Recent News
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2007
Master Builders International Conference 2007 - 3 December 2007
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) recently participated in the Master Builders International Conference held on the Gold Coast from 8 to 10 November 2007. The conference had over 1100 delegates participating in the event. The programme featured a range of seminars including skills shortages facing the industry; industrial relations changes; innovations in design; dispute resolution techniques; environmental considerations and economic factors affecting the industry. The OFSC had a booth at the conference expo with staff members on hand to answer any questions from the delegates.
Tom Fisher, Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC), delivered a seminar titled, ‘Leaders in Safety and Cultural Change’. This seminar detailed the importance of leading the way in safety in the industry and provided information on how leaders in the industry could set an example by promoting positive safety beliefs. His presentation generated much discussion among delegates who were particularly interested in how the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme) impacts on head contractors across Australia.
The conference culminated with the Master Builders Australia National Building and Construction Awards 2007. The FSC presented his award to Richard Crookes Constructions Pty Ltd for their commitment to OHS on the Homebush Bay Substation Redevelopment Stage 2. Despite an elevated hazard profile, the project was completed with zero work injuries. The construction of a switch building, cable pathways and a new transformer bay required workers to be exposed to the risks associated with working in an active substation. High-risk activities, including a requirement for asbestos removal from old conduits and duct work, were identified before the project commenced and procedures were put in place to undertake the work safely.
Tender Opens for Federal Safety Officers - 16 November 2007
The OFSC invites tenders from suitably qualified and experienced OHS auditors to join its panel for OHS auditing services for the Scheme. Companies and individuals are encouraged to apply.
OHS auditors will be engaged as consultants to the Federal Safety Commissioner, and appointed as Federal Safety Officers for a period until 19 December 2009.
For more information, visit our Tenders page.
OFSC Releases Updated Fact Sheets - 16 October 2007
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) has released new and updated fact sheets on the Scheme.
The OFSC fact sheets provide guidance and information on the background, objectives and current initiatives of the OFSC and are distributed through our website, at relevant conferences, meetings, exhibition booths and on request.
The newly released and updated fact sheets include:
Updated
New
Amendments to Act Receive Royal Assent - 25 September 2007
The amendments to the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Act 2005 have received Royal Assent on 24 September 2007 by His Excellency Major General Michael Jeffery AC CVO MC, the Governor-General of Australia.
The amendments, introduced by the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Amendment (OHS) Bill 2007, allow for the application of the Scheme to projects indirectly funded by the Australian Government, subject to certain thresholds.
The Bill also makes technical amendments to:
- require head contractors to be accredited when they sign contracts for projects covered by the Scheme and while undertaking work covered by the Scheme;
- streamline the process of appointing Federal Safety Officers; and
- allow the Federal Safety Commissioner and persons working in the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner to disclose information on the Scheme to the Minister.
The Regulations that accompany the Act and provide for the operation of the Scheme will be available shortly.
Changes to the Scheme will take effect from 1 October 2007.
For further information about the Scheme, phone the FSC Assist Line on 1800 652 500 or read the Stage Two fact sheet.
The Hon Joe Hockey MP Launches the Guide to Best Practice for Safer Construction - 14 September 2007
Minister Hockey highlighted the importance of safety on Australian construction sites in his launch of the Guide to Best Practice for Safer Construction, and commended the building and construction industry for its development of the guide to support safety in construction.
Minister Hockey launched the guide at an event in Mural Hall at Parliament House on Wednesday, 12 September 2007. The launch was attended by heads of the industry including prominent supporters of the guide and speakers at the launch: Mr Bill Wild, Chair, Engineers Australia Taskforce for Construction Safety, and Mr Damien Hertslet, Chief Operating Officer, Bovis Lend Lease. Dr Keith Hampson, Chief Executive Officer, Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Construction Innovation, a collaborator on the development of the guide, introduced the speakers.
