Workplace health and safety requirements

Working Together on Safety with Contractors

At Redland City Council, safety is our top priority. This applies to everyone working on our projects, including contractors and their workers. We're committed to creating a safe and healthy work environment for all.

Working together as a team

Everyone involved in a project has a role to play in keeping everyone safe. This is called the "contractual chain". This means that as a contractor, you have a duty to not only ensure the safety of your own workers, but also to manage the risks posed by subcontractors you engage.

Here are some key things to consider when working together to manage safety:

  • Choosing subcontractors: when hiring subcontractors, consider their safety record and their ability to manage safety risks.
  • Contractual WHS requirements: clearly outline WHS expectations and obligations within your contracts with subcontractors.
  • Communication is key: talk openly with subcontractors so everyone understands the safety risks and how to control them.

How we work together

Here's how Council will work with contractors to keep everyone safe:

  • Clear safety information: we provide clear information about safety expectations in our tender documents and contracts.
  • Site-specific inductions: we may require contractors and subcontractors to complete site-specific inductions to ensure awareness of specific hazards and controls.
  • Staying connected: we keep the lines of communication open so you can raise any safety concerns you may have during the project.

Your Responsibilities as a Contractor

Here are some of your responsibilities as a contractor working with Council:

  • Risk assessment: have a risk assessment in place that considers the specific risks of the project you are working on. The more risky the work, the more detailed your risk assessment needs to be. For example, if you are engaging in high-risk work, you will need to create a safe work method statement (SWMS). A SWMS is a document that outlines the specific requirements and procedures for performing high-risk construction work activities safely, including identifying hazards, assessing risks, and detailing control measures.
  • Consultation: consult with your Council representatives and other contractors on WHS matters as required by the project.
  • Reporting incidents: report any work-related incidents or near misses to us promptly.

By working as a team, we can create a safe and healthy work environment for everyone involved in our projects.

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