(Disclaimer: Note: The information in this section of our website is NOT professional advice, but is a common-sense summary of Occupational Health & Safety responsibilities for independent contractors. Click here for full disclaimer)
Understanding your health and safety responsibilities, and how to comply with legislative expectations in a practical and reasonable manner, can be difficult.
Other information modules:
SRM Risk’s Safety Tips
Working for a Residential Home Owner
If you work for residential home-owners—for example, you are a carpenter, bricklayer or general maintenance worker—ask yourself the following safety questions and remember the following safety tips before starting the job:
- Can you adequately complete the job requested? If yes, identify the types of hazards you may come into contact with, for instance, working on a roof, using electrical equipment, working in wet weather may cause slips/trips, etc.
- Do you need signs or barricades to prevent access etc by other people? If the answer is ‘yes’, then use them.
- Think about the type of personal protective equipment or clothing you may need for the job—for example, steel capped boots, face shields, etc. Check that you have the right gear and that it is in good condition.
- Do you need to engage a sub-contractor to assist with the job? If yes, then ensure that they complete the work in a safe manner and that the equipment/materials used do not create further risks for you or other people.
- Check your equipment and materials prior to starting the job. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is my equipment in good condition? Are extension leads, for example, worn through and fraying at the ends?
- Do any items need replacing? For instance, are the rungs on portable ladders broken/cracked?
- Is guarding in place for items of plant used? For example, have guards over grinding discs on bench grinder been removed/damaged?
Working for a businsess
If you are going to work for another business, make sure you review the following before the commencement of an agreed job or contract:
- Do not assume that the business owner or appointed site principal addresses OHS responsibilities on your behalf and in your interest. Always ask questions.
- Make sure all relevant parties clearly understand their OHS obligations. Communicate and consult with key parties.
- Do not just sign any contracts. Check them. Are they sensible and practical? Seek legal advice if necessary.
- Do not just copy-and-paste other contractor’s work method statements and OHS-related policies and procedures. Tailor OHS systems to the service/job you may complete.
- Do not try to hide behind the business owner or appointed site principal’s OHS management systems and work practices. This will not shield you from your own OHS responsibilities and possible prosecutions in the event of an incident. Ask questions and seek help.
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Disclaimer: This material belongs to SRM Risk Pty Ltd. Reproduction is available for the exclusive private use of SEA subscriber members. Any unauthorised reproduction is prohibited. None of the information in this Website constitutes legal or professional advice, but is offered as opinion only. Every individual will have specific and unique circumstances that determine their own status. Every person should seek their own professional advice. SRM Risk, Independent Contractors of Australia, its committee and members are not responsible for the outcome of decisions or actions that a person may take as a result of anything stated in this Website.