OHS Coordination Plan

Under the Occupational Health and Safety (Construction) Regulations 2017 the Principal
Contractor will be required to produce an OHS Coordination Plan for any project over
$350,000 in value, prior to the commencement of the project and to maintain and update it
throughout the course of the project.

Information required to be contained within the Coordination Plan includes:

 Names, positions and responsibilities of persons who have specific responsibilities

for safety
 The arrangements for coordination of the safety of everyone engaged to do the
work.
 The arrangements for managing OHS incidents
 Site Safety Rules with arrangements for ensuring that everyone at the workplace is
informed of the rules.

In essence this domestic site safety plan fulfills the requirements of the legislation with
respect to the essential elements of the Coordination Plan.

The Principal Contractor is required to ensure that before any person commences
construction work they are made aware of the Coordination Plan.

Across all sectors of the Construction Industry Principal Contractors are to a large extent
dependent upon their Subcontractors to ensure a safe system of work for their employees. It
is, after all, the Subcontractor employees who, to a large extent, actually undertake the work.
Apart from exercising supervision, the means by which Principal Contractors generally gain
an understanding of the means by which Subcontractors will perform their work safely is by
requesting copies of the Safe Work Method Statements from the Subcontractors.

When preparing an OHS Coordination Plan the names, positions and responsibilities of
persons who have specific responsibilities for safety may not be limited just to employees of
the Principal Contractor, particularly on housing construction projects where the builder is
largely dependent on the Subcontractor to ensure the safety of their employees. Principal
Contractors may therefore specify the names of their Subcontractors as persons who have
specific responsibilities for safety.

One of the responsibilities for Subcontractors that should be listed is that the Subcontractor
will prepare Safe Work Method Statements for any high risk construction activities to be
performed, and ensure that work will be undertaken in accordance with those Safe Work
Method Statements. Whilst this serves to re-affirm the duties that the Subcontractor has
under the Occupational Health and Safety (Construction) Regulations 2017, the Safe Work
Method Statements also provide information that supports the Coordination Plan, particularly
the arrangements for coordination of safety.

Principal Contractors should also think about the manner in which they will ensure that all
persons performing work on the site will be made aware of the Coordination Plan. On most
Commercial Building sites this will normally happen as workers are inducted onto the site. In
housing construction projects the Principal Contractor could make arrangements with their
Subcontractors to display the plans on a site noticeboard or forward the Plans by fax or email
with prior arrangements for the Subcontractor to pass the information contained within the
plan to their employees. The site safety plan should be made readily available to anyone
who is about to start, or currently engaged to do construction work at the site.
OHS Coordination Plan
Project: Location:

Prepared by: Date:

Name of principal contractor: Phone number:

Note: This coordination plan must be reviewed if there are any significant changes to the work. It must be available for inspection by
anyone doing construction work on the project, new employees, health and safety representatives and members of the health and safety
committee.

PEOPLE WITH SPECIFIC HEALTH AND SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES

Name Position Phone no. Brief description of OHS responsibilities
Overall OHS management
Site Prepare, monitor and make available the OHS Coordination plan
Foreman Ensure company signage posted
Ensure all contractors and visitors receive site safety information
Consult with employees & contractors on OHS matters that may affect them
Director Receive and review SWMS from sub-contractors
Ensure that all persons kept informed of safety issues related to this site
When present on site inspect the site and ensure that work is being done by
subcontractors in accordance with SWMS
Provide SWMS
All Subcontractors
Ensure that all their employees are trained in SWMS
Ensure that work is done in accordance with SWMS.

First aider Provide first aid assistance if needed. Ensure first aid kit is kept well stocked

ARRANGEMENTS FOR COORDINATING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF THE PROJECT

Describe the responsibilities for the arrangements. Include the arrangements for communicating with contractors and
others who may be off-site from time to time.
Item Responsible person
Identify site safety needs and establish site
Ensure company signage posted.
Prepare, monitor, maintain and make available the OHS Coordination plan
Consult with employees & sub-contractors on OHS matters that may affect them
Ensure all contractors and visitors receive site safety information
Confirm subcontractors give site safety briefings to their workers
Receive and review SWMS from sub-contractors
Conduct weekly site inspections
When present on site inspect the site and ensure that work is being done by subcontractors in accordance
with SWMS
Supply and maintain the site first aid kit
When off-site, ensure OHS information is passed on by (back-up). Otherwise ensure alternative
communication means are arranged with each subcontractor (eg fax, email, SMS)
Provide site specific SWMS. Ensure that SWMS is modified if controls are not adequate
Ensure that work is done in accordance with SWMS All Subcontractors
Consult with their employees on OHS matters that may affect them
Ensure employees have construction induction training and that site safety briefings given to employees
before starting work

