What is OFSC?
The construction industry is designated as a priority industry for work health and safety due to the high number and rate of work-related injuries and illnesses and inherent risks associated with working in the industry. However, the Cole Royal Commission into the Building and Construction Industry found that the safety record for the industry was unacceptable.
The Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC) was established in order to implement the majority of the Royal Commission’s WHS recommendations to develop, implement and administer a WHS accreditation scheme for Australian Government building and construction work.
In June 2004 it was announced that the FSC would be administratively established within the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. The FSC and the Scheme are provided for under the Building and Construction Industry (Improving Productivity) Act 2016 (the Act).
Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC) for which projects and contractors?
Subject to certain financial thresholds, only builders who are accredited under the Scheme can enter into head contracts for building work that is funded directly or indirectly by the Australian Government.
Directly Funded Projects:
Projects are considered to be directly funded where an Australian Government agency has responsibility for the project funding and development, for example, a Defence facility, Medicare or Centrelink Office or a fit-out or refurbishment of existing Australian Government office accommodation.
The Scheme applies to projects that are directly funded by the Australian Government with a value of $4 million or more.
Indirectly Funded Projects
Projects are considered indirectly funded where an Australian Government agency contributes funding to a recipient through a funding agreement, grant or other programs, for example, road construction projects funded by the Australian Government or a new school built by a state government using funding provided by the Australian Government.
The Scheme applies to projects that are indirectly funded by the Australian Government where
- A head-contract under the project includes building work of $4 million or more (GST inclusive) AND:
- the value of the Australian Government contribution to the project is at least $6 million (including GST) and represents at least 50 per cents of the total construction project; OR
the Australian Government contribution to a project is $10 million (including GST) or more, irrespective of the proportion of Australian Government funding.
How to become FSC accredited?
In order to get FSC accredited, you’ll need to develop a health and safety framework for visitors and employees in accordance with the regulations set out in theFSC Audit Criteria Guideline. After developing the WHS framework, you should lodge your application online and then you should pass the FSC on-site audit.
How can we help you?
Please submit the Application Form if you need our hands to assist you to develop and establish your FCS framework. We will assist you with
- Conducting a document review and gap assessment against the requirements of OFSC Accreditation Scheme
- Update the existing documents and Develop required documents in compliance with the requirements of OFSC Accreditation Scheme
- Providing supervision, consultation and guidance for implementation of systems
- Conducting an internal audit and assisting with corrective actions
- Assisting with completion of OFSC scheme application
- Attending at the OFSC audits and assisting with corrective actions