Gusher Pty Ltd
Job and Site Standards and Procedures
Subcontractor and Employee Information
This document is a summary document supported by procedures and project specific
information.
When used for subcontractor induction, ensure site information is provided as part of
the overall induction process.
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Page 1 of 19
June 2013
Contents
Project Safety Guidelines
Section 1: Safety System Outline
1.1:
1.2:
Work method statements
Minimum requirements for managing high risk construction
Section 2: Workplace Consultation, Communication, Cooperation and
Coordination
2.1
2.2
2.3
PCBU Officer
Workplace health and safety committee
Workplace WHS dispute resolution
Section 3: Inductions
3.1
3.2
Defence/Spotless induction
Site-specific induction – Projects
Section 4: Site Rules
Section 5: Emergency Management
5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6
Emergency procedures
Site map
First aid officer
First aid resources
Incident notification and reporting
Incident investigation
Section 6: Managing Subcontractors
6.1
6.2
Principal contractor’s obligations
Subcontractor obligations
Section 7: Critical Incident Management
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
Requirements
Response plan
Follow-up
Evaluation
Review
Immediate response steps
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June 2013
Safety Guidelines and Rules
To be read in conjunction with the relevant Site Safety Plan, Safe Work Statement and evaluation
documents.
1.1:
Work Method Statements/ Job Safety Analysis
Any subcontractor about to perform a high risk construction activity on site must supply the principal
contractor with a Work Method Statement before the work starts.
High risk construction activity involves a person:

Entering a trench that is more than 1.5 metres deep;

Using explosives (not powder-actuated hand-held fastening tools);

Working in a confined space;

Using a hazardous substance;

Potential fall risk;

The principal contractor reasonably concludes that the activity could result in death or
bodily harm.
The subcontractor’s statement must include:

The high risk construction activity;

Specific control measures to be used to safely perform the activity;

How the activity will be performed, including the control measures;

How the effectiveness of the control measures will be monitored and reviewed.

Who will monitor compliance with the approved Work Method Statement and report
any non-compliance to the principal contractor.
The Project Supervisor must sign and date each Work Method Statement upon reviewing it for
effectiveness from the subcontractor prior to work commencing on site.
All Work Method Statements collected will be filed with the project on the company intrant.
1.2: Minimum requirements for managing high risk construction
The National WHS Act and Regulations prescribe ways of discharging workplace health and safety
obligations.
Where a regulation states ways of controlling risks in regard to certain tasks such as excavation,
scaffolding, work at heights, the regulation must be followed.
1.2.1 Induction Requirements (Duty of Care)
The National Induction for the Construction Industry (White Card) is a national card that is
recognised by all states in Australia.
Under the National WHS Act, employers must ensure all workers are adequately trained prior
to entering a construction site.
To meet our duty of care, Gusher provides a company and site specific induction to all our
workers and subcontractors.
The Northern Territory has now adopted the National Code of Practice for Construction Work.
Construction industry cards are now accepted by all jurisdictions.
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June 2013
1.2.2 Risk of Falls
A fall is any fall from one level to another regardless of heath or depth of fall. In planning
construction work where there may be a risk of a fall look for opportunities to work on the
ground or on solid structures as this is the most effective way of eliminating the risk of falls.
Pre-fabrication of some work prior installing onsite is useful in avoiding fall risks.
Where subcontractors provide risk assessments/SWMS/JSAs for risk of falls activities these
documents shall be reviewed to ensure they meet regulatory standards and supervision
planned by a nominated competent person. This person shall be identified on the SWMS/JSA.
Should any hazards or other fall risks be identified, the subcontractor must assess them and
implement control measures to eliminate or minimise the risk.
If the control measures to be used include edge protection, a fall protection cover, a travel
restraint system, fall arresting platform, fall arrest harness system, or industrial safety net,
then such a control must comply with requirements set out in the National WHS Act and
Regulations.
A subcontractor undertaking construction work where a worker could fall 2 m or more must
prevent the worker falling any distance. Controls can be elevated work platform, edge
protection; fall protection and/or travel restraint system where practicable and safe.
The subcontractor must ensure any fall prevention system is capable of withstanding the
impact of a person falling on to it. Where teams of individuals are working at risk of falls,
capacity to deal with multiple falls should be assessed.
Subcontractors must ensure a competent person installs and maintains the selected control
measure and also ensure all workers are instructed in the safe use and maintenance of the
control measures.
If fall prevention systems are not practicable in a particular circumstance, a fall restraint device
such as a fall arrest harness system may provide an alternative control measure.
Scaffolding
Scaffolding is the most common temporary work platform. Refer: Safe Work Australia WHS
Reg 225
 AS 4576 Guidelines for scaffolding
 AS 1576 Scaffolding series
Scaffold working platforms are generally rated as light, medium or heavy duty:



Light Duty – up to 225 kg per bay. Examples include painting, electrical work, many
carpentry tasks and other light tasks. Platforms should be at least two planks wide
(approximately 450mm)
Medium Duty – up to 450 kg per bay. This is suitable for general trades work. Platforms
should be at least four planks wide (approximately 900mm)
Heavy Duty – up to 675 kg per bay. This is what is needed for bricklaying, concreting,
demolition work and most other work tasks involving heavy loads or heavy impact
forces. Platforms should be at least five planks wide (approximately 1000mm)
Elevating Work Platforms
Elevating Work Platforms (EWPs) include scissor lifts, cherry pickers, boom lifts and travel
towers. There are battery powered and internal combustion engine types. Some are designed
for hard flat surfaces only, while others are designed to be operated on rough terrain. Ensure
the EWP is fit for purpose on project sites.
EWPs must comply with the following minimum standards:




Workers must be trained to operate the EWP, fall arrest equipment and emergency
rescue and retrieval process
EWPs must be on flat terrain unless designed for other terrain
Safety harnesses must be worn according to operation instructions
Specific licensing is required for workers operating boom-type elevating work platforms
with a boom length of 11 metres or more
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June 2013

EWPs are not to be used as a means of access/egress unless the conditions as per AS
2550.10 are met
When working in cherry pickers an anchored safety harness and lanyard incorporating a
shock absorber must be worn

Use of nets as an additional fall protection
Gusher may use nets for additional fall arrest protection on different projects. Nets are a
combination of an engineering control as they can be used as an additional balance and also
personal protective device as they act as protection in the case of a fall. You will be introduced
to the use of nets should this apply to your work. If you see nets on site and have not been
trained in their use, please inform the supervisor before proceeding.
1.2.3 Ladders
Subcontractors using or intending to use a ladder for work or access must:

ensure that a worker has at least two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand,
on the ladder at all times. They must be fully on the ladder (body over the centre of
the stiles) when ascending /descending on the ladder;

Step ladders used on site shall be platform type;

Where work is required to be carried out off a ladder, a subcontractor must be able to
demonstrate the task can be carried out with at least two hands and one foot, or two
feet and one hand, on the ladder at all times or alternative means (e.g. Platform
ladders, scaffold) must be employed.

ensure the maximum single ladder length is not more than 9 metres, the maximum
length of an extension ladder is 15 metres.

Ladders must indicate that they are constructed to AS1892 (look for sticker or stamp).
If this is not visible inspect for fitness of purpose prior to use
Single or extension ladders must:

be secured at the top and/or bottom to prevent movement;

be rates as “industrial use” with a safe working load rating of at least 120 kg;

be positioned so the angle between ladder and horizontal is at least 70, but not more
than 80 degrees (the 1 in 4 rule);

extend at least 1 m above any surface used as a temporary means of access;

be founded on stable base and have the rungs approximately level;

not used to support a platform (eg planks).

