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 required safety criteria and undergo Federal Safety Commissioner audits 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 depending on the type of works and the projects the builder is the head contractor for.
What is different about working for an accredited builder?
When working on the site of an accredited builder there may be requirements they need for any subcontractors to meet depending on how the builder has chosen to comply with the Scheme requirements.
For example, you may be asked to:
- Work 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,
- Onboard any plant that you bring onto site in line with the accredited builder’s requirements, and
- 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 responsibility of the head contractor (also known as the head builder) to ensure they communicate to subcontractors what is required so they meet their requirements of accreditation.