Subcontractors play a key role in contributing to the OHS outcomes of Australian building and construction projects. The OFSC recognises the importance of ensuring subcontractors apply sound OHS practices on work sites and is committed to working with industry on initiatives to assist subcontractors to better understand their OHS obligations and to improve their OHS performance.
This section contains information and resources relating to OHS for subcontractors and small business. It will be updated on an ongoing basis.
OHS case studies
The OFSC is working with the building and construction industry to develop case studies on initiatives that have been used to address OHS issues. The following case studies share practical ideas on the OHS management arrangements of subcontractors and small business.
Driving cultural change in small business: Sharpe Bros (Aust) Pty Ltd outline how a small business can successfully implement a program to develop and maintain a positive safety culture in their workplace.
Fall protection in formwork: Dalma Formwork provide information on an initiative to increase the level of fall protection in formwork construction.
Managing OHS in a small business: D Williams Builders provide information on an OHS management system specifically developed to manage safety in small businesses.
Fact Sheets
The OFSC has a range of fact sheets. The following provide information and guidance on issues regarding subcontractor and small business OHS.
• Small business builders and the Scheme provides advice on how the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme may apply to the activities of small operators and residential builders.
• An introduction to subcontractor OHS management outlines the importance of subcontractor OHS management and details some practical examples for implementing subcontractor OHS management arrangements.
Study into subcontractor OHS performance
The OFSC commissioned a study into the barriers and enablers to an improved level of OHS performance among subcontractors. A summary of the findings was released in March 2008.
Additional references for small business OHS
A range of guidance is offered by industry to assist subcontractors and small business with their OHS.
• NSW and Victorian Construction Safety Alliances, through the support of industry stakeholders, have developed OHSE SubbyPack. The Pack is designed to assist smaller operators by providing a basic, generic approach to developing OHSE management arrangements. It is available through OHS authorities in NSW, ACT and WA.
• WorkCover NSW sponsor a number of initiatives through their Small Business Website including a Mentor Program aimed at providing small business in NSW an opportunity to gain advice and practical guidance on workplace safety arrangements.
• WorkSafe Victoria offer information and advice to small business in Victoria and facilitate initiatives such as safety consultation sessions to assist businesses with up to 50 employees in identifying and addressing OHS issues.
• Workplace Health and Safety Queensland provide small business in Queensland with a range of tools and information designed to increase their level of OHS awareness and to provide guidance on how to make the workplace safer.
• WorkSafe WA sponsor the ThinkSafe Small Business Assistance Program to assist businesses with less than 20 employees to develop safety action plans through consultation with an independent OHS consultant. Small business and regional and metropolitan WA are encouraged to apply.
Small business operators are encouraged to refer to their local OHS authorities and industry associations for further guidance and support in relation to their OHS arrangements.