The guide was authored by the Safer Construction Taskforce, comprising Engineers Australia and the CRC for Construction Innovation which includes industry representatives and academia. The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner was an observer on the taskforce and supported the industry’s effort to develop their own safety initiative. In addition, the Federal Safety Commissioner’s Safety Principles are incorporated into the guide.
In the guide, safety practices are applied to the main stages of a construction project. Tasks and examples illustrate how safety can be introduced and sustained in a construction project. The guide also highlights the importance of all stakeholders – clients, designers and constructors, and their subcontractors – collaborating to ensure better safety.
OHS Bill Passes Senate - 13 September 2007
The Building and Construction Industry Improvement Amendment (OHS) Bill 2007 (the Bill) was passed in the Senate today.
The Bill provides for the application of the Scheme to projects indirectly funded by the Australian Government, subject to certain thresholds.
The Bill also makes technical amendments to:
- require head contractors to be accredited when they sign contracts for projects covered by the Scheme and while undertaking work covered by the Scheme;
- streamline the process of appointing Federal Safety Officers; and
- allow the Federal Safety Commissioner and persons working in the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner to disclose information on the Scheme to the Minister.
Changes to the Scheme will take effect from 1 October 2007. The associated Regulations will be available shortly.
For further information about the Scheme, phone the FSC Assist Line on 1800 652 500.
OHS Bill Passes House of Representatives - 11 September 2007
The Building and Construction Industry Improvement Amendment (OHS) Bill 2007 (the Bill) was passed in the House of Representatives today.
It is anticipated that the Bill will now be presented to the Senate on 13 September 2007.
The Bill provides for the application of the Scheme to projects indirectly funded by the Australian Government, subject to certain thresholds.
The Bill also makes technical amendments to:
- require head contractors to be accredited when they sign contracts for projects covered by the Scheme and while undertaking work covered by the Scheme
- streamline the process of appointing Federal Safety Officers
- allow the Federal Safety Commissioner and persons working in the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner to disclose information on the Scheme to the Minister.
It is intended that changes to the Scheme will take effect from 1 October 2007.
For further information see The Building and Construction Industry Improvement Amendment (OHS) Bill 2007 fact sheet, or phone the FSC Assist Line on 1800 652 500.
Model Clauses Released - 3 September 2007
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner has developed model clauses to assist in applying the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme from 1 October 2007.
The model clauses are intended for use by:
- Australian Government agencies responsible for the procurement of building work on behalf of the Australian Government
- Australian Government agencies responsible for the delivery and management of Australian Government funding agreements, grants and programmes
- persons who are responsible for the procurement of building work using funding provided by the Australian Government.
Specifically, the model clauses are intended for use in tender, contract and funding agreement or grant documentation.
For further information on the model clauses please contact us.
Safe Work Australia Week Launched - 30 August 2007
The Australian Safety and Compensation Council has made workplace safety a national priority with the launch on 24 August of Safe Work Australia Week 2007
Scheme Changes – Reminder to All Australian Government Agencies - 7 August 2007
Agencies should be aware that changes to the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme) will occur on 1 October 2007.
These changes may impact on current Australian Government tenders that are due to be finalised on or after 1 October 2007.
On 1 October 2007, the $6 million threshold that currently applies to building and construction contracts that are directly funded by the Australian Government will be lowered to $3 million. This means that if a contract of $3 million or more is due to be signed on or after 1 October 2007, the head contractor must be accredited under the Scheme.
For further information concerning the application of the Scheme, please contact us.
Provisional Accreditation Expires - 1 August 2007
Provisional accreditation under the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme expired for all companies on 31 July 2007. The Accreditation Register now displays only those companies who have achieved full accreditation under the Scheme.
There are currently 34 companies who have achieved full accreditation, with a number of companies also currently undergoing the accreditation assessment process. It is encouraging to see the effort and commitment of companies to date not only in applying for accreditation, but continuously working to improve their systems of OHS management.
