SCOPE OF WORKS

Developing the framework for applying a systematic approach to the management of Construction Projects with the preparation and collation of the key information relevant to the work into a formal Construction Management System. The Construction Management System documentation shall describe the WHS policies and procedures covering all the activities of the organisation, including how the documents will be managed, and who will be responsible for keeping and updating them.

INTRODUCTION

Construction Project WHS Management Plans developed and prepared before work on the construction project commences which sets out the arrangements for managing the site health and safety matters in accordance with the Regulatory requirements.

All construction projects (i.e. construction work costing $250,000 or more) must have a written Project WHS Management Plan prepared before work on the construction project commences. A Project WHS Management Plan is a written plan that sets out the arrangements for managing site health and safety matters.

The intention of a Project WHS Management Plan is to ensure the risks associated with a construction project are managed, as there are usually many contractors and subcontractors involved and circumstances can change quickly from day to day.

Methodology

The level of detail required for a WHS Management Plan will depend on how complex the workplace is (in particular, the number of contractors at the workplace at any one time) and the risks involved in the work and the Project WHS Management Plan shall include:

• A Project-specific Risk Assessment, identifying hazards and assessing the risks associated with the work, and documenting the risk control measures to be taken
• The names, positions and health and safety responsibilities of all persons at the workplace, whose positions or roles involve specific health and safety responsibilities in connection with the construction project
• The arrangements in place between any persons conducting a business or undertaking at the workplace for consultation, cooperation and coordination of activities in relation to compliance with their duties under the WHS Act and Regulations
• The arrangements in place for managing any work health and safety incidents that occur
• Any site-specific health and safety rules and the arrangements for ensuring that all persons at the workplace are informed of these rules
• The arrangements that will be in place to ensure that all persons receive the appropriate WHS training before commencing work on site.
• The arrangements to collect and assess, monitor and review the SWMS.
• Details of the Client, that is the person commissioning the construction work, for example their name, representative and contact details
• Details of the principal contractor

• Details of the construction project, for example address of the workplace, anticipated start and end date and a brief description of the type of construction work that the WHS Management Plan will cover
• Details on how subcontractors will be managed and monitored, including how the principal contractor intends to implement and ensure compliance with the WHS
• Management Plan such as checking on the performance of subcontractors and how non-compliance will be handled
• Details on how the risks associated with falls, falling objects, moving plant, electrical work and all high-risk construction work that will take place on a construction project will be managed
• The provision and maintenance of a hazardous chemicals register, safety data sheets and hazardous chemicals storage
• The safe use and storage of plant
• The development of a construction project traffic management plan
• Obtaining and providing essential services information – electrical, gas, telecom, water and similar
• Workplace security and public safety
• Ensuring workers have appropriate licences and training to undertake the construction work

BACKGROUND

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) must be prepared and implemented for all high-risk construction work activities. The primary purpose of a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is to enable supervisors, workers and any other persons at the workplace to understand the requirements that have been established to carry out the high-risk construction work in a safe and healthy manner so they can implement them.

The Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) must be able to be easily read by those who need to know what has been planned to manage the risks, implement the control measures and ensure the work is being carried out in accordance with the Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS).

INTRODUCTION

Regular construction site safety inspections are carried out to verify that appropriate WHS management is in place, and that construction work processes are proceeding safely and in accordance with Project WHS Management Plans and requirements.

Construction sites have their own set of requirements and Construction Site Safety Inspections are the most effective means of identifying hazardous conditions at the worksite. Construction sites require constant monitoring and observations to keep ahead of safety issues.

Construction Site Safety Inspections must be tailored to the unique requirements of the project and are an important part of the Project WHS Management Plans.