A revised framework for managing construction health and safety risks based on ISO 31000

There is an increasing demand being placed on those managing construction projects to complete their work efficiently; while also ensuring that the risks associated with financial, environmental protection, health, safety and quality are simultaneously managed effectively. The international risk management guideline ISO 31000, adopted in Australia as the joint Australia and New Zealand AS/NZS ISO 31000 (2009), has been suggested in order to represent one of the best integrated frameworks that can be used for managing all types of risks. However, apart from the guidance notes and supporting documentation, there is little published research that supports such claims. For this reason the utility of managing construction health and safety risks effectively, using the above standard on its own, remains questionable. The aims of this paper are threefold. Firstly, it gives a brief introduction to the new risk management guidelines and its adoption in Australia. Secondly, it critically reviews the published literature on the above risk management standard. Thirdly, it discusses three main differences between the risk management standard and health and safety management practice. The paper concludes with a proposed revised framework based on ISO 31000 that can be used to manage construction health and safety risks more effectively.