Site Management

Any employee, contractor, subcontractor, supplier or driver who regularly works on a TS Constructions worksite will be invited to complete an online induction program on an annual basis.

This process is constantly updated and contains additional information pertaining to Environmental Management, Working from Ladders and the Victorian Government’s Guidelines to the Victorian Code of Practice for the Building & Construction Industry (the ‘Guidelines’).

• At the successful conclusion of the induction (pass mark 85%) workers will be issued with a TS Constructions Safety Card (TSSC) which will permit them to undertake an abridged Site Induction process at any site they work on during the validity period of the card.
• Cards will be valid from 1st January to March 31st of the following year, with renewals occurring over the in March the following year.
• Each worker will be required to review a presentation that outlines the core TS Constructions information required for general induction to a worksite.
• Once the presentation has been completed, the worker will then undergo a test in which they have to score 80% or higher to pass
• Once the worker has passed the test they will be issued with a TS Constructions card which will allow them to undergo a shorter version of the site induction process.

PLEASE NOTE – If you do not have a valid Construction Induction Card (Red Card/White Card) you will not be permitted to work on a TS Constructions worksite – NO EXCEPTIONS
Below is a series of 15 menus.
Please click on each menu and review the information contained
Once you are confident that you understand and can apply the information to you work, start the Online Induction Test

start Induction Test

​1. Site Safety Management Plans

​Every TS Constructions site is subject to OHS laws and safe work practices.
These are in place to ensure that every worker is able to perform their tasks with minimum risk and maximum efficiency.
To assist with OHS management, TS Constructions has developed three levels of Site Safety Management, based on the value of works and type of works involved.

1. Domestic Construction projects under $350,000
   1. A Site Safety Sign as developed by the MBAV is to be displayed prominently on site. This sign is the core component of the Site Safety Management system for these jobs.
   2. All details required on the site safety sign must be completed
   3. A Site Register book must be filled out by every worker
   4. A Register of Injury and Disease must be used as required
   5. Incident Investigation Forms must be used as required
   6. SWMS must be provided and kept on site
2. Domestic Construction projects between $350,000 and $1,000,000 and Commercial Construction Projects under $1,000,000
   1. A Health & Safety Coordination Plan must be issued for the project
   2. The plan is issued by the Administration Manager and consists of a single red folder containing all pertinent information, plus supporting signage, books, registers etc
   3. The plan must be filled out and implemented by the site supervisor and project manager
   4. All components of the plan must be filled out prior to the start of any works
3. All Commercial Projects and Domestic Construction above $1,000,000
   1. A Site Safety Plan must be issued for the project
   2. The plan is issued by the Administration Manager and consists of two red folders.
      1. Red Folder 1 contains key information and blank forms
      2. Red Folder 2 is used to file copies of completed forms
   3. The plan must be filled out and implemented by the site supervisor and project manager

All sections of the relevant plan must be filled out prior to the start of any works

 2. General Worker Responsibilities

HEALTH & SAFETY
TS Constructions is responsible for protecting workers from any risks to their health and safety on their worksites.
At the same time, every worker has a general duty to take reasonable care for their own health and safety, and that of others who may be affected by their work, and to cooperate with TS Constructions efforts to make the workplace safe.
This includes following workplace policies and procedures and attending health and safety training, as well as helping to identify hazards and risks.

• No worker is permitted to do any construction work unless they have completed construction induction training and have proof in the form of a white card/red card or similar.
• All workers are to fully comply with Occupational Health & Safety requirements
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is to be worn at all times and be appropriate for the task undertaken
• Workers are to adhere to manual lifting best practices. This includes seeking assistance when lifting, using mechanical lifting where possible, always bending at the knees and keeping the back straight.
• All power tools and leads bought onto and used at a TS Construction site must have current electrical safety inspection tags
• Smoking is not permitted on any TS Constructions work sites, site sheds, offices and company vehicles
• Consumption of drugs or alcohol is strictly forbidden during work hours. Workers affected by drugs and alcohol will be expelled from site immediately.
• Workers taking prescription medication that may affect their ability to perform duties must inform the site forman immediately
• Workers must adhere to sun smart principles and wear appropriate clothing at all times. Shirts must be worn at all times

