Recent News
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2008
Integrating Safety into Building Construction - 16 December 2008
Today the OFSC released the second of a planned series of AV presentations to promote the concept of safe design to the building and construction industry.
The AV explores an example of how a developer integrates safety into the design of a construction project.
In launching the AV, Helen Marshall (FSC) noted “a safe design approach means improved useability of products, systems and facilities and results in better productivity, with work completed safely and on time. Safe design is one of the key criteria of the Scheme because of the impact it can have on the building and construction industry’s OHS outcomes.”
The Safe Design page provides further information on safe design.
FSC Releases New Guidance for Government Agencies - 10 December 2008
The Federal Safety Commissioner has released a new publication 'Guidance for Government Agencies: Applying the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme'. This publication assists Government agencies and funding recipients to apply the Scheme to both directly and indirectly funded construction projects.
This replaces the 'Guidance for Australian Government Agencies (October 2007)'.
The new Guidance for Government Agencies also provides information on how government agencies and funding recipients can act as a model client of the construction industry from an OHS perspective. It can be used in conjunction with both the Model Client Resource to assist government agencies and funding recipients in making OHS a key component of their construction procurement and program work."
FSC Releases Fact Sheet on Safer, More Productive Workplaces - 8 December 2008
Interested in learning how improved OHS can contribute to improved productivity?
The FSC has just released a new fact sheet: An introduction to business productivity through improved OHS.
The fact sheet highlights how the prevention of incidents through improved OHS can create flow-on benefits to an organisation, as well as reducing costs. Improved OHS can not only help decrease the number of injuries and serious incidents, but can also boost staff morale and increase efficiency.
The OFSC is exploring further guidance on the topic of OHS and productivity and welcomes your feedback. Alternatively if you would like to share how your organisation has created a safer, more productive workplace, please contact us.
Winner of the Federal Safety Commissioner's Award Announced - 21 November 2008
Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC), Helen Marshall, presented the 2008 FSC’s award at the Master Builders’ National Awards held in Canberra last Friday.
The winner was John Holland for their Reliance Rail Maintenance Facility Project in New South Wales.
In presenting the award, Helen noted that the project demonstrated excellent communication where all parties associated with the active railway system were consulted.
This project was complex with high hazard profiles including a live railway line, overhead wires, contaminated land and all of the competing forces associated with the undertaking of construction work at an active site. The project team regularly and comprehensively addressed safety management risks, particularly during design and prior to construction commencing. This led to a project with no lost time injuries.
The FSC’s Award promotes best practice OHS on building and construction projects through the acknowledgement and celebration of excellence in health and safety.
Picture: FSC, Helen Marshall with award recipients.
Federal Safety Commissioner Eeleases 2007-08 Progress Report - 31 October 2008
The Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC) has just released the 2007–08 Progress Report, which shows encouraging signs that OHS initiatives are having a positive impact on the Australian building and construction industry.
“While I am heartened by the progress made to date, the rate of fatalities and serious incidents in the building and construction industry remains unacceptable. Further progress can only be achieved through strong industry leadership and cultural change” FSC, Helen Marshall said.
The Report outlines the range of OHS initiatives undertaken by the FSC aimed at improving OHS performance across the building and construction industry.
The Report also includes a summary of the performance of companies accredited under the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme, which has been in operation for three years. An analysis of the performance data for accredited companies shows a reduction in the median Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) for the third successive year.
Over the next 12 months safety leadership will remain a key focus for the FSC as she continues to work with stakeholders to influence sustainable cultural and behavioural change.
To obtain a copy of the FSC’s 2007–08 Progress Report, please visit the publications page or phone 1800 652 500.
Picture: FSC, Helen Marshall releases the 2007-08 Progress Report.
A Champion for Workplace Safety; Safety Bro - 20 October 2008
The introduction of a safety mascot has produced award winning results for a NSW small business.
As part of Safe Work Australia Week (SWAW), the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner has released a new case study outlining how one small business has successfully implemented a program to develop and maintain a positive safety culture in their workplace.
