Recent News
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2010
New Federal Safety Commissioner announced - 19 July 2010 Mr Jeff Willing has been appointed as the new Federal Safety Commissioner following the recent retirement of Ms Helen Marshall.
Mr Willing has worked in a number of areas of the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, most recently in the Building Industry Branch, and brings to the position a working knowledge of the issues facing the building and construction industry.
In accepting his appointment, Mr Willing said that he is committed to working collaboratively with stakeholders in the building and construction industry to improve its OHS performance.
“As one of the largest purchasers of building and construction work nationally, the Australian Government is committed to being a model client and influencing OHS outcomes for the industry”, Mr Willing said.
Mr Willing cited the recent accreditation of the 200th company and almost 400 projects covered by the Scheme as a strong indicator of the positive influence that the Scheme has brought to the industry.
Mr Willing also thanked Helen Marshall for her dedication and commitment to the position of Federal Safety Commissioner and her efforts towards achieving a building and construction industry where no one is harmed.
From 1 July 2010 new Incident Report Forms - 8 June 2010 The Reporting changes announced by the Federal Safety Commissioner on 24 May take affect on 1 July 2010.
From this date, accredited contractors will be required to complete the new template Incident Report which is required after any of the following:
- All fatalities irrespective of the project value (notify immediately to 1800 652 500 and provide the report within 48 hours)
- Any incident resulting in a Lost Time Injury (LTI) and/or Alternate Work Injury (AWI) where the project value is $3 million or more (provide report within 48 hours if a Notifiable Incident, otherwise provide report within 3 weeks)
- Any Medically Treated Injury (MTI) or dangerous occurrence on a Scheme project (provide report within 48 hours if a Notifiable Incident; otherwise provide report within 3 weeks).
Please note: Medically Treated Injuries need only be notified to the OFSC where they occur on a Scheme project. This requirement has changed since the announcement of the reporting changes.
In addition, the monthly reports for Scheme projects for June 2010, which are due by 15 July will be the final Monthly Reports required. After this date, accredited contractors will only be required to submit the new Scheme Project Report for each Scheme project on 15 October and 15 April each year. The template form for this, and the amended Biannual Activity Report due 15 February 2011, will be updated in the reporting pack on www.fsc.gov.au in the coming months. The January-June 2010 Biannual Activity report should be provided using the current template, which can be found below.
As a result of the changes to OFSC reporting, the FSC Online system is currently being upgraded to support the new incident report format. If these changes are not completed and released by 30 June then the usual arrangements of submitting incident reports via email to ofscreporting@deewr.gov.au or faxed to 02 6121 9270 should be followed. Accredited contractors will be able to complete the final June monthly reports and the January to June 2010 Biannual Activity Report online until 31 July 2010, after which any overdue reports will need to be provided via email or fax. The FSC Online system will be updated in the coming months to accommodate all of the reporting changes.
Please see below for the new Incident Report form template, a detailed Guide to completing the Incident Report form and the updated OHS performance reporting pack. Further information on all of the OFSC data collection changes can be found in the news article - 24 May 2010.
Attached below are the forms and guides you should be using from 1 July 2010. Further updates will be provided at the end of July 2010.
Release of Biannual Data Analysis and an Updated Reporting Pack - 27 May 2010 Biannual Report July to December 2009
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) has released a report based on OHS data collected from accredited companies for the July to December 2009 biannual reporting period.
The report shows the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme) is growing rapidly with the number of companies accredited under the Scheme increasing by 35 per cent in the 12 months since the December 2008 reporting period. Over the same time, the number of projects reported under the Scheme increased by 78 per cent.
The performance of accredited companies continues to be encouraging with the median LTIFR for projects falling to its lowest recorded level of 2.51 LTI's per million hours worked.
The top three notifiable incidents accounted for 73% of all incidents in the reporting period. These incidents related to mobile plant, electrical and fall from heights.
The biannual report is available on the Research page of this website.
Performance Comparison Tool (PCT)
Along with the biannual report, the OFSC has also updated the Performance Comparison tool with the latest biannual data. The PCT enables companies to better understand where they stand in terms of OHS performance within the Scheme.
The Performance Comparison Tool is available on the Performance Comparison page of this website.
Changes to Accredited Contractor Reporting Requirements - 24 May 2010 The Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC), Helen Marshall, recently announced changes to the reporting requirements of the Scheme. These changes will come into effect from 1 July 2010.