(Pictured above, examples of Construction Induction Cards)
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
TS Constructions has an Environmental Management Policy.  There are two key measurable standards to the policy:

1. Ensure 100% of any environmental impacts are contained within the boundary of the work site
2. Ensure every project considers all aspects of environmental impact and develops mitigation or industry best practice methods to manage

Significant projects have a tailored Environmental Management Plan applied to them, whilst all other projects are expected to comply with industry best practice for Environmental Management.  This includes, but is not limited to;

• Management of Erosion and Sediment
• Conservation of Native Flora & Fauna
• Management of Water Quality
• Dust Control
• Noise Control
• Management of Social Impacts and Access
• Conservation of Cultural Heritage & Archaeology
• Management of Weeds
• Rehabilitation of Impacted Areas
• Pollution Control
• Waste Management

Each worker has a responsibility to mitigate and minimise impacts on the environment.  Each worker on a TS Constructions site may:

• Not undertake any work activities that may lead to environmental damage
• Make recommendations for environmental management.
• Turn off lights, generators or other equipment when not in use
• Ensure that building waste is recycled where possible and if disposed of, disposed in the correct manner.
• Take personal responsibility by taking steps to reduce personal environmental impacts such as car pooling, correctly recycling, turning off lights when not in use and the like.

3. Acceptable Standards of behaviour

TS Constructions have a range of Policies & Procedures relating to different aspects of their business and directly addressing what is considered to be acceptable standards of behaviour. These include the following;

• Occupational Health & Safety Policy
• Corrective Action for Non Conformance Policy
• Non-Smoking Policy
• Drug & Alcohol Policy
• Sexual Harassment Policy
• Bullying Policy
• UV Protection Policy
• Rehabilitation Policy
• Issue Resolution Procedure
• Quality, Safety & Environment Policy
• Customer Service Policy
• Environmental Policy

The policies are available on the TS Constructions website or in the RED SITE MANAGEMENT Folders on all sites.
Copies can also be issued by contacting TS Constructions main office in Wonthaggi on 03 5672 2466, or by clicking on this link
All workers on TS Constructions sites must abide by the following guidelines

• Workers must comply with all directives and instructions from TS Constructions site supervisors, project managers, HSE officers and others who have responsibility for the workplace.
• All lunch rooms and other amenity areas to be kept clean. Rubbish is to be placed in bins provided
• No smoking is permitted anywhere on any TS Construction site or workplace, including vehicles
• Steeling is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated. Offenders will be report to the Police
• Radios are not to be played excessively loud and must be appropriate to the site conditions, location of neighbouring properties and other external influences. The site foreman or project manager is the final arbiter of appropriate volume.
• Headphones and earpieces are not to be used to listen to music on site.
• Harassment or bullying of any kind is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.

4. Site Safety Reporting

TS Constructions has a variety of ways of reporting hazards in the workplace

• Hazard Assessment Forms.
  • These are to be filled out where a risk may be present and are used to determine the actions required. Refer Section 10 of the Site Safety Plan or Section 7 of the Health & Safety Coordination Plan, or ask your site supervisor for assistance.
• Safe Work Method Statements.
  • These will be covered in detail the next sections
• Injury Reporting Procedures.
  • In all instances of injury to a worker occurring on a TS Constructions worksite the following must be filled out
    • Register of Injury/Disease
    • Incident Investigation Form
• WorkCover claims procedure.
  • If you are injured at work you must fill out a WorkCover claim form if you wish to claim out of pocket expenses or lost wages. Please see your employer for details. Failure to fill out the Register of Injury/Disease and an Incident Investigation Form may impact your claim.
• Notifiable Incidents.
  • Serious injuries, incidents and deaths must be reported to Worksafe. Please refer to Section 1.23 of the Site Safety Plan for details on notifiable incidents or click here to download a pdf copy
  • If in doubt, contact your site supervisor or TS Constructions main office on 03 5672 2466 immediately after a serious incident for guidance.
• Near Misses.
  • Should a serious incident occur that does not involve injury, an Incident Investigation Form must still be filled out.
  • In some instances, near misses must be reported to WorkSafe as a notifiable incident. This includes any near miss that relates to collapse of buildings, trenches or similar, explosions or fires and overturning, failure or malfunction of plant requiring licenses to use, regardless of if someone has been injured or not.
• Site Registers.
  • The site register must be filled out at the start and end of each shift.
  • All visitors to the site must fill out the site register when they arrive, and sign out when they leave.

