SA construction workers urged stay safe ahead of Christmas shutdown

SA Construction Workers Urged to Stay Safe Ahead of Christmas Shutdown

SafeWork SA reminds construction workers to make safety a priority in the lead-up to the festive season, urging builders across the state to stay vigilant as the Christmas shutdown approaches.

The safety watchdog issued the reminder following a number of incidents in the past few months, with the construction industry once again under scrutiny for its safety record.

Rising Incident Numbers Prompt Warning

Between 1 October and 14 November, SafeWork SA was notified of 39 construction industry incidents. Twelve workers were hospitalised as a result of these incidents, many involving hazardous conditions that could have been avoided with proper planning.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Martyn Campbell said workplace safety affects employers, employees and everyone in the community, from onsite crews to members of the public who pass by active sites.

"Heavy workloads and tight timelines are no excuse for corner cutting, especially when it impacts safety," he said.

Industry-Wide Risk Remains a Concern

Safe Work Australia data shows the construction industry recorded 24 fatalities in 2021, underscoring why the industry continues to face heightened scrutiny from regulators nationwide.

Contractors are being urged to review their risk management practices before downing tools for the break. Common hazards within the industry include:

• Falls from height and unsecured scaffolding
• Hazardous manual handling tasks under time pressure
• Electrical faults from poorly maintained equipment or temporary electrical installations
• Fatigue-related risk as workers rush to finish jobs before Christmas holidays

Electrical hazards, in particular, pose a persistent risk across the industry, especially where electrical works are rushed to meet deadlines. Businesses should ensure all electrical systems and tools are inspected and tagged correctly, and that any temporary electrical setups meet current safety standards. For guidance on managing electrical risk on active jobs, refer to a Steel Construction SWMS or similar documented safe work method statement relevant to the task at hand.

Why Safety Planning Matters Before the Break

SafeWork SA continues to encourage construction businesses to prioritise safety ahead of the holiday shutdown period, noting that fatigue and rushed schedules often contribute to preventable incidents.

Employers should consider whether current safe work practices adequately address health and risk factors specific to their sites. This includes reviewing safe work method statements for tasks such as pool construction and air conditioning installation, both of which involve hazardous work requiring careful oversight.

If you're unsure whether a documented safe work method statement is required for your next job, SafetyDocs has published a worker's guide on when a SWMS is needed to help clarify obligations under work health and safety laws.

A Broader Pattern Across Industries

SafeWork SA's warning echoes similar campaigns run by regulators in other states. Queenslanders have previously been urged to stay alert around powerlines, while others have been reminded to put up Christmas lights safely during the same seasonal period. These campaigns reflect a consistent, nationwide push to keep health and safety front of mind as the industry heads into holiday downtime.

Businesses looking to strengthen their safety documentation ahead of the shutdown can also explore construction management plans designed to support compliance across a range of site conditions.

The full story is available on the SafeWork SA website.