What are the benefits of being accredited?

Case Study - Nicholson Construction

Operating in Regional Victoria, Nicholson Construction is a builder accredited under the Scheme. We spoke to Nicholson Construction about why they got accredited, how they found the accreditation process, and the benefits they have seen since becoming accredited. 

Richard Nicholson, Director of Nicholson Construction, said he sees Scheme accreditation as “a badge of honour, showing your company is committed to WHS”. The company initially pursued accreditation because they wanted to have the best industry practice and work beyond just the Australian Standards in safety. Through gaining accreditation the growing company saw that they could manage their additional sites with consistent outcomes. They are now working on more projects and sites but are seeing better injury and incident performance. A change in culture has also been a significant change they have seen since gaining accreditation, which has been a result of the process of continual improvement that companies undergo as part of maintaining their accreditation.

Watch the video below for more on Nicholson Construction's accreditation experience.

What are the benefits of being accredited?

You can be awarded Australian Government funded building projects

The Australian Government has funded over $227 billion worth of projects that have been awarded to accredited builders. By being accredited you will be eligible to be contracted for projects funded by the Australian Government. 

Your safety performance will improve

We have seen the safety performance of Scheme accredited builders improve over time with Medically Treated Injury Frequency Rates (MTIFR) and Lost Time Injury Frequency Rates (LTIFR) trending down.

Line graph in red and yellow showing reduced rates of LTIFR and MTIFR over time

Scheme accredited builders see an improvement in their LTIFR the longer they are accredited. Fewer lost time injuries means fewer stoppages to work, which saves you money.

Bar graph in green showing reduced LTIFR rates over time

You'll save money by being safer

Scheme accredited builders pay lower workers’ compensation premium rates (WCPR) over time. The longer builders are accredited, the greater their improvements in WCPR are, which results in lower premiums being paid. 

Bar graph in red and black showing the improvement in WCPR over 12 years

You'll be prequalified 

Being Scheme accredited automatically means you meet the prequalification WHS requirements in the following states:

  • New South Wales
  • Victoria
  • Queensland
  • South Australia
  • Western Australia
  • Northern Territory
  • Australian Capital Territory

By gaining accreditation under the Scheme, you demonstrate to industry and potential clients that you have best practice workplace health and safety systems and practices on your sites.

What do accredited builders say about the Scheme?

Each year, accredited builders participate in an online census regarding the operations of the OFSC and the Scheme. The 2023 OFSC Census showed that:

  • Each year, accredited builders participate in an online census regarding the operations of the OFSC and the Scheme. The 2023 OFSC Census showed that:
  • 100% of accredited builders say they have improved safety performance since gaining accreditation
  • 96% of accredited builders believe the OFSC has contributed to improving overall safety in the building and construction industry
  • 94% of accredited builders think the Scheme represents value for money.

Data has been sourced from the Federal Safety Commissioner’s 2023 and 2022 Annual Data Reports.

Further assistance

Residential builders seeking to ensure their Work Health and Safety Management System and processes align with the FSC audit criteria before applying for accreditation can contact the following industry peak employer associations for assistance:

Australian Industry Group (Ai Group)

Website: www.safeready.com.au

Contact: safety.services@aigroup.com.au   

Housing Industry Association (HIA)

Website: https://hia.com.au/business-support/safety-solutions/federal-whs-accreditation-scheme

Contact: enquiry@hia.com.au

Master Builders Association (MBA)

Website: HAFF WHS Accreditation Scheme – Master Builders Australia

Contact: haffsafetyhelp@masterbuilders.com.au

These organisations have been provided grants from the Australian Government to help residential builders uplift their safety systems and practices so that they can gain accreditation to build homes funded by Housing Australia.

To speak to an OFSC representative please call the OFSC Assist Line 1800 652 500, or email ofsc@dewr.gov.au.