Federal Safety Commissioner Accreditation

Federal Safety Commisioner Accreditaton - What is it?

Established in 2005, the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC) commenced working with industry and government stakeholders with the aim of improving workplace health and safety (WHS) practices on building and construction sites across Australia.

Its primary function is to ensure that contractors working on projects funded directly or indirectly by the Australian Government meet specific safety standards. The OFSC’s accreditation scheme aims to enhance safety practices across the industry by ensuring that building and construction companies adhere to a range of operating and reporting practices designed to prioritise site safety.

What is required to achieve FSC Accreditation?

Applicants must be able to provide evidence of the following:

1. Demonstrate the ability to manage construction hazards and high risk activities

2. Positive record in relation to workplace safety

3. Achieve positive on-site audits that focus on:

- Demonstrated WHS commitment by Senior Management

- Integration of Safety in Design Principles into the Risk Management process

- Whole of project WHS consultation and communication

- Demonstrated effective WHS contractor management

- WHS training and competency compliant with activities undertaken

Applying for FSC Accreditation

So how do you apply for accreditation?

First, read the information on accreditation on www.fsc.gov.au.
Next, verify the WHS Management system aligns with FSC audit criteria.
Address any system gaps identified.
Create an FSC Online account on that website.
Complete an application in FSC Online.
Then finally, submit the application.

How can we help you obtain and then maintain FSC Accreditation?

Stage 1 - Prior to Applying

If your organisation does not have current a WHS Management Systems in place, Perth Workplace Safety Consultants can assist in developing a WHS management system tailored to your specific requirements and aligned with the FSC’s regulations.

If you currently have a WHS Management System in place and are seeking FSC accreditation, Perth Workplace Safety Consultants can conduct a gap analysis of your system against the FSC criteria to determine your initial level of compliance. We can work with you in updating your current system closing identified any identified gaps.

Perth Workplace Safety Consultants will work with you to ensure your WHS Management System has been effectively implemented with evidence available for when the OFSC submits a request to you.

Stage 2 - WHS Management System Assessment

After your application has been accepted, the OFSC will conduct a desktop audit of your WHS Management System against the criteria of the FSC. Any gaps or areas for improvement will be recorded and provided to you within an audit report. These gaps and areas of improvement will need to be rectified with evidence supplied to the OFSC before you are able to move to Stage 3.

Perth Workplace Safety Consultants can assist you with rectifying any gaps, actions or areas of oppurtunities that are identified by the OFSC. We can provide guidance on what is practical to do and how to prepare the evidence to close the action.

Stage 3 - Onsite Audit

This is when the OFSC will send their auditors to observe activities at your workplace (where you are the principal contractor) to identify the sites WHS compliance to your WHS Management System, results of the audit will be supplied in an audit report form with any gaps or issues highlighted with recommendations.

After we have achieved our accreditation, whats next?

Once you have recieved your accreditation, it doesnt stop there. Your system needs to be maintained to ensure your accreditation continues.

Perth Workplace Safety Consultants can assist you with conducting unbiased system audits that will provide the real picture of how your WHS Management System is performing and what needs to be adjusted to maintain your accreditation

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FAQ's

What is FSC Accreditation?

Federal Safety Commissioner (FSC) accreditation is a formal certification that demonstrates a company meets the Australian Government’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) standards required to undertake building and construction work funded by the Commonwealth. It is managed by the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner.

Why would I need FSC Accreditation?

Any builder or contractor that wants to be eligible to tender for Australian Government-funded construction projects must be accredited for head contracts.

What is required to become accredited?

The following criteria must be achieved in order to obtain accreditation:

1. Demonstrated ability to manage construction hazards and high risk activities

2. Positive record in relation to workplace safety

3. Achieve consitent positive on-site audits that focus on:

- Demonstrated WHS committment by senior management

- Safe Design Principles have been intergrated into the risk management process

- Whole of project WHS consultation and communication

- Demonstrated effective WHS contractor management

- WHS training and competency compliant with activities undertaken

What information is required as part of the application process?

Applications require the following details:

1. Your company's previous WHS performance

2. A gap analysis of your current Safety Management System,

3. Information about your company's operations, and

4. Any current projects you are working on as the head contractor where audits may be undertaken.

How do I apply for FSC accreditation?

Applications for FSC accreditation is via https://fsc-online.dewr.gov.au

How can Perth Workplace Safety Consultants Help with your FSC application?

We can guide you through the process, by:

1. Conducting the gap analysis and preparing documents, developing and implementing systems to be compliant to the FSC criteria.

2. Providing sound WHS advice on the FSC criteria

3. Assist with any concerns or recommendations raised from the onsite audit.

4. Provide ongoing WHS assistance in ensuring your safety management system remains compliant and effective.