What does HRCW mean?

HRCW is short for High Risk Construction Work and is regulated across Australia to ensure worker safety. Under Safe Work Australia’s model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, specific tasks are classified as high-risk and require additional safeguards includingh a SWMS to outline potential hazards and control measures.

While there is broad national alignment on what constitutes high risk construction work, there are some diferences across the states.

There are 18 activities considered to be HRCW. Here’s a look at the common types and any key state differences.

Common Types of High-Risk Construction Work

Working at Heights Above Two Meters
- This includes any work where there’s a risk of falling from a height of two meters or more, often involving scaffolding, ladders, or platforms.
- Hazards: Falls can cause serious injuries or fatalities, especially if fall protection measures aren’t in place.
Work in or Near Confined Spaces
- Confined spaces are areas with restricted entry and exit points, like tanks, pits, and tunnels, where there’s a risk of entrapment or toxic atmospheres.
- Hazards: Oxygen depletion, toxic fumes, and restricted escape routes increase the risk of injury or fatality.
Work Involving Hazardous Manual Tasks
- This includes activities that involve lifting, pushing, pulling, or handling heavy materials that pose a risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
- Hazards: Improper handling or awkward body postures can lead to long-term injuries.
Demolition or Partial Demolition
- Demolition is a high-risk activity due to the potential for building collapse, falling debris, and exposure to hazardous materials like asbestos.
- Hazards: Structural instability, flying debris, and dust can cause serious health risks.
Work with or Near Powered Mobile Plant
- Powered mobile plants include cranes, forklifts, and excavators. Their operation near workers can lead to serious accidents.
- Hazards: Collisions, rollovers, and struck-by incidents are common risks.
Work Involving Structural Alterations or Repairs Requiring Temporary Supports
- Any work that affects a building’s structural integrity, requiring props or temporary support to prevent collapse.
- Hazards: Poor support structures can lead to collapses and injuries for workers.
Work Involving Asbestos
- The handling or removal of asbestos materials, a known carcinogen, is strictly regulated in Australia.
- Hazards: Exposure to asbestos fibers can cause respiratory diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Excavation Work with Depths Greater Than 1.5 Meters
- Excavations can pose risks due to trench collapses, making depth and shoring essential considerations.
- Hazards: Collapse, restricted movement, and equipment accidents can lead to fatalities.
Work on or Near Energized Electrical Installations
- Any work near live electrical installations poses risks of shock, burns, and electrocution.
- Hazards: Contact with live wires and inadequate isolation procedures can result in life-threatening injuries.
Work with Chemicals or Hazardous Substances
- This includes handling, storing, or using hazardous chemicals that could cause poisoning, burns, or respiratory issues.
- Hazards: Exposure to toxic chemicals can lead to both short-term and chronic health effects.
Work Involving Tilt-Up or Precast Concrete
- Tilt-up construction involves lifting large concrete slabs into place, posing risks from the heavy materials and equipment involved.
- Hazards: Falls, crane failure, and slab collapse are potential hazards.
Work Near or Over Water
- Any work performed over water or near it presents risks of drowning, especially without proper safety measures.
- Hazards: Slip, trip, and fall risks increase, and cold water immersion can lead to hypothermia.
Work on Telecommunications Towers
- Telecommunications tower work often requires work at significant heights, presenting unique challenges.
- Hazards: Falls and exposure to radiofrequency radiation are specific risks associated with this work.

Differences in High-Risk Construction Work by State

While Safe Work Australia provides a model WHS framework, each state and territory administers its own WHS laws, which can lead to slight variations in HRCW requirements and compliance standards.

State/Territory	Differences in HRCW Requirements
New South Wales (NSW)	Adheres to Safe Work Australia’s model WHS regulations. Requires a SWMS for all HRCW, with additional site-specific risk assessments for construction sites over $250,000.
Victoria (VIC)	Similar to NSW, though Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act governs HRCW. A SWMS is required for HRCW, with emphasis on worksite-specific hazard identification.
Queensland (QLD)	Follows WHS guidelines, with added enforcement on respiratory protection and asbestos management due to Queensland’s history with asbestos exposure.
South Australia (SA)	Requires SWMS for HRCW per the Work Health and Safety Act 2012, with additional requirements for workers involved in mining and confined spaces.
Western Australia (WA)	WA uses Job Safety Analysis (JSA) interchangeably with SWMS for HRCW. Additional protections are specified for work involving asbestos and powered mobile plant.
Tasmania (TAS)	Generally aligned with national guidelines, with SWMS required for HRCW, especially for construction work near water bodies or on high-risk public projects.
Northern Territory (NT)	Enforces stringent SWMS requirements for HRCW, particularly in remote or environmentally sensitive areas. Electrical work guidelines are also enhanced for remote locations.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)	Follows the model WHS Act with specific emphasis on environmental management for HRCW. Additional protections apply for high-rise construction and demolition work.

Why High-Risk Construction Work standards matter

Across all states, HRCW standards are in place to protect workers and the general public from potentially fatal hazards. SWMS documents and other compliance measures help to manage the significant risks associated with these tasks by establishing clear safety protocols, reducing incidents, and ensuring that all personnel involved are adequately trained and equipped.