Product Overview

Summary: This Communication Protocol for Glazing Crews SOP sets out clear, consistent communication rules for glazing teams working on Australian construction and fit‑out sites. It helps prevent incidents arising from miscommunication, supports WHS compliance, and ensures all crew members, supervisors, and subcontractors stay aligned from pre‑start to sign‑off.

Glazing work is often carried out in dynamic, high‑risk environments involving working at height, handling large panes of glass, coordinating with multiple trades, and responding to rapidly changing site conditions. Many incidents in the glazing industry are not caused by lack of technical skill, but by unclear instructions, assumptions between crews and supervisors, and poor escalation of safety concerns. This Communication Protocol for Glazing Crews SOP provides a structured, repeatable framework for how information flows before, during, and after glazing tasks so that everyone understands what is happening, when, and under what controls.

The procedure defines how glazing crews communicate critical safety information, job changes, delays, and defects; how they participate in pre‑start briefings and toolbox talks; and how they use radios, phones, messaging apps, and site documentation in line with WHS expectations. It supports businesses to demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS legislation by documenting who must communicate what, to whom, and at which trigger points (e.g. lifting glass, weather changes, near misses). By implementing this SOP, glazing businesses can reduce rework and downtime, strengthen their safety culture, and present a professional, coordinated presence to builders and clients across Australia.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of incidents caused by miscommunication during glazing, lifting and installation activities.
• Ensure critical WHS information is consistently communicated between crews, supervisors, principal contractors and clients.
• Standardise how radios, phones and digital platforms are used on site, minimising distractions and confusion.
• Streamline pre‑start meetings, toolbox talks and end‑of‑shift handovers for glazing teams.
• Provide clear escalation pathways for reporting hazards, near misses, delays and variations in real time.

Who is this for?

• Glazing Supervisors
• Lead Glaziers
• Commercial Glazing Contractors
• Residential Glazing Team Leaders
• Construction Project Managers
• Site Supervisors and Forepersons
• WHS Managers and Safety Advisors
• Operations Managers in Glass and Aluminium Businesses

Hazards Addressed

• Miscommunication during glass lifting and positioning leading to crush or cut injuries
• Failure to communicate exclusion zones resulting in other workers entering danger areas
• Unreported changes in weather or site conditions affecting work at height or glass handling
• Delayed reporting of damaged glass, equipment faults or structural issues
• Distraction from unsafe use of mobile phones and radios while performing high‑risk tasks
• Breakdown in coordination between glazing crews and crane operators or mechanical lifting teams
• Inadequate communication of emergency procedures and evacuation instructions to glazing crews

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Glaziers, Supervisors, Site Management, Subcontractors)
• 4.0 Communication Principles and WHS Obligations
• 5.0 Pre‑Start Communication Requirements (SWMS, JSA, toolbox talks)
• 6.0 On‑Site Communication Methods (radios, mobiles, messaging platforms, hand signals)
• 7.0 Standard Call‑Outs and Phrases for High‑Risk Glazing Tasks
• 8.0 Communication During Lifting, Handling and Installation of Glass
• 9.0 Coordination with Other Trades, Crane Operators and Principal Contractors
• 10.0 Hazard, Incident and Near‑Miss Reporting and Escalation Pathways
• 11.0 Change Management and Variation Communication (design changes, site constraints, delays)
• 12.0 Emergency and Evacuation Communication Procedures for Glazing Crews
• 13.0 Confidential Client and Project Information Handling
• 14.0 Use of Personal Devices and Restrictions to Prevent Distraction
• 15.0 Recordkeeping, Site Diaries and Communication Logs
• 16.0 Training, Competency and Toolbox Talk Topics
• 17.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement of the Protocol

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Construction Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• AS/NZS 4801:2001 Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still referenced in many systems)
• AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use