The case study explains how Sharpe Bros put into practice a safety awareness program to combat complacency in the workplace and to keep safety a top priority among employees. At the centre of the program is Safety Bro. A visual and fun mascot for workplace safety, Safety Bro serves as a constant reminder to all employees to always consider safety in their daily activities
For the initiative, Sharpe Bros were awarded the Best Workplace Health and Safety Practices in Small Business at the 2007 National Safe Work Australia Awards.
A lesson for other small operators interested in improving workplace OHS is that even the simplest concept can have award winning results provided everyone in the workplace is involved.
The Federal Safety Commissioner released the case study today at an event held by her fellow Safe Work Ambassadors, Sharpe Bros, at the Gosford Art Gallery.
View the Driving cultural change in small business case study.
If you have a topic that may be of interest to the industry as an OHS case study, please contact us.
Safe Work Australia Week 2008 - 15 October 2008
Safe Work Australia Week (SWAW) reminds us that workplace health and safety is everybody’s business.
SWAW 19 – 25 October 2008 is a national initiative of the Australian Safety and Compensation Commission (ASCC) aimed at focusing attention on workplace safety around Australia.
The Federal Safety Commissioner, Helen Marshall is a SWAW Safety Ambassador. As an Ambassador, Helen is promoting the message that everyone has the ability to influence safety regardless of where they work or their position in an organisation.
You can get involved by holding a safety event in your own workplace. This can be a fun way to get all staff thinking about safety. Activities are only limited by your creativity! Why not hold a safety themed morning tea or schedule some interesting safety or health seminars?
In the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner staff are being challenged to create an artistic representation of ‘Safety’. The afternoon celebrations are bound to be very entertaining as teams present their artwork, dance routines and poetry recitals!
Raising awareness of safety in your workplace may not only help decrease the number of injuries and serious incidents, but also boost staff morale and increase efficiency in your organisation.
More information about SWAW can be found HERE
ACT Safe, Encourage Safety - 2 October 2008
Safe Work ACT Month is an annual event, coordinated by the ACT OHS Commissioner and the Office of Regulatory Services, to encourage all ACT workers and businesses to get involved in, and concentrate on, safety in the workplace.
The Federal Safety Commissioner is proud to support this month, and is encouraging all workplaces to get creative and have fun while aiming to create safer and healthier workplaces.
As part of these activities, the Federal Safety Commissioner’s Office will be taking part in the ACT Safety Expo on 16 October at the National Convention Centre.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. So if you’re an ACT business, why not take the lead in workplace safety by organising a fun and informative activity to highlight the importance of safety and the role that everyone plays in making safety a priority at work.
Further details on the Expo as well as information on becoming involved in Safe Work ACT Month are available here.
Engineering Education on Safe Design - 22 September 2008
The design phase of a project provides the greatest opportunity to improve health and safety outcomes. With this in mind, the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) sponsored a group of engineering students to participate in the Associated Professional Certificate in Safety in Design.
Created and organised by the Association of Consulting Engineers Australia and University of Sydney, the two-day intensive program covers safety in design legislation and risk management techniques. Importantly, the program shows how these techniques can be integrated into daily practice.
The OFSC’s support of this initiative provided regional engineers with the opportunity to participate in this program.
A new case study provides detail on the initiative and describes the practical experience of students.
The OFSC works with a range of building and construction industry stakeholders to develop case studies that promote practical ideas and solutions in OHS. This is the eleventh case study published. View all case studies.
If you have an OHS initiative that may be of interest to the industry please contact us.
CEOs Voice Commitment to Safety - 21 August 2008
Today the Hon Julia Gillard MP, Acting Prime Minister, addressed a group of 65 key leaders from the building and construction industry at the inaugural Federal Safety Commissioner’s CEO Forum.
The Forum brought together CEOs to gain their commitment to a Leadership Charter based on a philosophy of zero harm. CEOs agreed to drive cultural change – not only in their own companies but across the industry.
The Acting Prime Minister also announced Ms Helen Marshall as the new Federal Safety Commissioner.
In the last 12 months, as Deputy Federal Safety Commissioner, Helen has promoted OHS within the building and construction industry through participation in a number of industry events and forums. She noted, in accepting the position that she was looking forward to working closely with industry stakeholders to build on the significant achievements made to date.