ARRANGEMENTS FOR MANAGING HEALTH AND SAFETY INCIDENTS

Include responsibilities for notifying the emergency services and WorkSafe.
Item Responsible person
Provide first aid assistance if needed. Ensure first aid kit is kept well stocked
Maintain site register of injuries book and investigate incidents
Ensure that details of nearest medical and other facilities are recorded at the site
Ensure that all sub-contractors are aware of incident response procedures
Make calls to WorkSafe for notifiable incidents and ensure scene of incidents are preserved
Report any incidents immediately to Site Supervisor All Subcontractors
SITE SAFETY RULES
Each rule should be simple and clear, covering only one issue. Set out who is covered by each rule, and who is responsible for
communicating it.
General Prohibitions
 Being under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs Hot Work
 Not using the sanitary facilities provided Falling Objects  Hot work includes welding, soldering, cutting and grinding metals
 Fighting, violence or vandalism of any kind  Always wear your hard hat in designated areas and must be performed by suitably trained persons
 Bullying, pranks or horse play  Penetrations must be covered or have toe boards  A SWMSs must be written prior to any hot work
 Loud radios, dogs or firearms  Stay away from ‘No Access’ and ‘No Go’ areas  Combustible materials must be removed from the area and
 Secure loose material you use such as ply board, roofing sheets suitable fire extinguishers must be available at all times.
Unauthorised persons are also prohibited from: and off-cuts  Nylon vests and flammable clothing is not to be worn
 Do not stack materials close to unmeshed guardrails and
 Entering the site after hours or commencing any tasks without prior approval by perimeter edges Welding
the site supervisor  Secure materials against falling or pick-up by wind Check oxy-acetylene equipment prior to use for:
 Entering restricted/prohibited areas  Alert your supervisor of any falling object hazards  Damage to hoses, torch, gauges
 Tampering or interfering with or blocking emergency equipment or any other safety  Flashback arrestors fitted to the outlet side of both fuel gas and
equipment Electrical Safety oxygen regulators
 Re-instating tripped circuit breakers and safety switches  All electrical tools, leads, multi-plug adaptors, plant and  A suitable fire extinguisher should be ‘attached’ to each welding
 Removing or obstructing safety signs equipment used on site must have an up-to-date test tag and must and oxy-acetylene kit
 Removing barriers, hole covers or guardrails; be in a safe working condition  Gas Cylinders should always be kept upright and secured by
 Bringing children on site  Use only RCD protected power supplies chains, even when transported around work sites in a trolley or
 Portable lights must be mesh guarded and suitable for the task lifting frame
Workers as are required at all times to follow  All extension leads must be “heavy duty” and to be kept elevated  All arc welders must wear eye protection, welding gloves and
 OHS officer and site supervisor instructions on insulated stands or hooks to protect against mechanical protective clothing to cover all skin
 Specific job safety instructions and control measures written in SWMSs or other damage and to provide clear access for personnel and vehicles  Screens must be used to protect other persons from welding
safety procedures  Household adaptors, double adaptors, piggy-back adaptors and flashes
 Plant supplier’s/hirer’s safe procedures for operating plant, machinery, ladders, homemade switchboards or powerboards are prohibited on site  Fume extracting system must be used in poorly ventilated areas
and tools  All electrical repairs must be carried out by a qualified electrician
Lasers
Safety Breaches Lasers must not be used on this site unless:
 Repeat offenders will be required to undergo re-induction and will be put on notice. Plant Safety  Labelled with the class of laser - Only class 1, 2, 3A and 3B
 Further breaches are unacceptable and will trigger immediate action to safeguard Workers must not operate any plant or equipment, unless: (restricted) lasers are permitted on this site
the site or to prevent further breaches  Fully trained and authorised to do so  For class 2, 3A and 3B a trained laser safety officer with a
 Serious OHS breaches and refusal to follow OHS officer or site supervisor  Holding an appropriate Certificate of Competency where required certificate must be in charge of laser operations. All laser operators
instructions will not be tolerated and may result in instant dismissal from site. by law. must have suitable laser safety training
 Daily plant checks have been carried out and the plant is fitted  Warning signs are in position at entry points where the lasers are
Safety Signs and their Meaning with all the recommended safety devices, guards and signs and used
 Workers are to follow all safety signs and instructions eg. “Danger No Entry” the plant is not faulty (report any faults to your supervisor)
means that the area must not be entered under any circumstances - no  Long hair is fully and securely contained within a hair net or Compressed Air Tools
exceptions. similar when working with or near plant or power tools that have Compressed air used irresponsibly can cause severe injury or death.
 “Unsafe - Do Not Operate” or “Danger Do Not Use” or similar sign or tag on plant moving parts. Make sure that the following safety rules are always observed:
or equipment means that it must not be used under any circumstances Do not remove any safety guards or safety devices  Hose couplings have safety clips
 A safety sign may save a life - Do not cover or obstruct any signs posted on this  Hose ends are secured to prevent ‘whipping.
site Scaffolds  Shut air off at main valve before replacing tools
