Construction Risk Assessment Template 2026
OHSA-compliant hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA) for construction work. Covers Falls from height, Struck by falling objects, Caught in/between equipment, and more.
Instant Generation
AI creates your complete construction HIRA in under 2 minutes.
OHSA Compliant
Meets Construction Regulations 2014 requirements for risk assessments.
Risk Matrix Included
Automated risk scoring with likelihood × severity calculations.
Construction HIRA Categories
Hazard Categories Covered
- Working at Heights
- Excavation Hazards
- Plant and Machinery
- Manual Handling
- Environmental Hazards
Specific Hazards Addressed
- Falls from height
- Struck by falling objects
- Caught in/between equipment
- Collapse of structures
- Vehicle/pedestrian accidents
- Exposure to dust and silica
- Noise-induced hearing loss
- Heat stress
Risk Matrix Methodology
Our construction HIRA uses a 5×5 risk matrix combining likelihood and severity to calculate risk scores. The AI automatically applies hierarchy of controls to reduce residual risk.
High Risk (15-25)
Work cannot proceed. Immediate controls required.
Medium Risk (8-14)
Additional controls needed before work starts.
Low Risk (1-7)
Work may proceed with standard precautions.
Key Construction Risks & Controls
Structural failure
Our AI applies hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
Excavation collapse
Our AI applies hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
Falling from scaffolding
Our AI applies hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
Equipment-related injuries
Our AI applies hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
Weather-related delays and hazards
Our AI applies hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE.
Required PPE for Construction Work
Construction Risk Assessment Requirements in South Africa
General building and civil engineering construction in South Africa is comprehensively regulated by the OHSA Construction Regulations 2014, which apply to all construction work as defined in the Act. Contractors must appoint a Construction Manager (Reg 8), Construction Health and Safety Officer for projects with >50 workers or >30 days duration, and prepare a Health and Safety Plan responding to the client's H&S specification. CIDB registration is mandatory: class CE for civil engineering, GB for general building. The Construction Regulations require a baseline risk assessment before mobilisation, and the Principal Contractor must ensure every subcontractor's safety file is approved before they start work. Government infrastructure tenders (PFMA/MFMA entities) routinely require a project-specific method statement detailing every critical activity, sequence of work, plant to be used, and emergency procedures.
Key Risk Assessment Focus Areas for Construction
Focus 1: Falls from height during structural and roofing work — the leading cause of construction fatalities in SA. Detail edge protection, fall arrest systems per Reg 10
Focus 2: Structural collapse during temporary works and excavation — specify engineer sign-off requirements for formwork and shoring designs
Focus 3: Struck-by hazards from crane operations and materials handling — detail exclusion zones, rigging procedures, and lift plan requirements
Focus 4: Silicosis risk from cutting concrete and masonry — specify wet cutting methods and RPE requirements per OHSA HCS Regulations
Focus 5: Electrical contact with overhead power lines during crane and excavation operations — specify minimum clearance distances (3m for <33kV)
Common Mistakes in Construction Risk Assessments
Submitting a safety file that doesn't respond to the client's specific H&S specification — Construction Regulation 7(1)(a) requires a project-specific plan
Not appointing a Construction H&S Officer when the project meets the threshold (>50 workers or >30 calendar days)
Using a generic method statement that doesn't reference the actual contract specifications (SANS 2001 series) applicable to the project
Failing to include temporary works designs signed by a Pr.Eng or Pr.Tech — Reg 12 requires this for any temporary structure
Omitting the fall protection plan for work above 2m — this is a standalone document required by Reg 10
Key Legislation for Construction Risk Assessments
| Regulation / Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| OHSA Construction Regulations 2014 | Primary legislation for all construction work: defines duties of Client, Principal Contractor, and contractors. Requires H&S plans, risk assessments, fall protection plans, and competent person appointments. |
| SANS 2001-CC1:2007 | Concrete works for civil engineering — covers mix design, placing, curing, and testing requirements. Referenced in most government infrastructure tenders. |
| SANS 10400 | National Building Regulations — Parts A to W cover structural safety, fire protection, glazing, drainage, energy use. Building plans must comply before construction starts. |
| CIDB Standard for Uniformity | Establishes grading designations (GB for general building, CE for civil engineering), contractor grading requirements, and maximum contract values per grade. |
Construction Risk Assessment FAQ
What is the difference between CIDB classes CE and GB?
When is a Construction H&S Officer required?
What must a Construction Health and Safety Plan contain?
Are method statements legally required for construction?
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