OH&S
OH&S Compliance to the Code of Practice
The National Code of Practice for the Construction Industry was introduced by the Federal Government to establish higher standards and productivity within the industry. The Code covers all activities concerned with demolition, building, landscaping, maintenance, civil engineering, process engineering, mining and heavy engineering. Activity which falls within the scope of the Code includes building refurbishment or fit out, installation of security systems, fire protection systems, air-conditioning systems, computer and communication cabling, building and construction of landscapes.
The Code also covers material supply contracts where the supplied material is integral to the construction of the project and the prefabrication of made-to-order components to form any part of any building, structure or works, whether carried out on site or off site.
The Code applies to all construction activity undertaken by or on behalf of Australian Government Departments, agencies or budget-funded statutory authorities. This applies to all activities irrespective of the value of the project. Projects indirectly funded by the Australian Government through grants and other programmes are also included with some exceptions.
Any party, such as a head contractor, subcontractor, consultant or material supplier interested in undertaking Australian Government construction work is required to comply with the Code in respect of any building and construction activities they undertake.
Amongst the requirements under the Code, contractors are required to comply with Industrial Relations and OH&S requirements. OH&S requirements include 3rd party certification of safety management systems by particular contractors.
Safety Management Systems
An OH&SMS is a documented and verifiable set of plans, actions and procedures to systematically manage workplace Health and Safety.
The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission advise us "An effective OH&SMS should help achieve the following:
- a safe and healthy workplace
- prevention/reduction of illness and injury equally for employees and contractors
- identification of workplace hazards, assessment and control of risks
- active involvement in health and safety matters by managers, supervisors and employees and their representatives and
- provision for OH&S information and training for employees at all levels.
- demonstrated commitment by all stakeholders, but in particular the commitment of owners and senior management
- demonstrated commitment to control and reduce incidents by monitoring hazards and continually reviewing the process
- demonstrated commitment to ensure the safety of employees, contractors and visitors
- demonstrated commitment to promote helath and safety in the workplace and
- a demonstrated commitment to provide training and appropriate supervision
TCA can provide our "Safety Information Package" which enables a business to effectively commence implementing a system or simple self-check an existing system to assist with proceeding with accreditation.
Additionally, TCA are able to provide a list of qualified OH&S Consultants who can assist with advice, implementation and accreditation.