WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY (WHS) PLAN
Project: (P-923) Aircraft Apron Parking, RAAF Base Darwin, Northern Territory
1. Introduction and Purpose
This Work Health and Safety (WHS) Plan outlines the policies, procedures, and responsibilities
to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for all personnel involved in the construction of the
Aircraft Parking Apron (P-923) at Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Darwin. This plan is
prepared in accordance with:
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The Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011 (Cth) and WHS Regulations
Relevant Australian Codes of Practice and AS/NZS Standards
Australian Defence policies and authorizations
Applicable Northern Territory legislation (where relevant)
The requirements specified in the Contract Documents and the Australian Requirements
Schedule
This WHS Plan applies to all Contractor’s Activities and the Works undertaken on-site, including
but not limited to:
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Construction of the parking apron for 25 tilt-rotor and rotary wing aircraft
Connection to the existing Bomber Replenishment Apron (BRA) and Fighter
Replenishment Apron (FRA)
Establishment of two helicopter final approach and take-off (FATO) pads with taxiway
connections to taxiway TWY A6
Construction of an aircraft rinse facility and wash rack accessible from the rotary-wing
parking apron
Demolition, clearing, and excavation of PFAS-impacted soil and pavement
Installation of centreline and apron edge lighting, water supply, sanitary sewer,
stormwater drainage, electrical, and telecommunications
Construction of a fire booster pump station with fire water storage tanks, wastewater
pump station, aircraft rinse and wash facilities, and three electrical substations
2. Roles, Responsibilities, and Organizational Structure
Names, Positions, and Responsibilities
The table below identifies key roles and their specific WHS responsibilities:
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Name/Position
Role
Project Manager (PM)
Overall WHS
Accountability
Site Manager
Day-to-Day WHS
Supervision
WHS Advisor
WHS Technical
Support
Foreman / Supervisor
Task-Level
Supervision
Emergency Response
Coordinator
Emergency
Management
Workers and
Subcontractors
Operational WHS
Compliance
Responsibilities
- Ensures WHS Plan compliance.
- Allocates resources for WHS.
- Liaises with the Contracting Officer and relevant
authorities.
- Implements WHS policies on-site.
- Oversees toolbox talks, inductions, and Safe
Work Method Statements (SWMS) compliance.
- Develops and updates WHS procedures.
- Monitors hazard identification and risk control
measures.
- Conducts site safety inspections.
- Ensures all workers follow SWMS and safe work
procedures.
- Reports incidents to WHS Advisor and Site
Manager.
- Coordinates emergency drills and responses.
- Maintains emergency equipment and first aid
facilities.
- Comply with WHS Plan and instructions.
- Report hazards, near misses, incidents.
- Follow safe work procedures and wear PPE.
All personnel on-site have a duty to take reasonable care of their own health and safety and not
adversely affect others by their actions or omissions.
3. Arrangements with Other PCBUs
Where multiple contractors or other Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) are
present (e.g., subcontractors, suppliers, Defence representatives), the following measures will
be in place to ensure consultation, cooperation, and coordination:
1. Regular Coordination Meetings
o A weekly on-site WHS coordination meeting will be held, attended by all
principal contractors, subcontractors, and relevant stakeholders.
2. Communication Protocols
o Contact lists and notification procedures will be shared to promptly address
safety issues.
3. Shared Work Areas
o Joint risk assessments and safe work methods will be established where different
contractors operate simultaneously.
4. Common Rules and Access Requirements
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All PCBUs must comply with RAAF Base security, induction, and WHS
requirements (including site-specific rules noted in Section 5).
4. Incident Management and Reporting
4.1 Incident Reporting Procedures
1. Immediate Notification
o Any incident, near miss, or notifiable incident must be immediately reported to
the Site Manager or WHS Advisor.
2. Notifiable Incidents
o If an incident is classified as “notifiable” under WHS Legislation, the Project
Manager or WHS Advisor will notify the regulator (e.g., Comcare or relevant
state/territory authority) and the Contracting Officer without delay.
3. Contracting Officer Reporting
o In accordance with paragraph 5.1 of the Australian Requirements Schedule, all
incidents and accidents will be reported to the Contracting Officer using the
required incident report form within the stipulated timeframe.
4.2 Preventative and Corrective Actions
1. Incident Investigation
o The WHS Advisor, in collaboration with supervisors, will investigate all incidents
to identify root causes.
2. Corrective Action Plan
o The Site Manager will implement actions to correct unsafe conditions and
practices.
3. Monitoring and Review
o Corrective actions will be documented, tracked, and reviewed for effectiveness
in preventing recurrence.
4.3 Record-Keeping and Reporting
1. Incident Register
o An up-to-date incident register will be maintained on-site.
