Recent News
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2006
2005
2004
New Fact Sheets Now Available - 11 December 2006
Fact sheets are now available on a range of topics relating to the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner. These can be downloaded directly from this website as PDF files. If you would like a hard copy of any of the fact sheets, please contact us.
View the fact sheets
Federal Safety Commissioner’s National Excellence in OHS Award 2006 - 20 November 2006
Federal Safety Commissioner, Tom Fisher, presented the National Excellence in OHS Award at the Master Builders’ National Awards in Canberra on 10 November 2006.
The winner was A W Edwards Pty Limited for the STAT-EAST works of the Epping to Chatswood railway line, Macquarie Park Station.
The hazards that confronted A W Edwards in undertaking work in an underground tunnel were significant and included working at height within the tunnel and the need to constantly monitor air quality and velocity.
Overall the judges were impressed with the very strong commitment to safety demonstrated and the quality of OHS documentation. Importantly, on the ground, the documents were given practical effect.
Mr Wilhelm Harnisch, CEO of Master Builders Australia, said that the safety of workers in the building and construction industry is of paramount importance, and Master Builders Australia were proud to offer this award in conjunction with the Federal Safety Commissioner.
Grocon Commits to FSC Safety Principles - 27 October 2006
Grocon Pty Ltd has committed its support for the Federal Safety Commissioner’s Safety Principles and Guidance.
In a speech at the launch of Safe Work Australia Week in Melbourne on 23 October, Mr Michael Loterzo, General Manager, Legal, Risk and Southern States Operations, spoke of the importance that Grocon places on safety.
It is a core business value across the Grocon Group, from the Board through to design consultants and prospective employees, in the letting of subcontracts and in training.
‘Safety should not be considered a cost to the business, instead safety as a core business value may in fact provide a competitive advantage rather than competing upon price alone’, he said.
Michael Loterzo, General Manager, Legal, Risk and Southern States Operations, Grocon Pty Ltd
Minister Andrews Announces Stage Two of the Scheme at Safe Work Australia Week launch - 24 October 2006
At the launch of Safe Work Australia Week on 23 October 2006, the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon Kevin Andrews MP, announced the extension of the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme) to indirectly funded construction work and a reduction in the threshold for directly funded work.
Read more about Stage Two of the Scheme
Read the fact sheet
Read the Minister's press release
Read the Minister's speech
OHS Case Studies Launched - 23 October 2006
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 OFSC case studies share practical ideas that can be adopted by industry to assist in their management of OHS issues.
Recently, the OFSC developed two case studies. These were released today through the FSC website to coincide with the launch of Safe Work Australia Week.
The OFSC will continue to work with industry to provide a range of case studies covering small, medium and large projects, including civil and commercial construction projects, and covering a range of sub-industries.
Read the Case Studies
Learn more about Safe Work Australia Week
Minister releases FSC Safety Principles and Guidance - 29 September 2006
On Friday 29 September 2006 the Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations announced the release of the Federal Safety Commissioner’s Safety Principles and Guidance – A practical guide for improving occupational health and safety (OHS) in the building and construction industry.
The Safety Principles and Guidance promote a level of commitment to safety that goes beyond complying with legislative requirements. They encourage industry participants to demonstrate a real commitment to sustained improvement in OHS outcomes in the industry.
Read the Federal Safety Commissioner's speech
Read the Minister's press release
Download the FSC Safety Principles
New Framework for Safety in Construction - 22 September 2006
A new workplace safety framework aimed at improving safety on Australian construction sites, developed by the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Construction Innovation, was launched today by the Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations. The Federal Safety Commissioner Tom Fisher spoke at the launch.
Read the Federal Safety Commissioner's speech
Read the Minister's speech
Read the CRC Media Release
Federal Safety Commissioner Tom Fisher speaks at the Site Safety Culture Project launch.
New look website launched! - 15 September 2006
The Federal Safety Commissioner's new website was launched today. The FSC website is an important initiative for the promotion of the Government's OHS reforms for the building and construction industry. If you have any enquiries, please contact us.