As those with provisional accreditation expire, it is expected that the Register of accredited companies will decrease in the short term. It should be noted however that the number of companies who are currently undergoing the full accreditation process is increasing, and as companies achieve full accreditation they will be included on the Register.
Australian Government Agencies
As provisional accreditation expires it is suggested that client agencies who have proposed tenders or are about to enter into contracts with building and construction companies, regularly inspect the Accreditation Register to determine the accreditation status of companies you are dealing with.
Should your preferred company not be listed on the Register, you should contact the OFSC as soon as practicable to seek advice or further details on the accreditation process.
If at all possible, those applications from companies who are being considered for building and construction contracts where accreditation is a pre-requisite will be given a high priority in the processing of their application.
For further information please contact us.
FSC launches Leaders in Safety - 31 July 2007
Federal Safety Commissioner Tom Fisher has urged senior managers in the building and construction industry to set an example to their employees, by committing to a safety culture on Australian building sites.
The FSC launched the new guide, Leaders in Safety, at the Workers Compensation and Safety Conference 2007 in Sydney.
Leaders in Safety: A guide to developing senior management safety behaviours in the building and construction industry, stresses that leaders and senior managers can change cultures by paying careful, systematic attention to their workplace cultures and by their commitment to decreasing deaths and injuries on construction sites.
Leaders in Safety provides practical guidance for senior managers to adopt, introduce, promote and maintain safety behaviours.
The guide covers case studies from Australian companies, with ‘key learning’ data as well as chapters on changing specific mind sets or behaviours (‘cultures’) which inhibit or exclude safety behaviours.
In his safety message to senior managers, the FSC asks for demonstrated commitment to safety; the integration of safe design principles into the risk assessment process; whole-of-project consultation and communication; demonstrated subcontractor OHS management; whole-of-project performance measurement; and training.
Leaders in Safety reflects the FSC’s Safety Principles and Guidance, released in September 2006.
Read Leaders in Safety
Client Agency Seminar - 15 June 2007
On 7 June 2007 the OFSC held a successful Client Agency Seminar at University House, Australian National University. Over 20 client agencies were represented at the event, launched by the FSC Tom Fisher.
The OFSC’s Director of Accreditation, Terasa Cremer, gave an overview of the OFSC and in particular spoke about the vision of the FSC for world-class safety throughout the building and construction industry. Ms Cremer went on to introduce and discuss the initiatives the FSC is pursuing to realise this vision.
OFSC Scheme Development Team Director, Matt Gardiner, gave a brief overview of the proposed Stage 2 legislation before Federal Safety Officer Trevor Love gave a presentation on auditing from an FSO’s perspective.
The Model Client Initiative was then introduced by Assistant Director of Accreditation, Helen Cooper. She spoke about the initiative itself and why it was set up, before handing over to the representative from the Department of Finance and Administration, Mr Greg Whalan, who spoke about the Mint refurbishment, one of the projects participating in this initiative.
The seminar concluded with Ms Cooper providing information about the model client resources the OFSC is currently developing in consultation with RMIT.
There was a high level of positive feedback from those who attended the seminar, with particular praise given to the clarity and professionalism of the presenters.
Seminar Series Launched - 6 June 2007
The OFSC launched its 2007 Seminar Series in Canberra on 5 June.
The seminars are aimed at informing relevant government agencies and industry participants about Stage Two of the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme.
Separate sessions are being held for government (commencing 2.00pm) and industry (commencing 4.00pm).
Registration for seminars is still open. Registrations may be made using the Seminar Series Registration Form or by calling the FSC Assist Line on 1800 652 500.
Dates for the remaining seminars are as follows:
- Sydney: 13 June
- Brisbane: 14 June
- Darwin: 18 June
- Perth: 19 June
- Adelaide: 21 June
- Melbourne: 26 June
- Hobart: 27 June
Information on the seminars and details of seminar locations is provided on the Seminar Series Registration Form.