Site Evacuations, emergency procedures, location of first aid kits and fire extinguishers will be covered in the Site Specific Induction at the start of the first shift at that location.

5. Hazard Identification & Risk Control

Hazard Identification and Risk Control
All hazards and potential risks to health and safety on construction sites must be managed in accordance with OHS legislation and industry best practice. The “Hierarchy of Risk Control Measures” should be applied when evaluating any hazard. In order of priority, these controls are;
1. Eliminate (get rid of)
2. Substitute (change)
3. Engineer controls ( Make something new)
4. Administrative controls (Instructions & signs)
​5. Personal protective equipment (gloves / earplugs / eye protection and earmuffs)

All hazards must be identified and a suitable means of controlling the risk must be written into a SWMS.

6. Safe work method statements (swms)

A Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a document used to identify and control hazards and risks.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007, an SWMS must be prepared before high risk construction work begins or if anyone’s health and safety is at risk because of the work;
SWMS are mandatory for high risk construction work, which includes:

• At heights of more than two metres,
• Demolition
• Removal or disturbance of asbestos
• Trenches or shafts deeper than 1.5 metres
• Temporary supports for structural alterations
• Powered mobile plant
• Explosives (including HILTI & Ramset guns)
• Confined spaces
• Tunnels
• Tilt-up or precast concrete, or

As well as work that is in, on or near:

• Electrical installations or services
• Roads or railways in use by traffic
• Water/liquids that pose a drowning risk
• Telecommunications towers
• Pressurised gas distribution mains or piping
• Artificial temperature extremes
• Contaminated or flammable atmospheres
• Chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines

Every worker involved in the construction task must be trained in the SWMS and sign the SWMS
In addition, a site foreman or project manager may request that a SWMS be provided for any component of work at their discretion.
Failure to provide a SWMS prior to the commencement of high risk work or when requested by a TS Constructions representative may result in the suspension of the worker from the site and/or cancellation of any contract.

7. Working at heights

Falls from heights are one of the most common serious injuries that occur on work sites. Managing the risks associated with working from heights is a critical component of worksite management.

• Before work commences, all locations and tasks that may involve the risk of a fall need to be identified.
• Undertake a risk assessment and implement the hierarchy of control, with Level 1 being the best option and Level 5 being the least preferred option
  • Level 1; undertake the work on the ground or from a solid construction
  • Level 2; undertake the work using a passive fall prevention device. These include
    • Scaffolds
    • Perimeter screens
    • Step platforms
    • Perimeter guard railing
    • Elevated work platforms
    • Guard railing edges of roofs
    • Mast climbing work platforms
    • Protection for trenching works
    • Work boxes
    • Safety mesh
  • Level 3; undertake the work using a work positioning systems. These include
    • Travel-restraint systems
    • Industrial rope-access systems.
  • Level 4; undertake the work using a fall-arrest system. These include
    • Catch platforms
    • Safety-harness systems (other than travel-restraint systems)
  • Level 5; undertake work from ladders and/or implement and administrative controls in conjunction with other controls and a high level of supervision. Level 5 controls must only be used if no other reasonably practicable control measure has been identified.

• For all work occurring under 2.0 meters in height, all workers must undertake risk management assessments and ensure appropriate control measures are in place.
• For all work occurring over 2.0 meters in height where there is a risk of falling, a SWMS must be prepared and all work is to be in accordance with the statement.
• All ladders must be secured and used in a proper manner.
• Additional information is available from the WorkSafe Compliance Code “Prevention of Falls in General Construction”. This document is available in Red Folder 1, the WorkSafe website or from the TS Constructions main office.
• For domestic construction projects, refer to WorkSafe Code of Practice “Prevention of Falls in Housing Construction”​

8. scaffolding

Scaffolding is an essential aspect of many construction jobs. Using the correct scaffold, ensuring it is safe to use and is properly maintained is essential in maintaining a compliant workplace.
All scaffolding is to comply with relevant standards and Codes of Practice.