It is now four years since the Scheme was implemented and the changes are based on feedback received from companies as well as consultation with the Industry Reference Group (IRG).
These changes will allow the OFSC to collect more robust data that will enable additional relevant, timely and targeted analysis of OH&S information. The OFSC will publish this information on a regular basis so that all stakeholders can benefit.
The OFSC is conscious of the effort required by companies to meet the OFSC reporting requirements and the new reports focus on information that we believe will provide the best opportunities for analysis that will benefit all industry stakeholders. The OFSC also examined the overall reporting burden for companies and believes that, with the move to six monthly Scheme project reports and some fine tuning on incident report coverage in response to feedback from companies, this burden should be reduced for the majority of companies.
The changes to the existing reports are as follows:
- enhancement of the Incident Report to collect more detailed information
- minor changes to the Biannual Activity Report to provide breakdowns by construction type for incident rate analysis (please use the existing report for the January-June 2010 reporting period that is due by 15 July)
- replacement of the Monthly Report for Scheme Projects (last one due 15 July 2010) and the End of Project Report with a six monthly Scheme Project Report.
These are important changes, as reporting is a key condition of accreditation under the Scheme.
The Reporting pack and reporting forms on the FSC website will be updated in early June to provide companies with assistance in completing the new incident report form. Updates to the reporting pack for the other forms will be made mid July 2010.
Samples of the new forms are provided below.
More detailed information on these changes can be requested from the OFSC via email at OFSCreporting@deewr.gov.au or you can call the assist line on 1800 652 500.
Information seminars for builders and civil contractors in Tasmania - 11 May 2010
The OFSC, in conjunction with Civil Contractors Federation (CCF) Tasmania and Master Builders Tasmania, will be conducting information seminars for accredited and non accredited builders and civil contractors in Hobart and Launceston next week.
The session for non-accredited attendees will provide an overview of the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme) and the accreditation process.
The sessions for attendees who are already accredited will assist in understanding what is expected of accredited builders and civil contractors and explain the reaccreditation process as well as provide an opportunity for questions about the industry and upcoming work.
These seminars will be held on 17 and 19 May 2010 and are part of an OFSC program which aims to educate the industry about the Scheme and the Australian Government’s commitment to influencing OHS outcomes for the industry.
If you would like to find out more about these seminars, please contact the OFSC by phone 1800 652 500, or email ofsc@deewr.gov.au.
Protective Structures on Mobile Plant - 27 April 2010
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) has received a number of queries surrounding the interpretation of the Mobile Plant and Equipment criterion H16.7 - All earthmoving equipment is fitted with compliant ROPS/FOPS and fitted with seatbelts. In response, the following advice has been issued to Federal Safety Officers (FSOs) and related industry bodies to ensure a consistent interpretation of OFSC requirements.
H16.7 ROPS/FOPS:
The intent of the criteria is not that ALL earthmoving equipment is fitted with both Roll Over Protection Structures (ROPS) and Falling Object Protection Structures (FOPS). Earthmoving equipment should meet relevant standards surrounding prescribed requirements for protective structures of any kind. However, where there is no prescribed requirement for ROPS and/or FOPS on a particular type of mobile plant, companies should conduct a risk assessment to determine the need for protective structures, accounting for the manner in which the plant is to be operated. Where any ROPS and/or FOPS are fitted as a result of either a prescribed requirement or specific risk assessment, it is expected that such structures are fitted with compliance plates that are in accordance with the relevant Australian standard or its international equivalent.
If you are unclear of the requirements for a particular piece of equipment, you should consult the relevant state/territory authority.
Website Outage - Friday 23 April until Sunday 25 April 2010 - 19 April 2010
The FSC website and FSC Online will be unavailable from approximately 7:00pm Friday 23 April 2010 until midnight Sunday 25 April AEST 2010. We apologise for any inconvenience that these outages may cause.
Federal Safety Commissioner gives symbol use tick of approval - 24 March 2010
The Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC), Helen Marshall, is pleased to announce that accredited companies are now able to use the Accreditation tick symbol (shown below) when promoting their accredited status.
The symbol was developed in 2005 with the aim of promoting the FSC and increasing recognition of the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme). Since then, a number of accredited companies have asked to use the symbol to clearly display their accreditation. In response to this feedback, the FSC recently registered the symbol as a trademark, allowing accredited companies to promote their accreditation on websites, letterheads, banners and other promotional material. In releasing the symbol Helen noted “it is very encouraging that companies are proud of their achievement in gaining accreditation and realise the many benefits the Scheme offers’.