2. Document Control
o All incident reports, investigation records, and corrective action logs will be
retained for the duration of the project (and as required by legislation or
contract).
3. Reports to Contracting Officer
o Summary incident reports will be provided to the Contracting Officer, as
required, detailing any incident trends and corrective measures.
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5. Site-Specific Health and Safety Rules
1. Access Control
o Only authorized, inducted personnel are permitted on-site. All personnel must
display security passes as required by RAAF Base Darwin.
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
o Mandatory use of hard hats, safety boots, high-visibility vests/shirts, eye
protection, and hearing protection in designated areas.
3. Speed Limits and Traffic Management
o Site speed limits must be observed. Heavy machinery and vehicle movements
must follow traffic management plans.
4. Hazardous Substances
o Storage, handling, and disposal must align with relevant Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
and codes of practice.
5. Hot Work
o Requires a hot work permit, firefighting equipment on standby, and area
isolation.
6. Working at Heights
o Strict adherence to fall prevention measures, harness inspections, and signage in
designated areas.
7. Excavations and Trenching
o No one may enter excavations deeper than 1.5 metres without shoring,
benching, or battering, supported by an approved SWMS.
8. PFAS Impacted Soil
o Special handling and disposal requirements must be followed as per
environmental and WHS regulations.
All personnel will be informed of these rules during induction, toolbox talks, and daily pre-start
meetings. Any updates or changes will be communicated immediately.
6. Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and Associated Documentation
1. SWMS Preparation and Approval
o SWMS must be prepared for high-risk construction work (e.g., excavation,
demolition, working at heights, confined spaces).
o The Site Manager and WHS Advisor will review and approve SWMS before work
commences.
2. Collection and Recording
o All SWMS and Job Safety Analyses (JSAs) or equivalent documentation will be
stored on-site in a dedicated WHS folder (hardcopy or electronic).
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A SWMS register will be maintained to track versions, approvals, and
distribution.
3. Monitoring and Review
o SWMS compliance will be periodically checked by the Site Manager or Foreman.
o SWMS will be revised as necessary if site conditions change, new hazards are
identified, or if an incident indicates a need for improvement.
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7. WHS Management Procedures
7.1 WHS Policy
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The Contractor maintains a formal WHS policy that demonstrates commitment to
preventing injuries and illnesses, complying with legal obligations, and continually
improving WHS performance. This policy is displayed in site offices.
7.2 WHS Management System
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The Contractor operates an integrated WHS Management System (WHSMS) consistent
with AS/NZS ISO 45001 (or equivalent).
Procedures for managing WHS disputes are included, ensuring resolution through
consultation and escalation to senior management if necessary.
7.3 Inductions, Training, and Awareness Programs
1. General Induction
o All personnel must complete the Contractor’s corporate WHS induction and the
RAAF Base Darwin site-specific induction prior to starting work.
2. Task-Specific Training
o Additional training (e.g., working in confined spaces, operating plant) will be
provided as required by legislation or risk assessments.
3. Toolbox Talks
o Conducted at least weekly, focusing on relevant WHS topics, recent incidents,
and upcoming high-risk tasks.
7.4 Emergency Procedures and First Aid
1. Emergency Management Plan
o A project-specific plan outlines site evacuation procedures, muster points, and
roles/responsibilities in an emergency.
2. Emergency Equipment
o Fire extinguishers, spill kits, eyewash stations, and first aid kits will be available
and inspected regularly.
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3. First Aid Facilities
o A designated first aid room or station will be available on-site, staffed by a
trained first aid officer.
7.5 Ensuring Compliance with WHS Legislation
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Written assurances of compliance will be provided to the Contracting Officer,
confirming that the Contractor, subcontractors, and others meet their WHS obligations.
7.6 Plan Preparation, Finalisation, and Review
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This WHS Plan will be reviewed and updated:
1. Before commencement of the Contractor’s Activities and Works.
2. At least quarterly during the project.
3. After any incident requiring notification or investigation.
4. After any significant change to scope, hazards, or site conditions.
8. Subcontractor Management
8.1 Inductions, Training, and Awareness
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All subcontractors must undergo the same induction process as the Contractor’s
employees.
Subcontractors are required to participate in toolbox talks and relevant training
sessions.
8.2 SWMS and JSAs
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Subcontractors must prepare SWMS/JSAs for their scope of work and submit them to
the Contractor’s WHS Advisor for review and approval prior to starting work.
8.3 Consultation, Cooperation, and Coordination
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Subcontractors must attend coordination meetings and adhere to all site WHS
requirements.
Any safety concerns identified by subcontractors must be communicated to the Site
Manager or WHS Advisor promptly.
8.4 Ensuring Subcontractor Compliance
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The Contractor will conduct regular audits of subcontractors’ compliance with this WHS
Plan.
