Individual/Organisational name: Mark Curran

Revised Model Work Health and Safety Code of Practice: Construction Work

Public Comment Response Form

Model Code of Practice – Construction Work including Housing

Chapter 1: Introduction
Comments: (Please include section/page numbers).
Chapter 2: Specific Duties relating to Construction Work
Comments: (Please include section/page numbers).
Chapter 3: Managing Risks with Construction Work
Comments: (Please include section/page numbers).
Chapter 4: Safe Work Method Statements
Comments: (Please include section/page numbers).
Chapter 5: WHS Management Plans for Construction Projects
Comments: (Please include section/page numbers).
On the Tasmanian Worksafe website they provide a template that is very good and I believe better than the one you have included.
http://www.worksafe.tas.gov.au/resources/information_kits/safety_in_construction_kit
WHS Management Plan Template (DOC, 408.0 KB) 24 Pages
When we review SMPs we also ensure the following is included
Site specific risks are identified
Audiometric testing
A dispute resolution process
An electrical section covering Testing and tagging
A lock out tag out procedure
I would be happy to provide a copy of our desk top audit criteria.
Chapter 6: Information, Training, Instruction and Supervision
Comments: (Please include section/page numbers).
Chapter 7: General Workplace Management Arrangements
Comments: (Please include section/page numbers).
Appendix A: Examples of Construction Work and High Risk Construction Work
Comments: (Please include section/page numbers).
Appendix B: Safe Work Method Statement Template
Comments: (Please include section/page numbers).
Appendix C: Safe Work Method Statement Example
Comments: There has ben a lot of effort to include initial and residual risk ratings throughout the construction industry. Why have these columns not been included in the code of practice SWMS template. This will effectively be a step backwards with the SWMS development.
As each risk by law must be evaluated, By not including this in your template you run the risk of not having the steps evaluated and an appropriate level of effort put into the control of said risk.
Appendix D: General Construction Workplace Facilities
Comments: (Please include section/page numbers).
Appendix E: Preparing a WHS Management Plan
Comments: (Please include section/page numbers).
Appendix F: WHS Management Plan Template
Comments: (Please include section/page numbers).
Appendix G: Sample Completed WHS Management Plan
Comments: (Please include section/page numbers).
Appendix H: Housing Construction Workplace Management Arrangements
Comments: (Please include section/page numbers).
Appendix I: General Construction Workplace Management Arrangements
Comments: (Please include section/page numbers).
Appendix J: Design Duties
Comments: (Please include section/page numbers).
General Comments
Comments on specific issues
Do the additional examples in the revised draft Code provide sufficient guidance to help the housing construction industry, including small business owners, understand and comply with the WHS regulations for construction work?
Are the terms used in the draft Code clear and appropriate, such as ‘housing construction work’, ‘builder’ and ‘owner-builder’?
Are the templates for a safe work method statement and a work health and safety management plan practical to implement?
What additional changes, if any, would make the revised draft Code more useful for the housing construction sector?

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