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New safety rules from 1 July 2008 VIC

The new regulations include requirements for:

• principal contractors to prepare health and safety co-ordination plans for construction projects costing $250,000 or more
• employers and self-employed people to prepare safe work method statements for high-risk construction work
• employees to be given OHS induction training before undertaking construction work, and
• employees to be trained about site-specific risks and control measures before starting work on a construction site.

OHS training for construction work is mandatory from 1 July

How can I find out more?

If you work in the general construction industry, you should read the WorkSafe publication Working safely in the general construction industry.? A handbook for the construction regulations.

If you work in the housing construction industry, you should read the WorkSafe publication Working safely in the housing construction industry.? A handbook for the construction regulations.

If you do not work in the construction industry, but you or your employees may carry out construction work, you should read the WorkSafe publication Is construction work part of your business? to help you understand if the regulations apply to you.

If you are an owner builder, the regulations only apply where:

• the value of the works is $250,000 or more, and
• persons are engaged to perform all or part of the works, and
• the owner builder does not engage the services of another person (such as a builder) to manage or control the workplace.

Information from WorkSafe is that over 08/09 they will be conducting over 10,000 visits to construction workplaces and that the new rules will be enforced.  To find out about how HIA can help you to ensure you are compliant with the new rules contact HIA Safety Services on 1300 650 620.