As we approach the end of another busy year, Construct Services is reminding all trade partners across Australia to stay focused on safety during the festive season. National WHS regulators consistently report an increase in serious incidents, injuries, and fatalities during November and December. In Victoria alone, WorkSafe has highlighted that 71 workers have lost their lives in the last five years during these months, with more than 20,000 injury claims submitted. Although data varies across states, the trend is clear: the end-of-year period carries significantly heightened risk.

The final months of the year often bring compressed schedules, greater workloads, holiday deadlines, and pressure from clients and insurers to complete works before shutdown. These conditions increase the likelihood of fatigue, rushed decisions, and shortcuts—factors that are known contributors to workplace incidents.

At Construct Services, we want every worker, on every site, to get home safe. No repair, no deadline, and no customer expectation is ever more important than a worker’s wellbeing. That principle must guide all decisions on site.

In the insurance repair environment, where conditions can change rapidly and damaged structures present unusual risks, staying vigilant is crucial. We are asking all trades to double down on safe practices, maintain clear communication, and ensure all work is performed in line with WHS laws, SWMS, and our own safety procedures.

Before any site closes for the holidays, please ensure:

• All your loose materials are secured or removed
• Boundary fencing, where you have installed this, is stable and prevents access
• Excavations are back-filled or safely covered
• Waste is removed
• Plant is isolated and locked down or better still, removed from site to prevent theft or damage
• Sites are left safe for clients, neighbours, and the public

This festive season let’s commit to keeping ourselves and our teams safe. Thank you for your hard work throughout the year—and for helping ensure every worker gets home safely to their family these holidays.

My name is Phil Townsend, National Safety Manager for Construct Services, and I’m proud to welcome you to the very first edition of The Anvil—our new quarterly contractor safety newsletter.

As part of our commitment to building strong, safe, and successful projects together, The Anvil is designed to connect with you early—well before the first day on site—so we can share knowledge, address questions, and work towards our shared goals.

Each edition will bring you important regulatory updates, highlight standout projects, provide practical HammerTech tips, and include a toolbox talk you can put into action straight away. By staying connected and informed, we can ensure that every job starts on the right foot and ends with success for all.

I’m excited about the journey ahead and the opportunity to work alongside you. Together, we can forge safe, productive, and inspiring worksites where everyone goes home safely, every day.