Dear Subcontractor,
Re: What the new Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations mean for you and us
Recently, major changes to Work Health and Safety Regulations came into effect, impacting all levels of management and workers on construction sites.
Failure to comply with these new regulations may result in on-the-spot fines by SafeWork SA inspectors of $432 for individuals and $2,160 for companies, as well as more severe penalties in the event of an incident.
Company_Name is committed to complying with the Work Health and Safety Act 2012, the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 and applicable Codes of Practice and Australian Standards as far as practicable.
New 'SiteBook' System
To assist us with streamlining the management of WHS compliance, for all of us, please be aware that we are implementing an online Work Health and Safety System called SiteBook. SiteBook collects and stores safety documents and information, coordinates online site inductions, with the aim of simplifying the process of managing WHS compliance.
Worker Site Inductions
An important part of our duty of care is to induct all workers on to work sites, by providing site specific information and training. Because Site Supervisors may not be on-site when workers arrive, we require all workers to complete an online induction via SiteBook, before attending the work site. Workers will receive an email containing instructions on how to complete this online induction.
Worker White Cards
The new WHS regulations require all workers to have completed general construction induction training (White Card), or be trained and waiting for a White Card to be issued. Every worker must provide us with the details of their White Card during their online site induction.
Site Supervisors will ask to see the White Cards of all workers on Company_Name work sites.
Subcontractor WHS Compliance
The new regulations require us to collect safety documents and information from our Subcontractors before work commences. You will receive an email containing instructions on how to provide us with safety information required for each work site, including your workers’ details and the items below.
Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)
As of 1st January 2014, any Subcontractor (or worker) who performs “high risk construction work” must:
· Prepare a Safe Work Method Statement document relating to the high risk work.
· Give Company_Name a copy of the SWMS before work begins.
· Keep a copy of the SWMS readily available on site for workers and/or Inspectors.
For the definition of “High Risk Construction Work”, see below.
Safety Data Sheets (SDS’s)
Subcontractors are required to keep copies of Safety Data Sheets for any hazardous chemicals brought on to our work sites. When you purchase hazardous chemicals, ask the supplier for a copy of the SDS, so you can provide it to us.
Note that the SDS may be printed on the container.
Building Contractors Licence
All Subcontractors are required to hold a current building contractors licence when performing building work on our sites. In the case of Sole Traders and partnerships, workers must have their own licence. A company may hold a licence which covers their employees.
Licences for High Risk Work
A High Risk Work license is required for any of the following work activities:
· Crane and hoist operation
· Dogging and rigging work
· Forklift operation
· Pressure equipment operation
· Scaffolding work.
We are required to check and record these licence details. Site Supervisors will ask to see High Risk Work Licences on Company_Name work sites.
Regulation 291—Meaning of high risk construction work
Check each of the following to determine if you do ‘High risk construction work’:
Work performed where a person could fall more than 3 metres.
Work performed below ground (in a trench) deeper than 1.5m or in a Tunnel.
Work performed with powered mobile plant (e.g. bobcat).
Work performed with or near hazardous substances.
Work will be performed in a confined space.
Work performed on or near energised electrical services (e.g. electricity or gas).
Work performed on or near gas main, chemical, fuel or refrigerant lines.
Work involves, or is likely to involve, the disturbance of asbestos.
Work involves tilt-up or pre-cast concrete sections.
Work involves demolition of an element of a structure that is load-bearing or otherwise related to the physical integrity of the structure.
Work involves structural alterations or repairs that require temporary support to prevent collapse.
Work on, in or adjacent to a road, railway, shipping lane or other traffic corridor that is in use by traffic other than pedestrians.
More information can be found at the SafeWorkSA web site.
Thank you for your cooperation to ensure Company_Name work sites are as safe, incident free and 'fine free' as possible for all workers and their respective employers, on site.
Kind regards,