SafeWork SA is launching a targeted 12-month campaign focusing on the construction industry. The construction industry is one of six priority industries identified for WHS regulatory action in the Australian WHS Strategy 2023-2033.
The campaign will utilise intelligence gathered from ReturnToWorkSA claims, SafeWork SA notifications, complaints and regulatory activity.
The wide-reaching campaign will target medium and large construction businesses, labour hire companies and young workers registered with Group Training Organisations (GTOs).
The campaign will also include sub-campaigns to address:
- common construction industry injury causes such as muscular stress, falling objects, and slips, trips and falls
- high-risk occupations such as electricians and carpenters
- crystalline silica substances compliance with the new regulations
- licensed asbestos removal practices
- the safe use of scaffolds in residential construction.
Click on the image parts below to view each initiative:
The campaign aims to:
- improve compliance with safety regulations
- reduce injury rates
- enhance workplace safety culture
- lead to early identification and mitigation of risks
- improve incident investigation and hazard control practices
- increase awareness about the important role of Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) on work sites.
About the construction industry
The construction industry is a cornerstone of the Australian economy, employing more than 1.36 million workers, or almost 10 percent of the national workforce. It is the second-largest industry in the country, comprising three major sectors: Building Construction, Construction Services, and Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction. These sectors operate across both private and public domains, driving significant economic activity through residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
Australia's overall employment is projected to grow by 6.5 percent over the next five years and by 14.2 percent over the next decade, creating about 2 million jobs. The construction industry, as one of the key drivers of this growth, is expected to see an increase of 99,100 new jobs by 2033, with the highest demand in trade occupations such as carpenters and electricians.
Demand for, and supply of, these services is driven by economic factors including population growth, consumer confidence, changes in interest rates and inflation. Despite having some common hazards, they also have their own distinguishing characteristics and specific WHS management needs.
In South Australia, 79,900 workers are employed in the construction sector, which is 8.4 percent of all employment. The data shows an increase of 8,600 new jobs since 2020. Almost 15 percent of the South Australian population is aged between 15 and 24, 46.6 percent between 25 to 54 with the remaining 38.9 percent over 55 years old. The industry remains heavily male-dominated (86.2 percent) and has a median worker age of 37 years. The industry is seeing notable shortages in skilled trades, which is common in male/female dominated industries.