To view the Deputy Prime Minister's address, the charter and the list of companies commiting to the charter view the leadership page.
A Window on Safe Design - 16 July 2008
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) promotes the concept and process of safe design to the building and construction industry to eliminate or reduce risk of injury at building, use, or demolition phases of construction. The OFSC has produced an audiovisual presentation promoting awareness of safe design:
A key message of the presentation is to encourage the involvement of all stakeholders in the process of safe design.
The safe design page provides further information on safe design.
New Fact Sheets Released on Small Business and Subcontractor OHS - 11 July 2008
The OFSC has released two new fact sheets.
One of the fact sheets provides advice on how the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme may apply to the activities of small business operators and residential builders.
The other fact sheet provides information on subcontractor OHS management as it relates to the Scheme and also details some practical examples for those seeking to improve their subcontractor OHS management arrangements.
The OFSC invites interested parties to view the fact sheets or to access copies via the new Subcontractor OHS page.
Tom Fisher Downs Tools as FSC - 27 June 2008
The OFSC offers their appreciation and best wishes to Tom Fisher as he steps down from the position of Federal Safety Commissioner on 3 July 2008.
As Australia's first Federal Safety Commissioner, Tom's appointment came at a time when there was growing consensus in the building and construction industry that OHS must be improved.
Over the past three years, Tom has continued to champion the message that inadequately planned and poorly managed OHS not only costs more in time and money but may cost the lives of construction workers and devastate families. Tom has made a significant contribution to improving the safety performance in the building and construction industry.
The OFSC is committed to continuing to work with industry to bring about sustainable cultural change and safer and healthier worksites. Deputy Federal Safety Commissioner, Helen Marshall, will assume Tom's duties pending the appointment of a new Federal Safety Commissioner.
Helen and the OFSC congratulate Tom on his significant achievements as Federal Safety Commissioner and take this opportunity to wish him all the best in the next phase of his life.
FSC Launches A Practical Guide to Safety Leadership - 25 June 2008
Tom Fisher highlighted the importance of senior management commitment in his launch of A Practical Guide to Safety Leadership at an event earlier this week in Canberra.
The Guide, developed by the CRC for Construction Innovation, is a follow up resource for A Construction Safety Competency Framework: Improving OH&S performance by creating and maintaining a safety culture.
Used together, the publications outline the basis for an improved safety culture by providing a useful step by step approach to ensure those who hold safety critical roles can be made aware of, and can execute, those tasks needed to effectively manage OHS.
Tom encouraged members of the building and construction industry to apply the guidance material and thanked the CRC for their continued efforts in developing practical material to support safety in construction.
Interested in Safe Design? - 13 May 2008
In response to interest from the building and construction industry on the subject of safe design, the OFSC has developed a web page about safe design.
Safe design is about planning and risk management to reduce the risk of injury on building and construction projects, and in the use, maintenance and demolition of built structures. So it may be worth your while to stop and have a read about the topic on our website.
The web page brings together elements of the OFSC’s work about safe design and provides links to OFSC and other guidance on the subject.
We intend to update the web page from time to time with more information, so keep an eye out for updates to the page.
Initiative Met With Healthy Appetite - 12 May 2008
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) has received an overwhelming response to its health initiative.
Launched in February this year, the initiative targets two major health concerns in the building and construction industry: mental health and sun safety.
Items available to accredited companies include sun safe posters and a 1-litre pump pack of SPF 30+ sunscreen for use on work sites.
Other products target mental health issues in the workplace, with wallet cards and posters co-branded with beyondblue: the national depression initiative. These are available to all contractors — accredited or otherwise — to display and distribute on their sites. These products aim to raise awareness of mental health issues while also publicising support options available.
As a result of the initiative’s success, the OFSC has reprinted the wallet cards and posters.
The OFSC welcomes enquiries and requests for these items.
Both sun safe and mental health items may be obtained by phoning 1800 652 500 or by emailing ofsc@deewr.gov.au.
Project Safety Audit Criteria - 7 May 2008
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner has released information outlining Project Safety Audit (PSA) criteria. This criteria is used to review accredited builders on projects which fall within the scope of the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme).
