🗣️ Site Talk, Expressions & Slang

Afternoon (Aussie slang). Short for 'afternoon'.

Aussie shorthand for a barbecue (BBQ). A social get-together held at a site shutdown or on a Friday afternoon.

(Safety call) I'm right behind you — a warning so the person doesn't turn or step back into you. Usually said over the radio when approaching from behind a machine operator.

A polite way of asking someone to do something ("Could you…?"). Used when asking a supervisor or workmate to do a task.

(Radio) Message received, understood.

Hang on, wait a sec.

Means the work is delayed, or to stop for a moment. Also used when the job is held up because materials are running late.

Get in, hop on (a vehicle or machine).

To get straight on a machine or task, or to start work right away. On site it means "take over that machine" or "get started".

A signal or call telling someone to keep moving towards you. When guiding a crane or a reversing truck, it means "keep coming, you're fine".

To finish work and go home. The most common way to say it on Australian sites.

An incident that didn't cause injury or damage but nearly did. On Aussie construction sites it's a safety item you must report.

Used when you're not sure or don't know.

To put away the tools and materials and wrap up for the day. It means getting ready to go home.

I think / I reckon / it seems like (used a lot in Australia).

To do a great job, to knock something out with ease.

(Aussie slang) A short break for a rest and a snack.

To raise the tray (or bin) of a dump truck or trailer and pour out the load of dirt, gravel, asphalt, etc. It's an everyday site verb for telling someone where to drop their load.

A box for carrying tools. On site it's also often short for a 'toolbox talk', the safety meeting held before work starts.

Two-way radio. UHF (Ultra High Frequency) is the most common, with channels (CH) from 1 to 80. Most sites have their radio channel written up at the entrance.