• All scaffolding is to be inspected before first use, after any alteration and/or at 30 day intervals
• ‘Scafftags’ inspection tags are to be used at all times on scaffolding. Untagged scaffolding should not be used
• Scaffolding with a work platform over 4.0m in height must be constructed by a trained and certified scaffolder.
• Competent persons may erect scaffolds up to 4.0m in height
• Workers are reminded to ensure all handrails, kickboards and braces are in position prior to use
• Alteration or modification to scaffold by unauthorised persons is prohibited.

The TS Constructions Site Safety Folder (RED FOLDER 1) contains a section on the erection of “No Bolt Scaffolding”.
This section contains assembly instructions for various configurations of scaffold.
All workers building scaffolding must read, understood and followed these instructions when erecting any scaffolding up to 4.0m platform working height.

9. electrical safety

The minimum standards for electrical safety on a TS Construction worksite are as follows;

• Residual Current Devices (RCD’s) are to be fitted to all switchboards, portable generators and multi-plug adaptors.
• All electrical equipment and tools are to be tested every three months
• All electrical leads and RCD’s are to be tested every month
• All electrical leads are to be on lead stands, except within 4 metres of the final work area.
• Leads are not to be run along the ground

No Go Zones

• All workers are to be aware of NO GO ZONES and the requirements for working near power lines.
• No work can occur within 3 meters of any power line
• All works between 3.0m and 6.4m require a trained and certified spotter
• Works beyond 6.4m of a power line can proceed with care

All trenching and excavation works must not commence until Before You Dig Australia has been contacted and workers confirm that there are no underground electrical assets in the area.

​Click here to go to the Before You Dig Australia website.

10. Plant & Equipment

Plant is a broad term covering machinery and equipment that cuts, drills, punches or grinds material presses, forms, hammers, joins or moulds material, combines, mixes, sorts, packages, assembles or knits material, lifts or moves materials or people
Common types of plant include forklifts, tractors, lifts, earthmoving machinery, cranes and other mobile plant, mini loaders, lasers, scaffolds, temporary access equipment explosive-powered tools and similar
Certain kinds of plant, such as forklifts, scaffolding, cranes, turbines and some pressure equipment require a licence from WorkSafe to operate (a ‘Licence to perform high risk work’) and some high-risk plant must be registered with WorkSafe.
Plant Safety

• All plant & equipment bought onto site by workers or subcontractors must be inspected initially and recorded in the plant register
• All plant & equipment is to be inspected as per the manufacturer’s recommendations or as required by legislation, whichever is the lesser time period.
• Checklists are to be used to record all inspections and accurate records kept
• All plant & equipment is to be operated by competent workers and, where required, by workers with the appropriate licences.
• Defective equipment is to be locked out and tagged as defective as soon as identified.

The TS Constructions Site Safety Folder (RED FOLDER 1) and the Site Safety Plan (domestic projects) has information pertaining to the use, maintenance and inspection of plant. This must be read prior to bringing any plant onto a worksite.
If you require any clarification on use or management of plant and equipment, you must speak with the site foreman or phone TS Constructions main office on 03 5672 2466

11. Trenches, Excavations & Openings

Trenches more than a metre deep pose a significant risk to workers, especially those who are bending down to work on pipers or other services. Appropriate planning and safety precautions must be taken, including battering of soil, use of shoring systems and covering of exposed trenches.
Before trenching work starts, ensure

• Contact Dial before you Dig to ensure there are no services in the area of the proposed trenching
• Work is planned so it can be done safely, including engulfment protection
• If the trench is deeper than 1.5m, or is in unstable terrain or soils, a SWMS must be prepared
• An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) must be developed to deal with potential incidents

When undertaking trenching work, ensure:

• A competent person, experienced in trenching works, supervises and monitors the work
• Workers are instructed on the SWMS and ERP and it is followed
• Workers are never to work ahead of the protection systems in place or remove protection systems prematurely
• Materials, spoil and plant are to be kept away from the edge of the trench
• Workers not involved in the trenching and the public cannot enter the trenching area
• Secure and stable site fencing is to be provided to prevent access

The following information has been provided by WorkSafe Victoria and should be applied before all trenching operations commence

1. Have all underground services been located?
   1. Before digging starts, make sure you know the exact location of any underground electrical cables, gas lines, water, sewerage and telecommunications cables. Do not rely solely on site plans and drawings as these are sometimes not accurate or complete. Seek assistance from the local services and distribution companies
2. Is earthmoving plant being used safely?
   1. Check that plant operators are appropriately qualified. Look for qualifications endorsed with LL (for front-end loaders), LB (for front-end loader/backhoes), LS (for skid-steer loaders), LE (for excavators), LD (for draglines) or LZ (for dozers).
   2. Make the operators show you their qualifications and keep an on-site register.
   3. Make sure all earthmoving plant is properly maintained and fully serviceable. Check that operators are not undermining existing buildings or temporary structures such as scaffolds and falsework.
   4. Make sure spoil is being kept at least a half metre back from the edge of trenches and that earthmoving plant is a safe distance from the edge of excavations.
   5. Make sure unattended front-end loaders, backhoes and excavators are always left with the bucket fully lowered to the ground. When parked overnight alongside roads or on other public space, make sure earthmoving plant is locked up and barricaded with warning lamps to alert traffic.
3. Are workers protected from trench collapse?
   1. Never allow workers to enter a trench or shaft which is greater than 1.5 metres deep unless it has been safely battered back, or it has been properly shored, or the workers are fully protected within a trench shield.
   2. Shoring should be positioned and fixed from above; never from below.
   3. All timber used in ground support should be at least F8 grade hardwood. Never use softwood because this can fail suddenly without warning, whereas hardwood will start to creak loudly when it is becoming overloaded, warning workers to leave the trench immediately.
   4. Make sure all workers in excavations always wear safety helmets.
4. Are confined space precautions needed?
   1. Where there is any possibility of a hazardous atmosphere within an excavation, the extra precautions for entry into confined spaces must be put in place. (Examples and advice can be found in WorkSafe’s publication Confined Spaces — Shafts, Tunnels & Trenches.)
5. Are people safeguarded from falling into excavations?
   1. Make sure trenches, shafts and excavations are properly barricaded, covered or isolated to prevent people falling into them.
   2. Whenever an excavation is to be left unattended, make sure it is secured to prevent children or other people from wandering into danger.
6. Is there safe access to trenches and shafts?
   1. Never allow workers to climb up and down the soldier sets used in trench shoring, because they can loosen or damage the support system, triggering a trench collapse.
   2. Make sure industrial-grade portable ladders are used to gain access to the excavation floor.
7. Is someone else always present when a worker is below ground?
   1. Never allow anyone to work alone in a trench or shaft.
   2. Make sure there is always another person close by who can provide help or get help if necessary.
8. Are open excavations being regularly inspected?
   1. The condition of soil surrounding trenches and shafts can change quickly due to the soil drying out, changes in the water table or water saturation of the soil.
   2. Make sure the soil condition and the state of shoring, battering and trenches walls is frequently checked for signs of earth fretting, slipping, slumping or ground swelling.
   3. Where necessary, repair the excavation or strengthen the shoring system from above before allowing work below ground to continue.

12. High risk activities

​The following activities must have a hazard assessment conducted and SWMS created before works commence

• Demolition works
• Work in Confined Space
• Welding & Hot Work

The hazard assessments and SWMS must be reviewed by the site foreman prior to commencing works

• If any material is identified that may contain asbestos during construction or demolition, the site foreman is to be notified immediately and works ceased until an assessment has been undertaken.
• If in doubt it is always best to seek advice from a qualified and experienced hazardous materials expert such as a licensed asbestos demolition company.