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Repeated non-compliance may result in work stoppage or termination of the
subcontract, in line with contractual provisions.
9. Hazard and Risk Management
9.1 Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment
1. Pre-Commencement
o A site-specific hazard identification and risk assessment will be completed prior
to any work, covering demolition, excavation, PFAS-impacted soil handling, and
other site activities.
2. Ongoing Process
o Supervisors will conduct daily pre-start checks and ongoing hazard identification
throughout the project.
9.2 Risk Control Measures
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The Contractor will apply the Hierarchy of Controls (eliminate, substitute, isolate,
engineer, administrate, PPE) to manage identified risks.
Controls must be reviewed regularly to ensure effectiveness and updated as needed.
9.3 Systematic Risk Management
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WHS risk registers will be maintained and reviewed periodically to avoid systematic or
repeated failures in risk management.
Corrective actions arising from audits, incidents, or near misses will be integrated into
the risk management process.
10. WHS Auditing, Monitoring, and Verification
1. Internal Audits
o Conducted monthly or as determined by project scale and complexity. Audit
reports are maintained by the WHS Advisor.
2. Compliance Inspections
o Regular site inspections by the Site Manager and Foreman to ensure ongoing
compliance with the WHS Plan, SWMS, and legislation.
3. Subcontractor Audits
o The Contractor may schedule separate audits or joint inspections with
subcontractors to verify their compliance.
4. Record Keeping
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Audit findings are documented and communicated to relevant personnel.
Actions are tracked to closure.
11. Handover and Takeover Activities
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Prior to handover of completed Works to NAVFAC or Defence representatives, the
Contractor will:
1. Provide Hazard and Risk Information
 Include all as-built documentation identifying any residual hazards (e.g.,
PFAS-impacted areas, electrical layouts, buried services).
2. Operational Manuals
 Supply instructions for the safe use and maintenance of facilities, plant,
and equipment.
3. Final Inspections
 Coordinate with the Contracting Officer to ensure all WHS requirements
have been met and relevant certifications are in place.
12. Specific Hazard Management Approaches
1. Hazardous Substances (Including PFAS)
o All hazardous substances, including PFAS-impacted materials, will be handled
and disposed of in accordance with relevant legislation, codes of practice, SDS,
and Defence environmental guidance.
o Storage areas for chemicals or fuels will be clearly signed, bunded, and
ventilated as required.
o Substances will be transported in compliance with dangerous goods regulations.
2. High-Risk Construction Work (Examples)
o Demolition
 A detailed demolition plan and SWMS will address structural integrity,
dust control, and disposal of waste (including potential asbestos).
o Asbestos Disturbance/Removal
 Licensed asbestos removalists will be engaged if asbestos is found or
suspected. A clearance certificate must be obtained following removal.
o Excavation (Deeper than 1.5m)
 Trenching and shoring systems will be used, and confined space
procedures will be followed if required.
o Working at Heights
 Fall arrest systems, guardrails, and other controls will be used as required
by legislation.
o Electrical Work
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Only qualified electricians will conduct electrical tasks; lockout/tagout
procedures will be strictly enforced.
Movement of Powered Mobile Plant
 Vehicle and pedestrian segregation, reversing alarms, spotters, and traffic
management plans will be implemented.
Noise and Vibration
 Monitoring will be conducted, and engineering/administrative controls
used to maintain acceptable exposure levels.
Abrasive Blasting
 Specific containment, ventilation, and PPE will be required to manage
dust and respiratory hazards.
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13. Emergency Management
1. Emergency Drills
o Scheduled at least twice during the project to test and improve preparedness.
2. Fire and Explosion Control
o Fire-fighting equipment checked monthly. Flammable materials stored properly.
3. Spill Response
o Spill kits available and personnel trained in spill control for fuels, chemicals, and
PFAS-impacted materials.
14. Review and Continuous Improvement
This WHS Plan is a living document. It will be reviewed and updated as necessary to reflect:
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Changes in legislation, codes, or standards
Revisions in project scope or methodology
Outcomes of incident investigations, audits, or regulatory inspections
All revised versions will be communicated to the Contracting Officer, subcontractors, and
relevant site personnel.
15. Document Control
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WHS Plan Reference: WHS-P-923-01
Version: 1.0
Date: [Insert Date]
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Approved By: [Project Manager / Contractor’s Representative]
End of WHS Plan
Acknowledgment
All personnel, including subcontractors and other PCBUs, are required to read, understand, and
comply with this Work Health and Safety Plan. Any questions or clarifications regarding the plan
should be directed to the WHS Advisor or Site Manager.
By implementing this plan, we collectively demonstrate our commitment to achieving a safe,
healthy, and compliant work environment for the (P-923) Aircraft Apron Parking project at
RAAF Base Darwin.
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