Builders managing projects funded by the Australian Government (subject to certain financial thresholds) must be accredited under the Scheme. These builders must demonstrate compliance with additional safety criteria and undergo more rigorous auditing to obtain and keep their accreditation. 

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.

What is different about working for an accredited builder?

Working on the site of an accredited builder can mean additional obligations for subcontractors depending on how the builder has chosen to comply with the Scheme requirements. 

For example, you may be asked to: 

• Work specifically in accordance with the accredited builder's work health and safety management system,
• Undertake regular work health and safety inspections,
• Have your Safe Work Method Statements reviewed by the accredited builder,
• Demonstrate that your workers are qualified to undertake the work they do,
• On-board any plant that you bring onto site in line with the accredited builder’s requirements or
• Ensure all of your staff undergo a particular induction process before commencing work on the site.

These requirements can vary between sites and builders. It is the role of the head contractor (also known as the head builder) to ensure the requirements of accreditation are met.