COURSE OVERVIEW:

Welcome to the Risk Management in Solid Plastering Projects course. This training has been developed to provide you with the knowledge and practical skills needed to identify, assess, and control work health and safety (WHS) risks specific to solid plastering environments. Risk management is not only a legal requirement under Australian WHS legislation but also a critical factor in ensuring safe, productive, and efficient worksites.

The course begins by exploring the definition and purpose of risk management, highlighting its role in reducing workplace incidents and promoting a culture of safety. You will learn how proactive risk management protects workers, prevents costly delays, and ensures compliance with both regulatory and ethical obligations. In the context of solid plastering, the nature of the work introduces specific risks—ranging from tool and chemical hazards to environmental conditions and manual handling concerns.

Understanding and identifying these risks is essential. This section examines the common hazards found in plastering projects, including those linked to equipment use, site access, dust exposure, weather conditions, and repetitive physical tasks. You will also explore health-related risks, such as inhalation of silica dust and prolonged exposure to render additives, which must be managed with suitable control measures.

The course then introduces the standard four-step risk management process outlined in WHS legislation—Identify, Assess, Control, and Review. You will gain a detailed understanding of how to implement these steps in daily work practices and how regular review and consultation strengthen site safety outcomes over time.

Conducting comprehensive risk assessments is a key responsibility of competent workers and supervisors. This section explains how to carry out site inspections, engage team members in hazard identification, and verify the safety of work zones, access paths, and tools before work begins.

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are a mandatory element of high-risk construction work. You will learn how to develop, tailor, and implement SWMS that address plastering-specific activities such as mixing, scaffolding, and external coatings, ensuring that every worker understands and complies with them.

Manual handling risks are common and often underestimated in solid plastering. This section focuses on the safe lifting and transport of heavy items like cement bags, trowels, and access platforms. It introduces ergonomic principles and mechanical aids to reduce the risk of injury, particularly for the lower back and shoulders.

Working at heights presents a serious risk across many plastering projects. You will be guided through the selection, inspection, and use of ladders, trestles, scaffolds, and edge protection systems, with a strong focus on fall prevention and regulatory compliance for elevated work.

Slips, trips, and poor housekeeping contribute to many preventable injuries. You will explore strategies for preventing slurry spills, reducing clutter, managing tools safely, and maintaining a clean, hazard-free workspace.

Respiratory and dust-related risks, particularly silica exposure, are a significant concern. This section explains how to suppress dust during mixing and sanding, how to use appropriate respiratory protection, and how to comply with national guidance for exposure limits and health surveillance.

Chemical and hazardous substance risks are also covered in detail. You’ll learn how to interpret Safety Data Sheets (SDS), manage render additives, and implement controls to minimise exposure through inhalation or skin contact.

Wet areas pose an electrical hazard when combined with tools and extension cords. This section focuses on risk control strategies for electrical safety, including the use of Residual Current Devices (RCDs), proper cord management, and safe distance protocols around electrical systems.

Scaffold safety is critical in external plastering work. You will explore best practices for erecting, inspecting, and maintaining scaffolding systems to prevent falls, overloading, and structural collapse—ensuring your access equipment remains safe and compliant.

Tool and equipment safety is fundamental to operational success. You will learn how to operate plastering tools correctly, maintain them to prevent malfunction, and ensure all workers receive appropriate instruction and competency checks.

Environmental risks—such as wet weather, wind, or temperature extremes—can compromise both safety and finish quality. This section explains how to monitor weather conditions, adjust work schedules, and protect fresh plaster surfaces from damage.

Emergency preparedness is non-negotiable on any worksite. This section outlines how to develop emergency plans, locate first aid and fire safety equipment, and respond appropriately to incidents or injuries. Training workers on emergency roles ensures a confident and coordinated response.

Clear communication is vital to managing risks effectively. You will learn how to deliver toolbox talks, communicate safety expectations, use signage and checklists, and establish channels for hazard reporting and corrective action.

Monitoring and reviewing existing controls is essential for continuous improvement. You will explore how to log incidents, evaluate what went wrong, and adjust procedures accordingly. Regular audits and inspections support compliance and keep safety at the forefront.

