The WHS Accreditation Scheme is designed to improve health and safety in the building and construction industry.
In order to get accredited by the Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC), a builder must have a work health and safety management system in place that meets the FSC Audit Criteria and demonstrate that it is being implemented and followed on-site. As a result, accredited builders have higher quality safety systems and undergo regular FSC audits to ensure their compliance with the Scheme’s requirements. It also means that the FSC has certified the builder's safety management system as meeting the requirements of the Scheme and as such, they can tender for Australian Government projects.
While the Scheme prescribes a range of criteria that accredited builders must meet, compliance with these requirements can be achieved through different approaches and processes depending on the type of works and projects the builder is the head contractor for.
What is required to get accredited?
Applicants must satisfy the following criteria to obtain accreditation:
- Demonstrated ability to manage construction hazards and high-risk activities.
- Positive record in relation to workplace safety.
- Achieve consistently good on-site audit results with a particular focus on the following:
i) demonstrated senior management commitment to WHS;
ii) integration of safe design principles into the risk management process;
iii) whole of project WHS consultation and communication;
iv) demonstrated effective subcontractor WHS management arrangements across building and construction projects;
v) whole of project performance measurement; and
vi) WHS training and competency to deal with safety risks.