulations and OHS Act.

The Master Builders KZN Institute of Learning also has an eLearning platform which has a comprehensive package of 20 eLearning modules that cover the above-mentioned topics in the form of toolbox talks. Each module holds 1 CPD point with SAIOSH, and modules can be done individually or as a collective. These modules are ideal as they are short 20-minute  talks that create awareness around health and safety issues. To access the eLearning platform, please visit http://learn.masterbuilders.co.za

Please email training@masterbuilders.co.za if you have any further questions about more detailed training on these topics.

Heidi Kilian

Head: Training

Reference

S and V publications. (2024). The long overdue overhaul of South African construction health and safety (H&S) [online].

Available from: 

https://www.svmag.co.za/articlepage/2024/05/27/899/The_long_overdue_overhaul_of_South_African_construction_health_and_safety_(HS). [Accessed 2 August 2024]