Finally, this course focuses on building a workplace culture that values and prioritises safety. You will discover how to lead by example, reward safe behaviour, encourage transparent communication, and ensure that all team members—regardless of role—understand their responsibilities in risk management.

By the end of this course, you will be equipped with the tools and confidence to implement effective risk management strategies in solid plastering projects, protect worker health, ensure legal compliance, and foster a strong, proactive safety culture across all job sites.

Each section is complemented with examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:

1. Introduction to Risk Management in Solid Plastering

• Definition and objectives of risk management
• Benefits of proactive risk management in construction projects
• Legal and ethical responsibilities under WHS legislation

2. Identifying Common Risks in Plastering Projects

• Hazards related to tools, equipment, and materials
• Environmental and site-specific risks
• Health-related risks including dust, chemicals, and repetitive strain

3. Understanding the Risk Management Process

• Overview of the four-step WHS risk management model
• Importance of regular risk review and consultation
• Integrating risk management into daily work practices

4. Conducting Site Risk Assessments

• Pre-start hazard identification and assessment procedures
• Inspecting work zones, materials, and access routes
• Involving workers in hazard spotting and mitigation

5. Using Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

• Role of SWMS in controlling high-risk activities
• Customising SWMS for solid plastering tasks
• Ensuring workers understand and follow SWMS content

6. Managing Manual Handling Risks

• Risks associated with lifting cement bags, mixing equipment, and scaffolding
• Ergonomic strategies to reduce musculoskeletal injuries
• Implementing safe lifting techniques and mechanical aids

7. Working at Heights Risk Control

• Assessing the need for ladders, trestles, or scaffolds
• Fall prevention systems: guardrails, harnesses, and edge protection
• Inspection and maintenance of height access equipment

8. Controlling Slips, Trips, and Housekeeping Hazards

• Preventing slurry spills, tripping on tools, and cluttered work areas
• Allocating safe storage zones for equipment and materials
• Cleaning up waste and debris throughout the workday

9. Respiratory and Silica Dust Exposure Risks

• Identifying dust-generating tasks: mixing, sanding, dry cutting
• Implementing dust suppression and vacuum systems
• Ensuring proper respiratory protection and mask fit

10. Managing Chemical and Hazardous Substance Risks

• Reading and understanding Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
• Storing and handling render additives, bonding agents, and sealers
• Preventing skin contact and inhalation of hazardous compounds

11. Electrical Risk Management in Wet Zones

• Avoiding power tools in wet or damp environments
• Use of Residual Current Devices (RCDs) and inspection of cords
• Maintaining safe distances from overhead or embedded wiring

12. Scaffold and Access Equipment Risk Mitigation

• Erecting scaffold in accordance with regulations
• Preventing falls, collapses, and overloading
• Regular scaffold inspections and user competency checks

13. Risk Control for Equipment and Tool Use

• Safe operation of mixers, trowels, hawks, and floats
• Maintaining tools to prevent malfunctions or accidents
• Ensuring correct training and use of specialised equipment

14. Managing Environmental and Weather-Related Risks

• Planning work during favourable weather conditions
• Adjusting schedules for wind, rain, or extreme temperatures
• Protecting wet plaster from environmental damage

15. Emergency Preparedness and Response Planning

• Developing emergency procedures for incidents, spills, and injuries
• Access to first aid kits, fire extinguishers, and exit routes
• Training staff in emergency roles and reporting protocols

16. Communicating Risks to Workers and Stakeholders

• Conducting toolbox talks and daily pre-start briefings
• Using signage, labelling, and written instructions
• Ensuring clear reporting pathways for hazards and near-misses

17. Monitoring and Reviewing Risk Controls

• Tracking incidents and evaluating effectiveness of controls
• Updating procedures based on site feedback and audit results
• Maintaining compliance through regular site inspections

18. Embedding a Risk-Aware Workplace Culture

• Encouraging proactive reporting and safety leadership
• Recognising safe behaviour and continuous improvement
• Creating accountability for risk management across all roles

COURSE DURATION:

The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.

COURSE DELIVERY:

Purchase and download course content.

ASSESSMENT:

A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.

CERTIFICATION:

Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.