Amendments to the Building and Construction Industry Improvement (Accreditation Scheme) Regulations 2005 - 25 May 2007
Amendments to the Building and Construction Industry Improvement (Accreditation Scheme) Regulations 2005 (the Regulations) commenced on 25 May 2007.
Regulation 24 specifies contracts to which the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme) does not apply.
New regulation 24(d) specifies that, subject to Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC) approval, the Scheme does not apply to contracts between the Australian Government and a contractor where:
- the contractor will not carry out any building work (for example, the contractor is not a builder but is instead a developer or consortium); and
- the contractor agrees to only use an accredited builder/s to carry out building work.
The effect of new regulation 24(d) is that the FSC may determine, on a case by case basis, that persons such as developers and consortiums do not require accreditation under the Scheme.
To view these and other regulations relevant to the Scheme, please visit our Legislation page.
OFSC National Seminar Series - 24 May 2007
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner will conduct a national Seminar Series in June 2007. The purpose of the Seminar Series is to inform government officials and industry members about changes to the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme).
Two seminars will be held in each capital city. The first seminar will provide specific information for officials at all levels of government who are involved with the procurement of building and construction work that has received funding from the Australian Government.
The second seminar will provide specific information of building and construction industry participants. This seminar will focus predominately on Stage Two of the Scheme, accreditation, and reporting requirements.
The seminars will run for approximately one hour including an opportunity for questions.
The Seminar Series registration form contains information about dates, locations and venues. For further information or to register please contact us.
New OFSC Case Studies released - 18 May 2007
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) released three more case studies detailing initiatives that have been used to address OHS issues. One of these case studies details the site safety plan used to address the hazards and risks on the STAT-EAST Works project. Another describes a solution for increasing the level of fall protection in formwork construction. The third case study outlines a programme for encouraging a positive health and safety culture amongst employees and subcontractors.
The seven OFSC case studies share practical ideas that can be adopted by industry to assist in their management of OHS issues. 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-sectors.
The OFSC invites interested parties to contact us about potential case studies, so please contact us if you have an innovative safety initiative.
View the OFSC case studies.
Minister Presents Certificates of Full Accreditation - 4 April 2007
On Tuesday 3 April 2007 the Hon Joe Hockey MP, Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, presented certificates for achieving full accreditation under the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme to twelve companies at a ceremony in Sydney.
The presentation included opening remarks from Tom Fisher, the Federal Safety Commissioner, some introductory comments from Wilhelm Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer, Master Builders Australia Inc and a short speech by Minister Hockey. Minister Hockey then presented certificates to representatives from the twelve companies that have achieved full accreditation under the Scheme. A number of senior executives from other major construction companies that have applied for full accreditation also attended the event.
Minister Hockey congratulated the companies and said that companies that are fully accredited have demonstrated that they meet the six focus points of the Scheme, which are:
- tangible senior management commitment to OHS;
- integration of design issues into the risk management process;
- whole-of-project consultation and communication;
- effective management of subcontractor OHS arrangements;
- whole-of-project performance measurement; and
- ensuring all workers are suitably trained and competent in OHS.
He also noted that their past OHS performance was also taken into account.
Read the Media Release which includes the list of fourteen companies that have achieved full accreditation.
View the Accreditation Register
Minister Hockey with FSC Tom Fisher and representatives of the accredited companies
Pictured above: Federal Safety Commissioner, Tom Fisher
Pictured above: Minister Hockey addresses guests at the event
Introduction of the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Amendment (OHS) Bill 2007 - 2 April 2007
Amendments to the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Act 2005 were introduced into Parliament on 29 March 2007 under the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Amendment (OHS) Bill 2007.
The Bill reinforces the Australian Government's commitment to improving OHS performance in the building and construction industry.
The Bill fulfils this commitment by applying the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme) to situations where building work is indirectly funded by the Commonwealth or a Commonwealth authority.