The PSA criteria are used by Federal Safety Officers (FSOs) in their assessment of worksites. The PSA criteria include (but are not limited to) OHS Management System (OHSMS) criteria, Scheme Criteria and hazard management of the 19 high risk activities defined in the National Standard for Construction Work (NOSHC:1016 2005). It should be noted the criteria is not a definitive list and is intended as a guide only.
The PSA criteria form part of the requirements for maintaining accreditation under the Scheme.
Further advice and assistance regarding the PSA audit process is available by calling the FSC Assist Line on 1800 652 500 or emailing ofsc@deewr.gov.au.
Release of FSC Resource Material - The Model Client: Promoting Safe Construction - 22 April 2008
The Federal Safety Commissioner, Tom Fisher, today released a series of booklets The model client: Promoting safe construction at a workshop conducted for Australian Government agencies.
The booklets provide a framework for integrating safety initiatives into the management of construction projects.
The framework adopts a project lifecycle approach and establishes a series of key management actions for the client to implement throughout the construction project.
The resource consists of 5 booklets:
- The Model Client Framework
- The planning stage
- The design and procurement stage
- The construction stage
- The completion stage.
The introductory booklet describes the key elements of the OHS processes and an implementation approach. Subsequent booklets contain activities for the various stages of the project supported by a range of resource materials including checklists, templates and tools.
Other resources include the Project OHS Process Map and a CD featuring Word versions of the resource materials.
To download a copy of the booklets visit our Publications page.
A Nationally Consistent Tool for Subcontractors, OHSE SubbyPack Released - 10 April
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner has recently helped to facilitate the development of OHSE SubbyPack, A tool for Self Employed Persons, Suppliers, Service Providers, Contractors and Subcontractors in the Australian Building and Construction Industry.
OHSE SubbyPack is a nationally consistent tool which aims to provide subcontractors with a generic approach to OHS and environmental risk management.
The project is an initiative of the NSW and Victorian Construction Safety Alliances and has involved extensive consultation with a range of OHS professionals from building and construction organisations as well as representatives from the Australian Constructors Association and WorkCover NSW.
The OFSC is committed to continue working with industry to develop initiatives to assist subcontractors. The OFSC encourages the use of OHSE SubbyPack by subcontractors seeking practical guidance in the implementation of their OHSE management arrangements.
Working with Underground Utilities? - 9 April 2008
Are you working with underground utilities? If so, you may be interested to know that the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) has released a new case study. The case study highlights initiatives to work safely when performing underground work, particularly working around electricity.
The example given in the case study is the construction of the M7 motorway in NSW.
It is suggested that collaboration, training and communication help reduce the risk of electrocution when working with underground utilities.
With risk management techniques including use of GPS and safety messages, the case study identifies ways which injury and accidents may be avoided.
The OFSC works with a range of building and construction industry stakeholders to develop case studies that promote practical ideas for OHS management. This is the tenth OFSC case study published. View all OFSC case studies.
If you have a subject that may be of interest to the industry in OHS management, please email us at ofsc@deewr.gov.au.
PTM Homes Join the Growing List of Accredited Companies - 4 April 2008
Tom Fisher, Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC) is delighted to announce yet another company accredited under the Australian Government Building and Construction Scheme (the Scheme).
PTM Homes, a Northern Territory based organisation, received their certificate of accreditation from the FSC at a ceremony on 5 March 2008 in Darwin.
The presentation coincided with Tom’s recent trip to the Northern Territory during which he visited a number of construction sites and met organisations to discuss the Scheme.
With 81 companies accredited to date, and applications for accreditation received on a weekly basis, further improvement of OHS in the building and construction industry is looking promising.
Pictured from left: Matthew Gardiner (OFSC), Tony Papadakis (Managing Director, PTM Homes), Tom Fisher (FSC) and Michael Papadakis (PTM Homes).
Initiative to Assist Subcontractors with their OHS Performance - 2 April 2008
The OFSC is currently undertaking a project aimed at assisting subcontractors to better understand their OHS obligations, and to improve their OHS performance.
As part of the project, the OFSC has undertaken a qualitative study of subcontractor OHS requirements through a national survey programme. The aim of the programme has been to gain a better understanding of the barriers and enablers to an improved level of OHS performance among subcontractors.