ensure all ladders meet the requirements set down in AS1892 (Portable Ladders –
Metal)
1.2.4 Trestle Ladders
Subcontractors using trestle ladders to support a work platform must, before work starts,
ensure:

each hazard that a person may fall on to and which could cause fatality or injury is
identified, assessed and controlled;

edge protection is erected along the length and ends of the platform where a person
could fall 2 metres or more from the platform, or a lesser distance if identified hazards
cannot be removed. Hazards include reinforcing steel, bricks etc;

trestles are secured to prevent movement;

planks are secure, do not bow under load and extend either side of the trestle. Where
two or more planks are used, they are to be clamped together in the centre..
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June 2013
Requirements for work platforms supported by trestle ladders:

light work: (painting, installing a roof gutter, air conditioning duct, metal facia, lighting,
placing light roof trusses in position on a low set house roof, performing inspections
and tests or installing an electrical connection) requires a platform at least 225 mm
wide (single plank);

not “light work”: (eg any work other than the examples listed above) requires a
platform at least 450 mm wide at any height (two planks);

The platform must be unobstructed along its length and no higher than 5 m.
Work at a height of 2 m or more must not start until the subcontractor has given the principal
contractor a copy of the work method statements.
1.2.5 Falling objects
Subcontractors working at height shall prevent the fall of persons, materials or plant on to
workers, the public, or adjacent properties. This may include:

containment screening;

a catch platform;

kick boards

creating an exclusion zone by closing a footpath or road or an adjoining area. This
requires ensuring loads lifted over off-site areas do not fall or present a hazard.
1.2.6 Excavations and Trenches
A work method statement is required for any work involving a person entering a trench more
than 1.5 metres deep. This must be provided to the principal contractor before starting the
work.
The principal contractor will provide details of any existing services on site (see site safe work
plan).
All subcontractors intending to do excavation work must identify and control the following:

a person being trapped by excavation collapse;

a person being struck by an object falling into the excavation;

a person falling into an excavation; and

a person inhaling or being exposed to carbon monoxide or other air impurity in the
excavation.
Before starting excavation or trenching work that could reduce the stability of a building,
structure (including scaffold) or driveway, the subcontractor shall provide a work method
statement to the principal contractor for approval.
For any excavation or trench 1 m deep or more, the subcontractor must have a min 900 mm
high barricade or hoarding to restrict access to the work.
Subcontractors will provide access and egress to a trench at not more than nine metres
spacing from any part of the excavation.
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June 2013
1.2.8 Electrical
All subcontractors must ensure that all electrical equipment in their control or to be used by
their workers on site complies with Regulation 64 “Electrical installations on construction sites”
of the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, and; Clause 3.8 of AS/NZS3012 Electrical
Installations – Construction and Demolition sites.
Subcontractors must ensure:

electrical leads and plugs are rated a minimum of 10 amps. The maximum length of
extension leads are 25 metres for 1 mm2 cable, 35 metres for 1.5 mm² cable, and 60
metres for 2.5 mm2 cable (s2.6.7);

electrical leads are fitted through the base of the switchboard and secured to the tie
bar before being plugged in (s2.3.2);

electrical leads are protected from damage by vehicles, plant, heat or liquids etc
(s2.6.9);

leads and portable electrical equipment are tested and tagged by a competent person
every 3 months and a current tag is fitted within 300 mm of the male plug (s3);

portable generators are not to be taken into buildings unless approved by the Project
Supervisor. Generators must meet the electrical prescribed standards, stand on a
pallet or suitable off the ground arrangement.

electrical hand tools are connected via an approved residual current device (RCD).
The RCD may be provided in the switchboard or by using a portable residual current
device (Clipsal 485P4CB30 or 485P2CB30 or equivalent) (s2.4.6). Portable RCDs
must be tripped each day before use and tested and tagged every 3 months by a
competent person (s3). RCDs in switchboards must be checked annually;

if a lead or power tool is damaged, it is removed from the site and is not used until
repaired by a qualified electrician (Electrical Safety Act s30 & Electrical Safety
Regulation Part 2);

no work is undertaken on live power sources. Lock out and “tag out” procedures must
be used when working on all forms of boards and sub-boards (Electrical Safety
Regulation – Part 2);

no leads are joined together in excess of their rating and no mix of cable sizes occurs
(s2.6);

