OH&S

Safety training essential to industry

Chris Kulesza BLSC Manager

My Safety Essentials, a comprehensive, interactive educational resource developed in conjunction with WorkSafe Victoria continues to go from strength to strength at Master Builders Victoria. Funded by WorkSafe Victoria, My Safety Essentials provides a complete learning resource to support builders, employers, and building trades within the residential construction sector. This comprehensive online resource helps domestic builders understand their key legal OHS obligations through all the critical construction phases. The resource provides an educative experience for builders to identify and manage the critical risks presented throughout a domestic building project. The resource will enhance existing programs such as the Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building) and the suite of registration courses offered by MBV. The online learning experience is enhanced through a diverse range of mediums, including videos, virtual reality applications, case studies, quizzes, and photography. My Safety Essentials is hosted on a webpage within the MBV website at www.mbav.com.au and is available free of charge to all builders within the residential construction sector. MBV OHS manager Sam Smith said making this resource available free of charge to all TAFEs and private training providers will help drive the importance that safety plays for all new entrants starting their careers in the construction industry. “We want those entering the construction industry learning the correct habits,” he said. “This resource will help everyone understand the role they play when it comes to safety in construction.” Mr Smith said the project was important because the construction industry was a high-risk industry. “Our industry is regulated, however, the construction industry records a high number of fatalities and serious incidents each year,” Mr Smith said. Mr Smith said small business was the backbone of the Australian economy and the building and construction industry. Statistics highlight that the domestic sector records many serious incidents and fatalities compared to the commercial construction industry. “Small businesses often don’t have the time or resources to understand the whole OHS landscape in which they operate,” he said. “Consequently, they need access to practical, easily accessible, and understood solutions to ensure they always create and maintain a safe working environment for themselves and all those around them. “The safety of workers in our industry and our industry’s reputation regarding its steadfast commitment to the health and safety of all workers, subcontractors, and the community is a top priority for Master Builders Victoria. “Everyone fittingly owes a duty under the OHS legislation. “My Safety Essentials ensures everyone in the domestic construction industry can now be fully informed and equipped to meet their OHS obligations.” For more information, phone Sam Smith on 9411 4555.

My Safety Essentials, a comprehensive, interactive educational resource. Photo: Mollie Brandjes