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Construction is a high-risk industry. Although the number of fatalities has been trending downwards in recent years, it still remains tragically high. A Safe Work Australia report found that in 2023, 80% of work-related fatalities and 61% of serious compensation claims occurred in just six industries, one of which was construction. The dangers of the industry, such as heights, heavy machinery and hazardous materials, are well-documented, and both a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) and an emergency plan are crucial for managing risks. For projects that take place on or near public roads, a construction traffic management plan (CTMP) is also a necessity.
Another factor you can’t afford to neglect is the importance of work permits in construction safety. A permit is an official document granting someone permission to carry out an activity. Permits are required in all occupations that involve high-risk activities, specialised forms of work and the handling of controlled substances. They’re essential for safety, efficiency and legal compliance: all important aspects of running a business.
Trusted by some of Australia’s largest construction companies, SSTC has a lengthy track record of raising the safety standards on construction sites. Here’s the SSTC guide to why work permits matter in construction safety, including how they help save lives.
There are many permits required for construction sites, and some of the most commonly used types include:
A permit to work is a formal document that authorises specific hazardous or non-routine tasks. It outlines the nature of the work, identifies the risks and lists the precautions that need to be followed.
A construction permit to work should be both site-specific and tailored to the role itself. It clearly communicates the risks, safety precautions and specific permits needed for high-risk activities.
All construction site workers need to complete the 'Prepare to work safely in the construction industry' course, otherwise known as their White Card training. White cards are applicable across Australia, and workers must be prepared to present them to their PCBU and any inspectors upon request.
A building permit ensures that your project complies with the Australian Building Code and all local regulations, while development approval is permission from the council to build the property. In NSW, you’ll need to acquire development consent from the council, followed by a construction certificate (CC).
In a city like Sydney, most construction projects take place on or near public roads or interfere with the usual flow of traffic in some way. A CTMP is designed to minimise disruption and to safely manage the movement of motorists, pedestrians and cyclists around the construction site. The CTMP documents and communicates clear traffic management procedures to protect everyone involved and prevent accidents. There’s a good chance you’ll also need a traffic control plan (TCP) and a swept path diagram, too.
The construction industry is notoriously full of high-risk activities that require their own specific work permits. The most common examples include:
Construction sites have their share of tight spaces not designed for human occupancy, such as crawl spaces, ventilation shafts and access tunnels. A confined space permit details the nature of the space and who has permission to enter, along with the actions you’re taking to minimise risks.
A hot work permit is required for any activity that generates heat, sparks or flames. For work such as welding and grinding, it identifies and controls hazards with methods like the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Working at heights is one of the most common yet one of the most dangerous activities in construction, and even falls from 2-4 metres can be fatal. A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) is required to protect workers with measures like scaffolding and temporary work platforms.
In construction safety, a work permit is important for several reasons:
Permits provide official documentation of the safety standards that need to be followed and ensure only qualified individuals with the proper training can carry out dangerous tasks. They also help create a safety-focused workplace culture where all employees are aware of the risks and rules.
Permits provide clear safety guidelines for your entire team to follow, ensuring that the information is always readily available for anyone who needs it. When there isn’t a routine protocol for a high-risk job, they provide a site-specific structure.
Without the right permits and plans in place, you’re likely to eventually run into legal trouble even if no accident ever occurs. Insurance companies can also deny your claims for accidents or damage. To keep everything above board, make sure you have all the right permits in place.
Construction work in NSW is highly regulated, and you may need more permits than usual depending on the nature of your work. It’s a lot to think about. So, how do you apply for a construction work permit?
The application process differs depending on the plan and permit. For example, the building permit application process in NSW involves submitting an application form to the local council along with all the required documentation and fees. The fees are calculated based on the estimated value of your project and need to form part of your overall budget.
You’ll need a development consent from the council, which depends on the scale of your development and its potential influence. Before you begin any building or construction work, you’ll need to apply for a construction certificate (CC) by meeting all the conditions of development consent and providing details of the work.
For a CTMP, you need development consent before you can lodge an application with Transport for NSW.
If it all seems a bit overwhelming, SSTC can help by procuring the right permits to maximise your site safety.
With more than 50 years of combined experience, SSTC is an expert in construction site safety as well as a one-stop shop for plans, permits and documentation. The SSTC approach involves doing everything in our power to ensure the safety of your project from beginning to end, and our highly trained team is able to provide specialised services.
Unsure of how to apply for a construction work permit? SSTC can use our hands-on knowledge of the construction industry and strong relationships with local councils and organisations to create or procure construction site plans and permits. We can help you with all the plans and permits you need to successfully complete your construction project, including construction traffic management plans, traffic control plans, swept path diagrams and authority liaisons.
We can liaise with the local council, RMS, police and other governing bodies, and release all necessary stress from the companies we work with. We have a disciplined approach to meeting safety standards, and nothing is ever too much of a hassle. If you’re ready to take the stress out of finding the right work permits for construction safety, get your free quote from SSTC.