If working near live parts – minimum safe distances are:
-
One metre clear of house supply from street pole to building or structure
connection (240 – 415V);
-
Three metres from powerlines in the street;
-
Nine metres clear of high voltage power lines on poles or towers.
1.2.9 Prescribed Activity
No person is to undertake work in a prescribed occupation or activity unless they have the
relevant qualifications and proof of competency. Subcontractors should supply this information
to the principal contractor and provide a safe work statements for inclusion in the site safety
plan.
Prescribed activities are defined as: demolition work, asbestos removal, crane, hoist or
concrete boom operation, dogger, scaffolder.
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June 2013
1.2.10 Hazardous Chemicals
Hazardous Chemicals are listed in NOHSC 10005: List of Designated Hazardous Substances.
If using a hazardous chemical, the subcontractor has the following obligations:

obtain the hazardous chemical’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) – the supplier is legally
obliged to supply this on request;

perform a risk assessment on the substance’s use and keep a record;

train any persons using the hazardous chemical in its safe use;

keep a register of all hazardous chemical and SDS;

advise that they propose to use the hazardous chemical at the site;

provide the principal contractor with a copy of the chemical’s SDS.
The principal contractor will use this information to develop and maintain:

a register of all hazardous chemical (see site safety plan),

a Hazardous Chemical SDS / SDS Register.
1.2.11 Asbestos Materials (ACM) / Product
The principal contractor will consult with the owner of any existing structures in order to
ascertain if asbestos materials are present.
If present, the principal contractor will obtain an Asbestos Material Register from the owner
and advise all subcontractors before they start work.
An approved Safe Work Method Statement will be developed with the subcontractor and
noted as a high risk activity.
The subcontractor will provide to the principle contractor a copy of any submission required
under the National WHS Act in relation to the removal of asbestos as proof of notification to
NT WorkSafe.
Note: Telstra pits may contain asbestos. Check before accessing
and inform Supervisor if in doubt.
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June 2013
Section 2: Workplace Consultation, Communication, Co-operation
and Co-ordination
2.1
PCBU Officer – Gusher and Trades Reps
The PCBU Officer for Gusher is Mick Malady with designated authorities to Rob Rayner.
Subcontractors with 20 or more workers shall provide the name and contact details of the
company PCBU Officer to Rob Rayner or the Project Manager. For businesses with less
employees the company owner shall be considered to be the PCBU Officer for the purposes
of project management.
The Gusher PCBU Officer Representative shall act with the project manager to organise and
ensure communication and cooperation of all subcontractor representatives and coordination
of project activities shall be undertaken.
The subcontractor PCBU Reps shall be required, when on site to participate in activities such
as:




