Safe Work Australia has released a draft amended version of the Model Construction Work Code of Practice (Code) for public comment, with submissions due by close of business on 2 October 2013.
The original Code was finalised and issued by Safe Work Australia in July 2012, but to date, it has only been adopted in South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the NT, where it commenced operation from 1 January 2013. Whilst this means that the Code currently has no application in Queensland, NSW, Victoria and Western Australia, it provides businesses in the commercial and residential construction industry in those regions where the Code has been adopted with practical guidance about how to comply with their statutory work health and safety obligations. The Code addresses issues such as Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS), WHS Management Plans for construction projects and workplace facilities.
The proposed amendments
The focus of the draft amendments to the Code is to provide greater practical guidance to businesses in the housing construction sector. Key amendments include:
- practical examples throughout the Code specifically tailored to the housing construction sector
- revised definitions of terms used throughout the Code, such as "housing construction work", "builder" and "owner-builder"
- a revised SWMS template that clarifies its use as specifically for "high risk construction work"
- a template work health and safety management plan.
How do you make submissions?
A coversheet, response form and information on how to lodge your submissions can be accessed here.
All submissions must be lodged with the Safe Work Australia by 5pm on Wednesday, 2 October 2013.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
