Contractor newsletter

Legislative change for Queensland

From 1 January 2025, stronger regulations will prohibit workers from entering or working in the roof spaces of domestic buildings unless specific conditions are met to ensure safety.

Key requirements of this change

1. De-energisation of Electrical Installations. Electrical systems must be turned off (de-energized) before entry or work is carried out.
   
2. Exceptions (with strict safety measures)
   1. If de-energisation is not reasonably practicable, comprehensive risk assessments and a detailed safety plan, including record keeping, must be completed.
   2. If equipment requires power for testings or servicing. work may proceed if proper precautions and compliance measures are followed.

We urge all contractors to adhere to these new laws to protect themselves and others. Always remember to complete risk assessments and follow safety protocols.

Resources

• New requirements for carrying out work in or entering domestic roof spaces commence 1 January 2025 | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au
• Electrical Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Regulation 2024 | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au

Heat management

As temperatures rise around the country, it is important to ensure the safety of workers in hot environments. Heat- related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, are preventable by raising awareness and proactively taking steps to reduce the risk.

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe and maintain productive in the warmer months:

Recognising Heat Hazards

• High temperatures, humidity and direct sunlight can increase the risk of heat related issues
• Physical exertion in hot environments further increases these risks
• Common symptoms of heat- related illnesses include dizziness, excessive seating, rapid heartbeat, confusion and fatigue.

Preventative Steps

• Encourage workers to drink water frequently, even before feeling thirsty
• Plan strenuous activities during cooler parts of the day, such as early mornings or evenings.
• Wear light coloured, loose fitting and breathable clothing
• Provide shaded or air-conditioned rest areas to allow workers to cool down
• Train workers to recognise and respond to the signs of heat-related illnesses promptly.

Heat management is not only about compliance but fostering a strong wellbeing culture. 

Your role in safety

Timely reporting of WHS incidents and near misses is essential to maintaining a safe workplace. Clear communication ensures hazards are addressed quickly and helps us prevent future incidents.

Here’s how you contribute:

• Notifiable incidents must be reported immediately.
• All other incidents should be reported as soon as practicable.

To guide you, we’ve developed two key resources:

1. Guide to WHS Incident Notification – details what to report, when to notify, and why it’s important.
2. WHS Incident Notification Flowchart – a quick reference to help determine whether an incident needs to be reported.

We encourage all contractors and management teams to review these documents carefully and familiarise themselves with the reporting timeframes. Remember, if in doubt it is best to report it.

Working Safely Around Animals

Animal encounters, including dog bites, are often preventable. Please take note of this safety reminder and follow these guidelines to protect your health and well-being when working at DHA locations, whether on residential properties or construction sites.

Safety Advice

• Always consider dogs and other animals as potential hazards that could pose a risk to your health and safety.
• Upon arrival at a DHA worksite, check for the presence of any dogs or other animals.
• Avoid touching, encouraging, or approaching any animal.
• Ensure animals are always secured and kept away from your work area.
  

Safety Actions

Before Starting Work

1. Conduct a risk assessment to evaluate potential hazards from animals.
2. Ask tenants, property owners, or site managers if any dogs or animals are present. If they are, request that the animals be secured away from your work zone.

If Animals Cannot Be Secured

1. Consider rescheduling work for a time when the animals can be restrained or removed.
2. Report the situation to DHA’s Contractor Management Team via cmt@dha.gov.au.

In the Event of an Animal Encounter (Chased, Attacked, or Bitten)

1. Move to a safe location and assess whether you need first aid or medical attention.
2. Report the incident to DHA’s Contractor Management Team at cmt@dha.gov.au and the WHS Team (whs@dha.gov.au).

Report All Incidents

1. Notify the Contractor Management Team (cmt@dha.gov.au) and the WHS Team (whs@dha.gov.au).
2. Consider reporting animal-related incidents to local authorities.