Workplace inspections
WHS and toolbox meetings
Hazard notifications and risk assessment processes
Assisting in workplace safety issue resolutions
Each project shall have a documented process for consultation and communication including
the coordination of activities. This shall be displayed in the workplace and included in
induction.
2.2
Workplace Health and Safety Committee
The purpose of the Workplace Health and Safety Committee is to foster cooperation between
subcontractors and the principal contractor in ensuring workplace health and safety at the site.
Gusher shall establish a project based WHS committee if asked by a PCBU Rep or PCBU
Officer on sites with at least 20 workers.
Where a safety committee exists workers are encouraged to nominate for the committee and
attend meetings.
2.3
Workplace WHS Dispute Resolution
Any health and safety concerns not resolved to the satisfaction of any subcontractor or worker
are to be noted in the site safety plan diary and brought to the attention of the compliance
manager as soon as possible.
If the matter(s) continue(s) to be unresolved after a further 5 working days, the issue may be
referred to NT WorkSafe for arbitration and resolution.
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June 2013
Section 3: Inductions
3.1
Defence/Spotless induction
Any person intending to carry out construction work or maintenance on any Defence base,
must completed a Defence and/or Spotless induction.
The Defence and Spotless Induction cover the JSA requirements and site specific
requirements for working on base.
Any subcontractor working with Gusher is responsible for ensuring that all workers are
competent and meet the above requirements.
The principal contractor will record site induction details of all personnel and retain the record
on site for the duration of the project.
3.2
Site-Specific Induction (Projects)
Any person entering an area where construction work is being performed must read and
understand the principal contractor’s site-specific rules or be accompanied by the principal
contractor or someone with site specific induction.
Visitors must undergo an induction but this can be limited to immediate hazards, potential
safety risks and emergency procedures.
All persons undertaking any form of site induction must sign the Register. Maintenance
workers must check in with the prearranged contact.
The site specific induction is based on the site safety management plan and includes:

details of the site PCBU Representative (if appointed).

details of workplace health and safety representatives (where appointed/elected) and
site health and safety committee (if there is one).

expected duration of construction work.

how the effectiveness of hazard control measures will be checked.

site working hours and rules.

emergency procedures including name and contact details of the first aid officer and a
contact person for health and safety concerns.

details of any plant provided for common use.
3.2.1
Site map
On large projects, the principal contractor will have a map showing:

Site office (including telephone)

Fire extinguishers and first aid facilities

Emergency evacuation muster point

Toilets, washing facilities, drinking water, eating area, smoking area

Electrical supply points

Waste collection areas – bins, skips, chutes

Areas to be kept clear – temporary roads, walkways

Parking areas

Environmental controls – silt fences etc.
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Section 4: Site rules
The purpose of this section is to clearly state the rules that apply to any person working at, or visiting
the site.
4.1
Incident management:
4.1.1
Project Emergency Response Plan
Projects have in place an emergency response plan.
Additionally subcontractors must plan for an emergency rescue and retrieval
[response] for specific high risk work at the site [SWMS]. That must be co-ordinated
with Gusher’s emergency response arrangements.
4.1.2
Subcontractor First Aid
All subcontractors are to have a suitable first aid kit available. Any incident requiring
first aid treatment must be recorded in the site Injury Register.
4.2
Common Plant
4.2.1
The principal contractor may provide common plant for subcontractors’ use. Details of
any common plant will be listed in the site safety plan.
Common plant is to be used as per the manufacturer’s and/or supplier’s instructions.
Users must be instructed in its use and any damaged or defective plant is to be
reported to the principal contractor immediately. Under no circumstances can any
common plant be modified without prior approval from the principal contractor.
4.2.2
Subcontractors must conduct a hazard assessment of all plant to ensure it is safe for
the intended purpose and inform gusher of where it is located on site. A pre start
check will need to be done and records submitted to Gusher.
4.3 Public protection
Subcontractors must ensure:
4.4

nothing is stored or placed outside the site boundary or fence without the approval of
the principal contractor

any site barricade or hoarding must not be modified, relocated or dismantled without
the principal contractor’s prior approval

the last person to leave the site must ensure it is secure by closing all barricades, any
signs are visible and there are no hazards to the public.
Existing services
All buried and overhead services shall be identified prior to commencement of work on site by the
Project Supervisor visual inspection, Using Dial Before You Dig, site plans/drawings provided by the
client and if required specialised detection equipment/contractors.
Provide details of buried and overhead services to workers and subcontractors.
Copies of reports and drawings shall be available in the site office. Any person undertaking work in
vicinity of buried or overhead services must provide a SWMS before proceeding.
PARKING
Parking over existing services including footpaths in not permitted. When
manoeuvring plant into position over existing services or footpaths a spotter
must be used.
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4.5
Safety signs
Safety signs will be posted by the principal contractor according to the size and complexity of
the workplace. Signs will be kept in good condition and can include:

directions to the site office;

location of first aid facilities, fire and spill equipment;

areas to be kept clear;

hazardous chemical storage areas;

identity of the principal contractor;

emergency procedures;

areas where PPE such as head and/or foot protection must be worn;