The OFSC commissioned RMIT University to undertake the study in 2007. A summary of their findings is now released for the benefit of interested parties.
For more information, or to access the summary, visit our Research page.
OFSC Workshop for Australian Government Agencies - 14 March 2008
The OFSC is conducting a free workshop aimed at assisting Australian Government agencies to become model clients of the building and construction industry.
The workshop has been designed for project and contract managers working in Australian Government agencies on building and construction projects. The aim is to provide participants with information on processes and strategies to improve and integrate safety into the management of construction projects.
The half-day workshop and information session will be held on Tuesday 22 April 2008 at Manuka Oval, Manuka Circle, Manuka ACT. For more details, see the workshop outline and the invitation.
Sitzler Awarded Certificate of Accreditation - 14 March 2008
The Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC), Tom Fisher, recently presented Sitzler Pty Ltd with a certificate of accreditation under the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme).
The ceremony which took place on 4 March in Darwin, celebrated Sitzler’s achievement in gaining accreditation.
During the presentation Tom noted the potential to return three dollars or more for every dollar spent on ensuring effective OHS. He said “Getting accredited makes good business sense, particularly here in the NT where Australian Government projects add to a total value of over $1 billion dollars. Of course, there is also the added bonus that through accreditation you’re demonstrating a clear commitment to improving OHS in this industry.”
With 79 companies accredited under the Scheme to date, the FSC and his Office are well underway in driving cultural change in the industry.
Pictured: Tom Fisher presenting Steve Margetic from Sitzler Pty Ltd with a certificate of accreditation
FSC Announces Health Initiative - 22 February 2008
The Federal Safety Commissioner, Tom Fisher, today announced the release of his health initiative during a speech to the Australian Institute of Building (AIB) 'Construct 2008' conference. The health initiative targets two of the leading health concerns in the building and construction industry: mental health and sun safety. The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner will also continue to work with industry to identify and address other major health issues in the industry.
The OFSC has developed several products for accredited companies. A poster and wallet cards co-branded with beyondblue are aimed at helping men recognise depression in themselves or their mates, and raising awareness of the help available. The OFSC has also developed a poster to remind construction site workers to use sunscreen. The poster will be provided to accredited companies with a pump pack of sunscreen for use at their sites.
Speaking at the AIB conference, the FSC said 'Our aim with these products is to make it easier for industry - easier to regularly wear sunscreen and easier to provide avenues for professional help available.'
Copies of the posters and the card are available by phoning the FSC Assist Line on 1800 652 500 or emailing ofsc@deewr.gov.au.
Release of the Federal Safety Commissioner’s 2006-07 Progress Report - 31 January 2008
The Federal Safety Commissioner’s (FSC) 2006-2007 Progress Report has just been released. The report provides information about the implementation of the Australian Government’s OHS reform agenda in the building and construction industry.
The report includes analysis of the OHS performance of companies accredited under the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme).
Results to date show encouraging signs that OHS initiatives in the building and construction industry are starting to have a positive effect. For example, companies accredited under the Scheme have shown a significant reduction in Lost Time Injury Frequency Rates and Medically Treated Injury Frequency Rates.
A copy of the report can be requested by phoning the FSC assist line on 1800 652 500 or through email at ofsc@dewr.gov.au.
Two More OFSC Case Studies Released - 30 January 2008
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) has released two more case studies detailing initiatives that have been used to address OHS issues. One of these case studies, released on the FSC website in December 2007, outlines a health and safety management system specifically developed to manage safety in a multi-disciplined organisation. Another, released in July 2007, describes a site safety management plan used to address the hazards and risks on the Broadway Shopping Centre redevelopment project.
The OFSC now features nine case studies which share practical ideas to assist the building and construction industry 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.
View the OFSC case studies
OFSC Sponsors the CRC for Construction Innovation International Conference - 31 January 2008
The Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) is the Silver sponsor of the Cooperative Research Centre for Construction Innovation Third International Conference, 'Clients driving innovation: benefiting from innovation'. Full details of the conference, to be held 12-14 March on the Gold Coast, are available on the conference website.
Also available - archived news from 2007 | 2004-2006