The symbol is available on a hidden website link made available to accredited contractors in their letter of accreditation.
FSC announces new members of Industry Reference Group -
23 March 2010
The Federal Safety Commissioner, Helen Marshall, was very pleased to welcome three new members to her Industry Reference Group (IRG) at their meeting in Sydney today; Errol Edwards (Watpac Construction (QLD) Pty Ltd), Eric Hunter (ISIS Group Australia Pty Ltd) and Ian McLeish (Fulton Hogan Pty Ltd).
Since its inception, the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) has held regular reference group meetings with both Australian Government agencies and industry representatives. These reference groups have proved pivotal in shaping the work of the OFSC and have contributed to the development of a number of initiatives, including both the Alcohol and Other Drugs and CEO forums, as well as providing input into OFSC processes and guidance material.
The IRG is made up of representatives of employer associations and major companies and meets about three times a year to provide advice and share industry best practice.
Existing members include Matthew Lloyd (Laing O'Rourke Australia Construction Pty Ltd), Michael Walsh (Leighton Contractors Pty Ltd), Chris Reynolds (Baulderstone Pty Ltd), Chris White (Civil Contractors Federation), Dean Cipolla (John Holland Group), Suzanne Williams (Master Builders Association), Geoff Thomas (Probuild Constructions (Aust) Pty Ltd), Jim Barrett (Australian Constructors Association) and Peter Marix-Evans (Bovis Lend Lease Pty Ltd).
Mentoring and assistance now available for Small to Medium Enterprises – 19 March 2010
The Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC) Helen Marshall is pleased to announce a new mentoring initiative to help small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) achieve accreditation under the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme).
As the Scheme grows, the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) has found the majority of companies applying for accreditation are SMEs. The OFSC also received feedback that the accreditation process can appear overwhelming and daunting to smaller companies.
In response to this feedback the OFSC has established a list of accredited companies willing to share their knowledge and experience of achieving accreditation, and clarify the steps involved.
The FSC recently sought assistance from a number of accredited contractors to establish the list. “The response to our request for mentors was extremely encouraging and a fantastic indication of the general good will and desire to improve OHS within the industry,” Ms Marshall said.
“I am particularly heartened to note a number of companies detailed the positive impact the Scheme had on their business.”
As mentors in this process, company contacts will act as a point of call for SMEs at application or audit stage. Assistance may include providing examples of documentary evidence or explaining the process from a company perspective.
If you require assistance with accreditation or would like to participate in this initiative as a mentor, please visit the SME Mentor Initiative page or call the FSC Assist line on 1800 652 500.
OFSC releases new fact sheet: Guidance for Producing Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) – 19 March 2010
Do you need guidance to develop your Safe Work Method Statements?
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner has new support available for builders and civil contractors developing Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), with the release of a new fact sheet.
Designed in collaboration with Federal Safety Officers, the fact sheet provides simple, straightforward information and is an important resource tool for developing your SWMS.
Under the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Scheme, SWMS are one of the key pieces of documentation assessed during on-site audits and form the main source of documented Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidance for employees.
It is important that employees understand how the process of SWMS work and are actively involved in its development.
For more information please read the factsheet or contact the FSC Assist Line on 1800 652 500.
Updated Model Clauses and Guidance for Australian Government Agencies and Funding Recipients - 12 March 2010
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner has updated two key documents related to the application of the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme).
The Model Clauses are for use by Australian Government agencies and recipients of Australian Government funding when applying the Scheme. The document provides recommended clauses for use in tenders, contract and funding agreements or grant documentation.
The Guidance for Australian Government Agencies and Funding Recipients is for people procuring building work; for people delivering and managing funding agreements, grants and programs; and for recipients of Australian Government funding for building work. The document provides clear direction on roles and responsibilities about the Scheme, checklists and relevant forms.
For more information please call the FSC Assist Line on 1800 652 500 or visit the Scheme Documentation.
FSC alerts companies to the risk of submitting reaccreditation applications late - 11 March 2010 Today the FSC expressed concern in relation to the number of companies who had submitted their applications for reaccreditation less than six months from their expiry date, and noted that a number of these companies have subsequently had their accreditation lapse. Ms Marshall said "I strongly recommend that accredited companies submit their applications at least six months prior to their current accreditation expiry date. This provides my Office with sufficient time to conduct the desktop assessment and audit and also allows leeway in cases where documentation is incomplete or if there is difficulty arranging a suitable site to audit".