FSC Progress Report - 14 September 2006
On 14 September 2006 the Hon Kevin Andrews MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, released the Federal Safety Commissioner's 2005-2006 Progress Report. The report provides an insight into the industry’s OHS performance and an overview of the FSC’s current and future initiatives to facilitate world−class safety in the Australian building and construction industry. View the Minister's media release.
Four Weeks Until Full Accreditation - 3 September 2006
Only four weeks until the launch of Full Accreditation under the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme. A reminder to all that applications are open. We encourage any head contractors who hope to enter into building and construction contracts with a value of $6 million or more with Australian Government agencies to apply as soon as possible.
Watpac Achieves Accreditation - 25 August 2006
Watpac Australia Pty Ltd has been accredited under the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme.
Watpac is Queensland’s largest publicly-listed construction company. It is a Queensland company that has been a significant contributor to the local construction industry.
Mr Fisher said he was very pleased that Watpac had joined the list of accredited companies that have shown the leadership in safety that will ultimately lead to improved OHS performance in the industry.
Federal Safety Commissioner Tom Fisher presents Watpac’s Safety Manager, Mr Brian Lewis, with the accreditation certificate.
FSC sponsors MBA Awards - August 2006
The FSC has entered into an agreement with the Master Builders Australia (MBA) to sponsor a new OHS category of their 2006 and 2007 National Awards. The 2006 Awards Dinner will be held in Canberra in November. The FSC is also pleased to announce sponsorship of the MBA's 2007 International Conference.
Federal Safety Commissioner speaks at Form and Function 2006 - 7 April 2006
The Federal Safety Commissioner, Mr Tom Fisher, spoke to delegates at the 2006 Form and Function Expo held at Darling Harbour from 6 - 8 April. The main focus of the Commissioner's speech was reducing OHS risks through safe design. Read the FSC's speech.
First Group of Accredited Companies Announced - 14 March 2006
The Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Kevin Andrews has today announced the first group of companies to be accredited under the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme). Ms Janet Holmes à Court AO, Chairman of John Holland Group Pty Ltd, spoke to those present on behalf of industry. For further information go to the full article.
The Hon. Kevin Andrews MP, Janet Holmes à Court and Federal Safety Commissioner Tom Fisher with representatives of the newly accredited companies
Federal Safety Commissioner Speaks at AMCA Breakfast Forum - 1 March 2006
Today marks a new era in the Australian Government’s approach to health and safety in the building and construction industry.
Today the Australian Government draws a line in the sand in terms of its expectations from contractors in terms of safety. read the FSC's speech.
Federal Safety Commissioner speaks at the MBA National Conference and Awards - November 2005
The Federal Safety Commissioner, Tom Fisher, has made consultation the hallmark of the Office since his appointment earlier this year.
Tom’s latest speech, at the Master Builders Australia National Conference and Awards held on the 4th of November, reflects his continuing commitment to discussions with industry, government agencies and state and territory agencies.
The Hon. Kevin Andrews MP Launches the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme - November 2005
In a recent media release, the Hon. Kevin Andrews MP launched the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme. For further information go to the full article
Laying The Foundations For A Safer, Stronger Construction Industry - 28 October 2005
From 1 March 2006, head contractors who tender for major Australian Government building and construction contracts will be required to be accredited under a new occupational health and safety accreditation scheme.
Read the media release
Building and Construction Industry Bill - 7 September 2005
Today the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Bill (2005) passed through the Senate.
Read the media release
Read the Minister's doorstop interview
Federal Safety Commissioner website launched - 1 September 2005
Minister Andrews announced in a media release on 1 September 2005 the launch of the Federal Safety Commissioner website, which will assist to foster improved OHS performance in the building and construction industry. The FSC website is an important initiative for the promotion of the Government's OHS reforms for the building and construction industry.
Federal Safety Commissioner to be established - 28 June 2004
The Australian Government will establish a new Federal Safety Commissioner to ensure occupational health and safety issues receive top priority on all Australian Government construction projects.
Read the media release
Also available - archived news from 2008 | 2007