Many worksites requiring demolition have a specialist site assessment undertaken during the tendering process. These documents will be made available by the Project Manager and/or site foreman for all workers involved in these activities.
All asbestos affected by construction works shall be removed by an asbestos removalist approved by the WorkCover Authority in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety (Asbestos) Regulations 2017. Where hazardous materials are to remain in situ during the works, the site foreman shall ensure that a SWMS, SWP or risk control plan with suitable safety control measures is documented to ensure that the material remains undisturbed and/or that workers are not exposed to health risks
Use of Compressed Air or Explosive Powered Tools
Compressed air and explosive powered tools are used extensively in the construction industry and offer many advantages through their use. However they are also highly dangerous tools if used incorrectly.

• All workers using compressed air or explosive tools must be trained in the tool’s safe use.
• The manufacturer’s specifications and operating instructions for the model of EPT being used (as well as the fasteners and charges) should be read, understood and complied with.
• Appropriate PPE and site signage must be used with the equipment
• SWMS for the tool and the type of work must be prepared and followed. Procedures for misfires of explosive powered tools must be notated in the SWMS
• All explosive powered tools and charges are to be stored in a secured manner and treated in the same manner as a firearm.

Preventative measures for explosive powered tools
To prevent incidents from occurring, the following rules should be implemented:

• Do not use explosive-powered tools unless a SWMS has been completed for the task or range of tasks.
• Do not use explosive-powered tools on brittle or very hard materials such as cast iron, marble, glazed tiles, slate, natural stones, fired clay bricks or concrete with a greater compressive strength than 60 MPa.
• Do not use explosive-powered tools to fasten into timber.
• Do not drive fasteners into soft materials such as plasterboard or concrete with a compressive strength less than 10 MPa.
• Do not permit anyone to operate, or have access to an explosive-powered tool without the employer’s specific authorisation. Authorisation should only be given after the employer has sighted proof that the worker has successfully completed a formal training course in the safe operation of explosive powered tools.
• The area behind the firing location should be isolated or cordoned to restrict entry and a prominent sign reading CAUTION — EXPLOSIVE POWERED TOOL IN USE should be posted.
• During firing, the operator and any other workers required to be in the vicinity should wear suitable eye protectors and hearing protectors.

13. Hazarous substances & dust control

Any works that may produce dust must be managed appropriately.

• This includes the use of PPE, mechanical extraction and ventilation and wetting down of surfaces.
• Any materials that may create hazardous dust must have a Hazard Assessment undertaken prior to commencing works and a SWMS developed if required

Hazardous Substances
For all hazardous substances and dangerous goods to be used on site, workers and anyone else proposing their use must supply the following details to the site supervisor/foreman before they are bought on site

• Products are to be entered into the Hazardous Substances Register
• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) must be provided for each product
• Products that arrive on site without MSDS will not be permitted to be used until documentation is provided

Employers are required to:

• keep a register of all hazardous substances supplied to your workplace
• keep the MSDS accessible to employees
• not alter the information on an MSDS
• ensure that containers in which hazardous substances are supplied are labelled
• identify containers of waste

14. site management

Keeping a clean worksite helps to maintain a safe workplace.

• All workers (subcontractors, contractors & employees) are responsible for keeping their work areas clean at all times to minimise falls, injuries etc. Failure to do so may result in a back charge to the worker or contractor by TS Constructions for the costs associated with rectification.
• Materials on site are to be stored in locations as determined by the site supervisor/foreman
• Emergency equipment and emergency exits are to be kept clear at all times
• Spills must be cleaned up immediately. If the spilled product is considered a dangerous or hazardous substance, you must refer to the relevant MSDS for information on containment, clean up and disposal.

In addition

• Waste material must be put into the bins provided, including recycling bins as provided
• Common areas such as lunch rooms, toilets and office areas are to be kept in a clean and secure manner
• Rubbish on site must be picked up immediately to minimise chances of it blowing into the surrounds or neighbouring properties
• No smoking is permitted on any TS Constructions worksite, including lunchrooms, regardless of where they are located on site

15. Next steps

Once you have completed reviewing this information, please click on “Start Induction Test” by clicking on the button below.
You will have to answer 20 questions. Your results will be reviewed by our office and a card issued should you successfully complete the test. If you fail the test you will be notified, and have to complete it again.

start induction test