“keep out” signs at each point of entry to the site.
Subcontractors must follow the directions of any safety sign and also install any necessary
hazard specific signs in their work area.
4.6
Housekeeping
Subcontractors have an obligation ensure:
4.7

access ways on to and around the site are safe and clear;

all rubbish, building waste and spoil to be cleaned up daily;

work areas are to be kept clean at all times, materials for future use must be safely
stored in appropriate areas;

bottles, cans, and other refuse to be removed from eating areas after breaks.
Amenities
All subcontractors and workers must:
4.8

keep toilets clean and tidy at all times;

do not use personal washing facilities to clean equipment or gear;

keep rest areas clean and free of rubbish, tools and equipment etc;

report any problems with amenities to the site supervisor.
Materials, tools, plant and equipment
Subcontractors should keep a register of all plant used on site, including hazard assessments
and daily service records. If any plant or equipment is damaged, it must be removed from
service and tagged “Out of Order” or similar.
All equipment must be in good condition, and be serviced and maintained according to the
manufacturer’s requirements.
4.9
Lone Workers – working in isolation from others
No person is to work alone without the express permission from the principal contractor.
Any permission granted will require the subcontractor to have a system of emergency contact
in the event of an incident.
ANY WORKER WORKING ALONE [PERMISSION GRANTED] MUST NOTIFY THEIR
SUPERVISOR/MANAGER WHEN LEAVING THE SITE [FINISHED OR RETURNING
LATER]. EVERY ON/OFF SITE ACTIVITY MUSTBE REPORTED.
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4.10
Site Workers
All persons must:
4.11

follow all workplace health and safety, quality and environmental directions;

follow approved work method statements;

comply with the site rules;

not consume alcohol and or illegal drugs during work hours, including smoko or lunch
breaks;

be free of the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol while on site.
Clients, consultants, visitors, auditors, inspectors etc.
Any person who will enter an area where construction work is being performed must be given
an induction (Section 3.2) and be accompanied by a person who has been given a site
specific induction.
Visitors such as clients and consultants not performing construction work do not need a
general induction but will be escorted during their time on the site. This will involve signing a
visitors book and carrying a temporary visitors pass.
4.12
Site delivery arrangements
Delivery people should be visitor inducted, then escorted or supervised by someone with
Gusher and site-specific induction. Goods should be stored in designated areas.
4.13
Fire extinguishers
Subcontractors will carry complying fire extinguishers when undertaking hot works (welding,
oxy/acetylene cutting, grinding). The extinguisher must be in the immediate work area. Fire
extinguishers must have a current tag they have been checked.
4.14
Environmental
Subcontractors are required to comply with applicable legislation and any environmental plans
in relation to the site or the project.
4.15
Failure to comply notice
Where a worker or a subcontractor fails to comply with Gusher’s safety, quality or
environmental standards, a warning – verbal or written – will be issued placing those
concerned on notice. A second or subsequent incident, or a serious incident, will result in
instant dismissal.
4.16
Other requirements as attached
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Section 5: Emergency Management
Gusher shall respond to an incident or emergency in order to minimise injury to persons and damage
to property. Refer Project Emergency Response Plan.
Incident management relies on following these six (6) steps:
1. Check for danger
2. Call for help
3. Administer first aid
4. Secure the area
5. Notify NT WorkSafe if required
6. Investigate
5.1
Emergency procedures
All subcontractors are accountable for their site workers in the event of an emergency.
Any incident involving a subcontractor or their workers must be reported to the principal
contractor. All incidents, injuries and treatment are to be recorded.
Standard incident types and responses are listed below however project emergency response
plans shall identify project specific incidents and must be included in any site inductions.
5.1.1 Fire