The amendments simplify the Federal Safety Commissioner’s process for engaging Federal Safety Officers. They also allow the Federal Safety Commissioner and his staff to disclose certain OHS information relating to the Scheme to the Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations.
For more information, see the fact sheet - The Building and Construction Industry Improvement Amendment Bill (OHS) Bill 2007.
A detailed explanation of the amendments can be viewed on the Parliament of Australia website.
Site visit to HMAS Creswell - 12 April 2007
Representatives from the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) accompanied a number of Department of Defence personnel on a site visit to the HMAS Creswell Redevelopment Project at Jervis Bay on Wednesday 28 March 2007.
Defence is participating in the OFSC model client initiative and nominated the HMAS Creswell Redevelopment as a suitable project. The HMAS Creswell Redevelopment aims to provide enhanced training facilities, upgraded infrastructure and engineering services, new and refurbished accommodation and upgraded physical fitness and waterfront facilities. Further details of the redevelopment will be available as the project plans are finalised and submitted to the Parliamentary Works Committee.
The visit to HMAS Creswell provided an opportunity to view the site prior to the commencement of work. The visit also enabled OFSC representatives to gain a better understanding of the specific needs and requirements factored into the redevelopment process.
The model client initiative was developed by the OFSC and plays a key role in the Australian Government’s strategy to improve OHS performance in the building and construction industry. The chief objective of the model client initiative is to raise awareness of OHS and champion good practices and innovative solutions.
HMAS Creswell Clock Tower
Leak stop repair training unit at HMAS Creswell
Refurbishment Under Way at the Royal Australian Mint - 6 March 2007
The Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer, the Hon Chris Pearce MP, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Finance and Administration, Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, officially marked the commencement of major refurbishment works at the Royal Australian Mint in Canberra on 26 February 2007.
The refurbishment project, which is being undertaken with Australian Government funding of approximately $41.2 million, is scheduled to be finished in 2009.
The Mint has accepted an invitation from the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner to participate in its ‘model client initiative’, with the refurbishment project being a showcase for occupational health and safety management in the construction industry.
Pictured: Senator the Hon Richard Colbeck, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Administration, the Hon Chris Pearce MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer and Tom Fisher, Federal Safety Commissioner. Photo courtesy of the Royal Australian Mint
ASCC Releases Updated Fact Sheets - 2 March 2007
The Australian Safety and Compensation Council have announced the release of revised priority industry fact sheets. The fact sheets relate to a range of industries, including construction. To find out more, visit the ASCC website.
Note to all Provisionally Accredited Companies - 30 January 2007
Please ensure that your company has applied for full accreditation prior to your provisional accreditation expiry date.
Should you apply after your provisional accreditation has expired, your company will need to submit a completely new application addressing all criteria including each of the six focus points in Section 7.
For more information, see the fact sheet - Transition from Provisional to Full Accreditation. If you have any enquiries, please contact us.
OFSC Case Studies Released Today - 8 January 2007
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (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.
In addition to the case studies published in October 2006, the OFSC has released two more publications. One of these case studies details the safety index used on the upgrade of the Tullamarine and Calder freeway junction. The other case study describes a work life balance programme that has been implemented through feedback received from employees at a construction company. These case studies were released today.
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.
The OFSC invites interested parties to contact us about potential case studies, so please let us know if you have an innovative safety initiative.
View the OFSC case studies.
Amendments to the Regulations - 5 January 2007
Amendments to the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Regulations 2005 came into effect on 16 December 2006. The new subregulations 8.1A and 8.1B enable the Federal Safety Commissioner to record and disclose what is otherwise protected information in the following circumstances:
- the information relates to the building work of an accredited person
- it is in the public interest to disclose that information
- the information would assist a Commonwealth agency or authority to assess the suitability of accredited persons when entering into Commonwealth building Contracts, and/or
- the accredited person to whom the information relates has consented to the recording and disclosure of the information.
To view these and other regulations relevant to the Building and Construction Industry Improvement Act 2005, visit our Legislation page.
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