Safety First: Managing OH&S Risk on Multi-Trade Sites

On busy construction sites, safety isn’t just a box to tick - it’s what keeps every project moving. When multiple trades work side by side, even a small oversight can cause major disruption.

At Grange Banks, we see safety as a shared commitment. From site induction to daily coordination, our systems are built to protect people, safeguard schedules, and deliver work without incident.

Here’s how we manage OH&S across complex, multi-trade environments.

1. Working Safely in Complex Environments

Commercial projects often involve overlapping trades - painters beside electricians, fit-out teams, and cleaners - all working to tight deadlines. Without clear sequencing, the risk of accidents and delays increases.

Grange Banks works closely with builders and project managers to plan our works around other trades. Daily toolbox meetings, shared scheduling platforms and coordinated site access keep teams aligned and sites running smoothly.

2. Induction and Compliance from Day One

Before stepping on site, every Grange Banks team member completes a site-specific induction and signs onto the principal contractor’s safety plan. We review Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), emergency procedures, and any unique site hazards such as confined spaces or working at heights.

Our supervisors maintain full compliance with WHS Regulations and AS/NZS standards, ensuring safety systems integrate seamlessly into the wider construction framework - not as an add-on, but as part of the way we work.

3. Managing Painting-Specific Risks

Painting presents risks that aren’t always obvious to other trades - from fumes and slip hazards to elevated work platforms. Our safety measures include:

• Specifying low-VOC coatings to reduce airborne contaminants.

• Isolating work zones with signage and clear access control.

• Conducting pre-start checks on all equipment.

• Logging daily risk-control reports for transparency.
  

These steps allow us to maintain high safety standards without slowing down the program.

4. Communication That Keeps Everyone Safe

Safety and communication go hand in hand. Our site supervisors liaise with project managers each day to confirm sequencing, site access and work locations. By maintaining real-time coordination, we minimise overlap, reduce congestion, and keep all trades informed of changing conditions.

This proactive approach prevents near-misses, reduces downtime, and builds trust between teams.

5. Accountability and Culture

At Grange Banks, safety isn’t enforced from the top down - it’s owned by every person on site. Our crews are trained and empowered to stop work if they see a hazard, no questions asked.

That culture of accountability is what keeps our projects incident-free and our clients confident that every site we work on operates to the highest standard.

A safe site is a productive site. By combining disciplined systems with open communication and a strong safety culture, Grange Banks delivers painting projects that meet compliance requirements and keep every trade protected.

It’s not just part of our process - it’s part of who we are.

Get in touch for your next project.