alert all personnel to the danger;

use extinguisher or fire blanket to fight the fire if possible without undue risk;

if unable to control, call 000 (fire), clear the site and assemble at designated assembly
area.
5.1.2 Electrical storm

alert outdoor workers of the potential danger

stay indoors, in a vehicle or under substantial shelter during lightning activity

do not use telephones, including mobiles, during the storm
5.1.3 High wind warning

stop all external work

secure any loose objects that could become missiles

follow action for electrical storms
5.1.4 Cyclones – cyclone watch

check site for potential missiles and secure anything not in immediate use

identify essential personnel to totally secure the site if required

await further instructions by Gusher management
5.1.5 Wet Season - Cyclones / cyclone warning
During the wet season gusher senior management are provided a text message early warning
call from the NT weather bureau. Notification on site will be immediate and the following
activities shall be undertaken.

Secure, store in a secure area or remove all material from site

Tape or cover windows etc

Lower and secure any fencing, signs or barriers

Perform a final check to ensure there are no loose or unsecured items on site

Evacuate work site until the all-clear is given.
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5.2
Site Map
For major projects, a site map is often the most effective method of identifying administration
facilities, fire extinguishers, parking and storage areas, entrance and exit points, first aid
facilities and evacuation meeting points.
5.3
First Aid Officer
The type of first aid resources needed is dependent on the size and complexity of the
construction workplace.
Persons on site should have access to trained first aid personnel. If the site presents relatively
small or easily managed hazards, then access to trained personnel may be achieved in an
arrangement with a nearby medical centre.
Where possible a trained first-aider will be on site.
5.4
First Aid Resources
Every project site has specific first aid resources which are clearly marked on site plans.
All sites have a first aid kit available which includes burn cream, eye irrigation solution,
tweezers, bandages and other dressings, band-aids, scissors, saline solution, slings and
splints.
These kits may also be transportable, allowing them to be taken to an incident scene.
All subcontractors are to have their own first aid kits.
Gusher’s kits are numbered and listed to make it possible to regularly check and maintain
supplies.
5.5
Incident notification, recording and reporting
NT WorkSafe must be notified in the following situations;

The death of a person

A serious injury or illness

A dangerous incident

An uncontrolled escape, spillage or leakage of a substance

An uncontrolled implosion, explosion or fire

An uncontrolled escape of gas or steam

An uncontrolled escape of a pressurised substance

Electric shock

The fall or release from a height of any plant, substance or thing

The collapse, overturning, failure or malfunction of, or damage to, any plant that is
required to be design or item registered under the regulations

The collapse or partial collapse of a structure

The collapse or failure of an excavation or of any shoring supporting an excavation

The inrush of water, mud or gas in workings, in an underground excavation or tunnel

The interruption of the main system of ventilation in an underground excavation or
tunnel.
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The principal contractor must make the notification in the approved form (Regulation 46 (4))
as soon as possible, but within 7 days.
The scene must not be interfered with, except to save life, relieve suffering or prevent injury to
persons or to avoid further injury, loss or damage to property. In all other cases approval from
a Work Health Inspector must be obtained before altering the scene of the incident.
5.6
Incident investigation
Workplace incidents should be investigated in order to prevent recurrence.
An Incident Investigation Form is provided in the site safe work plan.
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Section 6: Managing Subcontractors
6.1
Principal Contractor’s Obligations – Gusher as the principal contractor
The National Code of Practice for the Construction Industry (the Code) and the Australian
Government Implementation Guidelines for the National Code of Practice for the Construction
Industry, reissued May 2012 (the guidelines), apply to all Gusher projects. By agreeing to
undertake works on Gusher projects, you will be taken to have read and agree to comply with
the Code and Guidelines.
The principal contractor has an obligation under the National WHS Act to ensure the orderly
conduct of all work. A site specific induction highlights to sub-contractors and their staff the
on-site hazards and the control measures adopted to eliminate or minimise the risks
associated with those hazards.
The principal contractor must also ensure sub-contractors manage health and safety matters,
including:

all work must be completed in accordance with the National WHS Act and
Regulations and associated Australian Standards and Codes of Practice;

all work must be completed in accordance with the principal contractor’s safe work
plan, site rules, policies, procedures, directions or directions from the site supervisor;

participation in any site consultative process, inspection, audit or other intervention to
ensure health and safety on site;

the removal by the sub-contractor of any person who refuses to abide by these safety
policies and procedures.
6.2 Subcontractors’ Obligations
Subcontractors have health and safety obligations including:

the submission of a work method statement for all high risk activities;

the submission of a hazard assessment for major plant items used on site;

evidence that all staff have appropriate induction;

read and comply with the National Code of Practice for the Construction Industry

evidence that staff required to work in a prescribed occupation are competent and
have the appropriate licence or ticket to operate;

strict adherence to site incident reporting and recording;

participation and cooperation in any incident investigation process subject to the
normal rules regarding self-incrimination;

evidence of the sub-contractor’s compliance with any policy, procedure, rule, direction
or order from the principal contractor;

notifying the principal contractor of any hazards associated with tasks or materials
used and control measures and monitoring necessary to complete the work safely
and with minimum risk;

any other matter required to be considered on Gusher work sites.
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Section 7: Critical incident management
7.1 Requirements
Workplace Health and Safety legislation requires employers to provide a safe and healthy
workplace. As a critical incident in the workplace may cause severe emotional impacts on
workers and subcontractors, Gusher has a responsibility to respond effectively if such an
incident occurs.
A critical incident is a situation faced by workers at work that may cause them to experience
unusually strong reactions which have the potential to interfere with their ability to function
adequately either in their working or personal environment.
For example:

situations that threaten the safety of workers;

serious injury or death of a colleague;

work situations or events that attract media attention;

unusual incidents that produce a high level of emotional reaction;

verbal and/or physical threats or abuse.
An outline of this plan is to be included in all project and site inductions.
7.2 Response plan (see next page)
In the event of such a situation occurring, the project/site managers will:

immediately advise senior management and workers involved;

stand down the site until the situation is fully assessed;

assist or delegate assistance to anyone adversely affected.
Senior management will:

identify those involved and resources needed

provide accurate information to relevant authorities

advise the families of those involved

assess the response with the managing director if media is involved

check buildings/structures which may be unsafe and need immediate repair

collect information for accident/incident reports
7.3 Follow-up
1. Debrief affected workers within 72 hours, either as a group or individually.
2. Assist those who may need ongoing support.
3. Ensure accurate information about the incident is passed to other site and project
workers.
4. Ensure accident/incident reports are fully completed.
7.4 Evaluation
1.
2.
3.
4.
Speak with all those involved in the incident for feedback on incident response.
If necessary, contact support or emergency response groups for feedback.
Prepare an agenda item for the next Gusher management meeting.
Ensure any changes identified and approved are included in this document and
communicated to all workers and subcontractors at the earliest opportunity.
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7.5 Review
This plan should be reviewed and updated as required, or

after any incident or accident classified as critical

no later than 12 months after the previous review
7.6 Immediate response steps
The need to defuse and debrief is a priority. In cases of acute critical incidents, prompt
counselling may be needed to reduce the likelihood of post-incident stress.
Step 1:
Gather group together and summarise what has happened. State what you know
and what you don’t know.
Step 2:
Ask workers if they have any questions. This should lead to discussion,
clarification and personal expression.
Step 3:
Decide what will happen next in relation to the incident and make interim
arrangements for work responsibilities.
Step 4:
Present the support arrangements – this should include contact arrangements
after hours if required)
Step 5:
Assess immediate needs for personal support and practical help.
Step 6:
Give advice on what to do next including handouts and contact numbers.
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