 Any traffic signs and speed limits posted on site must be adhered to at all times  Scaffolds from which a person or object could fall more than 4 m  Keep all body parts clear of nail gun firing line
must only be erected, altered and dismantled by certificated NEVER:
Personal Protective Equipment scaffolders. Scaffolds with a potential fall-height of 2 metres or  Use compressed air to cool off or to blow dust off clothes, skin or
 Safety footwear must be worn on this site at all times more must have guardrails, mid-rails and kickboards hair or direct at another person
 Bare feet, thongs or non-safety footwear are prohibited  Do not remove guardrails, planks or ladders or alter/ modify any  Use compressed air for practical jokes
 Hard hats, hearing and eye protection must be worn in designated areas part of a scaffold unless you are suitably qualified and approved  Kink the hose to cut off the air supply
 The correct type of work clothing and PPE must be worn at all times to do it
 Never use scaffold guardrails to gain extra height or work from Explosive Powered Tools
Injuries, Incidents and Near Misses improvised platforms such as planks on guardrails, or stepladders  EPT users are to be under the supervision of a qualified person
 All injuries no matter how minor must be reported to the first aider and recorded in on decks and all workers must be inducted into the SWMS prior to use of an
the register of injury.  Do not climb the bare framework of the scaffold EPT
 All incidents, including near misses and dangerous occurrences must be reported  Do not overload platforms or block access. All platforms and  Before using an EPT make sure no one is in the firing line of the
to the site supervisor. points of access are to be kept clear and unobstructed for a tool
minimum of 450 mm  Eye and hearing protection must be worn by all persons involved in
Housekeeping  Build-up of material or debris must be removed regularly by those EPT tasks, including persons assisting
 Keep amenities areas clean and tidy at all times generating it  Collect all used rounds and dispose of safely off-site
 Dispose of rubbish into designated bins  Falling material or debris generated during use must be confined  A “CAUTION—EXPLOSIVE-POWERED TOOL IN USE” sign
 Keep access ways and work areas free from obstacles, and tripping hazards, to the working platform must be displayed
hoses, leads, protruding nails, sharp objects, building materials and scraps. Do not
store materials/equipment in aisles and access ways Mobile Scaffolds Hazardous Substances & Dangerous Goods
 Follow the manufacturers/suppliers written instructions for correct For all hazardous substances or dangerous goods brought on site
erection, use and dismantling subcontractors must provide:
Working at Heights  Use only on a hard, level surface and lock wheels (castors)  A full list of the hazardous substances to be used
 Fall protection must be in place for anyone who could fall 2 metres or more, e.g. before use. Never move a mobile scaffold unless everyone is off  MSDS for each substance
safe work platforms such as scaffolding, EWPs, boom lifts, etc. it and all loose items have been removed, or have been secured  Adequate labelling of all substance containers
 Open sides of floors, penetrations, roofs, stair wells, lift shafts must be provided against falling.  SWMS for the use of each substance
with guardrails midrails and toe boards or covered with strong, secure material  Workers inducted into the SWMS and the MSDS
 Safety harnesses must not be used without adequate operator training, anchor Trenches and excavations
points, and an emergency rescue plan Must have perimeter guardrails, barrier or cover so that there is no risk of Hazardous Building Materials
anyone falling in A SWMS must be written prior to any tasks involving:
 Ladders are only allowed for short duration, light work where stability and a hand
Must be left securely covered while unattended  Asbestos. If you find asbestos on site do not disturb it in any way.
hold can be maintained, and only if it is not practicable to use other temporary
If deeper than 1.5 metres: Report it to your supervisor. No asbestos is to be removed unless
work platforms such as trestles, scaffolds and elevating work platforms
 Must have safe ladder access into trenches or holes authorised by the site supervisor
 When working on a ladder make sure:
 Do not enter unsupported trenches or holes  Silica - Silica dust can be generated from bricks, tiles, mortar,
 The ladder is suitable for the task and is rated industrial (using makeshift ladders
is prohibited)  All workers must wear safety helmets sandstone and concrete, particularly when dry cutting, chasing,
 Both hands are always free to ascend and descend  Do not work alone in an excavation sawing, grinding or scabbling
 Both feet rest on the ladder and are no higher than the third tread from the top  Synthetic Mineral Fibres (SMF) - Commonly found in insulation
Demolition batts, ceiling tiles, loose ceiling insulation, air conditioning duct
rung (or 900 mm) from the top of the ladder
 Prior to any demolition safe work procedures and SWMSs must be insulation and pipe lagging
 You avoid overreaching (the belt buckle should always be within the stiles of the
written  Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), chipboard and hardwood
ladder).
 The adequacy of floors and supporting structures to bear loads products
imposed by demolition plant must be verified by a qualified
engineer UV Protection
 For demolition of roofs adequate fall protection must be provided When working outdoors, follow safety measures to minimise exposure to
sunlight. Cover as much skin as possible:
Manual Handling  Wear broad brimmed hats, or hard hat fitted brims;
 Use mechanical lifting aids wherever possible  Wear well fitted long-sleeved clothing;
 Never lift beyond your capacity  Wear close-fitting, wrap around sunglasses;
 If the load is heavy - ask for assistance  Apply broad spectrum SPF30+ sunscreen on exposed skin and
SPF30+ lip balm.