The six month deadline is particularly important if the company is working on a Scheme project or intending to tender for building work funded by the Australian Government. Ms Marshall confirmed “should accreditation lapse after the application has been received the company will be listed on my website as being in the reaccreditation process. The implication of this is that the Australian Government cannot enter into a contract for directly or indirectly funded building work with the company until reaccreditation is achieved".
Accreditation under the Scheme is approved for a period of up to three years. At the end of this time, to maintain accreditation under the Scheme, companies must reapply for accreditation. This is known as ‘reaccreditation’.
If you have any queries on the reaccreditation process please contact the FSC Assist Line on 1800 652 500. Further information, including frequently asked questions and factsheets on the reaccreditation process can also be found on the Reaccreditation section.
Federal Safety Commissioner recognises outstanding safety achievement - 5 February 2010
The Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC) Helen Marshall is extremely pleased to see one of our accredited companies, Macmahon Contractors, reaping the rewards of having a strong safety culture.
The team at the Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility in Darwin recently achieved an outstanding milestone of 8 years without a single lost time injury or a reportable environmental incident. This is a particularly notable achievement given the facility operates 365 days per year.
The FSC congratulates Jimmy Mann and his Shoal Bay team for their commitment to safety, and encourages all contractors to strive for similar results.
FSC releases 'lessons learnt' report from formwork incident – 15 January 2010
At the Federal Safety Commissioner's (FSC) CEO Forum held in August 2008, key leaders from the construction industry agreed to demonstrate their commitment to OHS by sharing lessons learnt. This commitment was made to encourage a culture of knowledge sharing and reduce incidents on building sites.
Federal Safety Commissioner Helen Marshall is pleased to release a report provided by an accredited builder sharing lessons learnt from an incident relating to formwork failure.
"I am encouraged that the builder on this project has taken the initiative to share their OHS related experience in a way that can benefit others in the industry," Ms Marshall said.
“I encourage other builders and civil contractors to submit details of incidents or initiatives that have resulted in lessons learnt or the implementation of new systems.”
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner has provided this report for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for independent professional advice and readers are encouraged to obtain appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances.
First company achieves reaccreditation - 6 January 2010
The Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC), Helen Marshall, is very pleased to announce that Watpac Construction (NSW) Pty Ltd have become the first company to achieve reaccreditation under the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme).
Under the Scheme, companies are accredited for a period of up to three years. At the end of this period, companies need to reapply for accreditation - this is known as ‘reaccreditation’. Reaccreditation is a requirement of the Building and Construction Industry Improvement (Accreditation Scheme) Regulations 2005.
Ric Wang, Watpac Construction (NSW) State Manager of Construction, praised the significant improvements that have been made since the original accreditation process in terms of quality, appropriateness of auditors, and timeliness of responses.
The FSC looks forward to reaccrediting more companies in the coming months, and suggests applications for reaccreditation be submitted at least six months prior to their current expiry date to reduce the risk of accreditation lapsing.
Today the FSC expressed concern in relation to the number of companies who had submitted their applications for reaccreditation less than six months from their expiry date, and noted that a number of these companies have subsequently had their accreditation lapse. Ms Marshall said "I strongly recommend that accredited companies submit their applications at least six months prior to their current accreditation expiry date. This provides my Office with sufficient time to conduct the desktop assessment and audit and also allows leeway in cases where documentation is incomplete or if there is difficulty arranging a suitable site to audit".
The six month deadline is particularly important if the company is working on a Scheme project or intending to tender for building work funded by the Australian Government. Ms Marshall confirmed “should accreditation lapse after the application has been received the company will be listed on my website as being in the reaccreditation process. The implication of this is that the Australian Government cannot enter into a contract for directly or indirectly funded building work with the company until reaccreditation is achieved".
Accreditation under the Scheme is approved for a period of up to three years. At the end of this time, to maintain accreditation under the Scheme, companies must reapply for accreditation. This is known as ‘reaccreditation’.
If you have any queries on the reaccreditation process please contact the FSC Assist Line on 1800 652 500. Further information, including frequently asked questions and factsheets on the reaccreditation process can also be found on the Reaccreditation section.