Over the period 2015-16 to 2019-20, there was an average of ten fatalities each year recorded for the sector, making construction the most hazardous industry in Queensland.

Whilst there has been a marked improvement in safety performance in the construction industry in the past 10 years, fatalities remain unacceptably high and the incidence rate of serious workers’ compensation claims remains higher in the construction industry compared to other industries.

The newly released Pro-Visual AR Interactive – QLD Construction Site Safety Guide 2022/23 endorsed by the National Safety Council of Australia (NSCA) aids in recognising and controlling the key hazards with the latest WHS Regulatory Guidelines focused on proactive prevention of injury, ill-health and essential information in order to help create a workplace safety culture of Zero Harm is available via free subscription here.

Scaffolds are integral to the construction industry with approximately 65% of the workforce involved in work from scaffolds. Falls from heights are the number one killer on construction sites. Most serious and fatal falls are from roofs, ladders and scaffolds and from a height of between 2.1m and 4m. While there have been higher percentages of compliance observed in 2020-21 Scaffold Safety aimed at reducing the number of fatalities and serious injuries resultant from falls from heights and scaffold collapse is a primary focus to ensure scaffolds are built to standard by appropriately skilled and licenced personnel and that the scaffold remains safe and compliant throughout the build. Scaffolding Safety video is incorporated via the Pro-Vis AR app.

Designed to be displayed on site the (AR) Interactive – QLD Construction Site Safety Guide 2022/23 is developed with interactive augmented reality (AR) capabilities for use with a smart device, by simply downloading the free Pro-Vis AR App via the App Store or Google Play. This leading-edge digitally interactive Guide is a targeted response to a changed landscape as workers often respond well to information relayed via visual means such as videos and 3D visualisations rather than technical written documents.

Additional subject matter that addresses WHS issues pertinent to this vital industry include:

• New Australian Standard 1576.7 (Int):2021 Scaffolding, Part 7 – Safe Use of Encapsulation on Scaffoldingprovides industry guidance on performance criteria for the flammability of scaffold encapsulation;
• Mental Health and Well-being are viewed through the framework of risk management, protecting all workers from psychological workplace hazards – Every year, 190 Australians working in the construction industry take their own lives. This means we lose a colleague every second day to suicide. WorkSafe QLD Workplace Mental Health Matters and Mates in Construction video is incorporated via the Pro-Vis AR app.
• Crane Safety – Pre-Operational checks, Inspection and Maintenance Guidance.

WorkSafe QLD Vehicle Loading Crane (VLC) Stabiliser Safety video via Pro-Vis AR app.

“Advances in AR technology and access to technology with a smart device are proving to be interesting drivers for change in safety management. Greater access enables management and workers to connect more efficiently and effectively than ever before. These safety conversations help to build awareness and understanding across the industry on how small changes in operational decisions can have big impacts on ultimately your safety,” Pro-Visual Publishing chief executive John Hutchings says.

“This vital free Workplace Safety initiative would not be possible without the ongoing support from our corporate sponsors and industry association.”