Work health and safety accreditation scheme: contracting for Australian government funded building work

The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme) is a federal program that was designed to raises awareness and improve safety standards in the building and construction industry. A head contractor may be required to apply to the Federal Safety Commissioner for accreditation under the Scheme in order to contract for building work funded by the Australian Government.

When do I need to be accredited?

If you are a head contractor planning to tender for building work funded directly or indirectly by the Australian Government, you may need to be accredited under the Scheme. This includes commercial, civil and residential building work (through Housing Australia for example).

A head contractor will be required to be accredited if the following thresholds apply:

• Directly funded projects: $4 million (GST inclusive) or more;

• Indirectly funded projects: $4 million (GST inclusive), subject to additional funding thresholds based on the apportionment of the Australian Government’s contribution.

A project is considered to be indirectly funded if the Australian Government’s funding is received through a funding agreement, grant or other program.

There are some exclusions:

1. single-dwelling homes;
2. Building work that does not meet the threshold;
3. Joint venture arrangements; and
4. Non-building work activities for which the ultimate outcome of the funding does not involve building work i.e. funding a feasibility study

Benefits of being accredited:

• Access to government-funded projects.
• Stronger safety systems that reduce accidents, insurance costs, and staff turnover.
• Automatic recognition of meeting the WHS elements of the pre-qualification scheme for building and construction work in all States and Territories.

How It Works

The process is free, have no ongoing costs and involves three main steps:

1. FSC Online: Submit your application with WHS performance, safety system gap analysis, operations, and current projects.
2. Systems Validation Audit: A Federal Safety Officer reviews your WHS Management System and identifies any gaps.
3. On-Site Audit: Conducted at a live project to verify WHS procedures; the Federal Safety Commissioner makes the final decision.

Accredited companies must monitor WHS performance, submit reports, and undergo regular audits. First-time accreditation lasts 3 years, and reaccreditation can be up to 6 years. Multiple audits may be required to meet all criteria.

Need It Fast?

If you need accreditation quickly for tenders or contracts, the OFSC can prioritise your application. Builders tendering for Housing Australia projects may also receive extra guidance to meet the Scheme’s requirements.

Learn More

• Website: www.fsc.gov.au
• Phone: 1800 652 500
• Email: ofsc@dewr.gov.au

Members should not be missing out on Australian Government funded building projects. If the Scheme would be of interest to you, we recommend starting the accreditation process early to avoid missing out on projects.

Contact Us

Get in touch with the Workplace Relations Team for further guidance and to discuss this topic further!

Email: workplace@mba.org.au

Phone: 02 6175 5900.