Gusher Pty Ltd
Job and site standards and procedures
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Contents
Project safety guidelines
Section 1 - safety system outline
1.1:
Work method statements
1.2:
Minimum requirements for managing
high risk
construction
Section 2 - workplace consultative arrangements
2.1
Workplace health and safety officer
2.2
Workplace health and safety
representative
2.3
Workplace health and safety committee
2.4
Workplace OHS dispute resolution
Section 3 - inductions
3.1
Defence/Spotless induction
3.2
Site-specific induction
Section 4 - site rules
Section 5 - incident and emergency management
5.1
Emergency procedures
5.2
Site map
5.3
First aid officer
5.4
First aid resources
5.5
Incident notification and reporting
5.6
Incident investigation
Section 6 - minimum regulatory requirements
6.1
Principal contractor’s obligations
6.2
Subcontractor obligations
Section 7 - critical incident management
7.1
Requirements
7.2
Response plan
7.3
Follow-up
7.4
Evaluation and review
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7.5
Immediate response steps
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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
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;

Potentially falling at least 2.0 metres;

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;
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
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 NT Work Health 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 current Northern Territory Work Health Act,
employers must ensure all employees are adequately
trained prior to entering a construction site.
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To met our duty of care, Gusher provides a company and
site specific induction to all our employees and
subcontractors.
The Northern Territory has now adopted the National Code
of Practice for Construction Work. NT White Cards are now
accepted by all jurisdictions. Whilst it is not mandatory to
have a white card, it is one of the ways to demonstrate
compliance to Regulation 43. This will be mandatory
requirement to have a White Card on all Gusher Sites by
end of 2010.
1.2.2
Work at heights
Work under 2 metres:
Where a person could fall less than 2 metres; the
subcontractor must complete a risk assessment to establish
if there are any hazards which could cause death or injury
in the event of a fall. These risks may include a person
falling on to:

vertical reinforcing steel;

the edge of a rubbish skip or similar surface;

a pallet of materials, block, bricks, timber etc;

other objects i.e. picket fence; or

un-sheeted floor bearers and joists, etc.
Should any of the above hazards or other fall hazards be
identified, the subcontractor must assess them and
implement control measures to eliminate or minimise the
risk.
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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 NT Work Health Regulations.
Work at a height over 2 metres.
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.
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
Contraction supervisor before proceeding.
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.
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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.
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, 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:
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1.2.4

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)
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;
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
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..
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
Scaffolding
Any scaffold must be erected in accordance with:

the scaffold plan – (a copy must be provided to the
principal contractor);

NT Work Health Regulations;

Australian Standards AS1576 and AS1577.
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Any person erecting scaffolding where a person or object
could fall 4 metres or more must be a ticketed scaffolder
and hold the certificate of competency. The principal
contractor will record these details.
The person responsible for the erection of any scaffold over
4 metres in height must provide the principal contractor
with a “hand over” certificate. This certificate is to be kept
on site.
Any person performing scaffold work, regardless of height,
must be competent.
While erecting, altering or dismantling the scaffolding, the
subcontractor must:

install it systematically to manufacturers specifications,
inc all braces, ties etc;

ensure each hazard that a person may fall on to, (i.e.
reinforcing steel, pallets, bricks, blocks or rubbish etc) is
identified, assessed and controlled;

use a platform at least 450 mm (2 planks) wide along
the full length of the section to erect components to
the level above; a fully planked platform must be
provided at not less than 2.4 metres below;

install edge protection to each section as soon as
practicable;

provide a means of safe access to the level the
scaffolding has reached, before the next level of
scaffolding is erected;
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
to dismantle a scaffold, use the above steps in the
reverse order.
Where scaffolding is erected for demolition or for erecting
or dismantling formwork, the subcontractor must ensure:

the adjoining area is closed to the extent necessary to
prevent objects falling on or otherwise hitting members
of the public or property in the adjoining area;

perimeter containment screening is erected along each
part of the building from which an object could fall and
hit a member of the public or property in an adjoining
area. This can be done with chain wire fencing (50 x 50
mm max), used with shade cloth attached inside the
wire.
If an adjoining area is unable to be closed off, or perimeter
screening can not be fitted, the sub-contractor must
provide a control equal to or better than the above
requirements before starting work.
1.2.6
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
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
1.2.7
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.
Excavations & 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.
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Subcontractors will provide access and egress to a trench at
not more than nine metres spacing from any part of the
excavation.
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
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must meet the electrical prescribed standards, stand on
a pallet or suitable off the ground arrangement.
1.2.9

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.
Prescribed activity
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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.
1.2.10
Hazardous substances
Hazardous substances are listed in NOHSC 10005: List of
Designated Hazardous Substances.
If using a hazardous substance, the subcontractor has the
following obligations:

obtain the hazardous substance’s Material Safety Data
Sheet (MSDS) – the supplier is legally obliged to supply
MSDS on request;

perform a risk assessment on the substance’s use and
keep a record;

train any persons using the hazardous substance in its
safe use;

keep a register of all hazardous substances and MSDS;

advise that they propose to use the hazardous
substance at the site;

provide the principal contractor with a copy of the
substance’s MSDS.
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The principal contractor will use this information to develop
and maintain:
1.2.11

a register of all hazardous substances (see site safety
plan),

a hazardous substance MSDS register.
Asbestos materials/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 NT Work Health
Act in relation to the removal of asbestos as proof of
notification to NT WorkSafe.
Section 2:
2.1
Workplace consultation
Workplace health and safety officer (WHSO)
A construction workplace health and safety officer is a
representative of the principal contractor. The WHSO
provides advice to the principal contractor on health and
safety issues and facilitates health and safety performance.
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A principal contractor must appoint a suitably qualified
person as a WHSO if 20 or more persons work at the site
during any 24 hour period.
If the principal contractor is a suitably qualified person, he
or she can appoint themselves WHSO.
The principal contractor must display a notice advising the
identity of the WHSO in at least one conspicuous position
at the workplace.
The WHSO may inspect the site (see site safety plan
checklist) and action issues requiring rectification using the
plan’s site inspection action sheet.
2.2
Workplace health and safety representative (WHSR –
20 or more workers)
The role of the WHSR is to facilitate communication and
cooperation between workers and the principal contractor
in workplace health and safety matters.
A workplace health and safety representative is appointed
by the principle contractor or may be elected by workers on
the project.
The WHSR’s name(s) and contact details must be displayed
in one or more positions at the site.
Depending on the size of the workplace, more than one
WHSR may be elected to represent a particular group of
workers (eg plumbers, electricians) or a physical area of the
site.
The WHSR’s entitlements include:
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o
Inspecting the workplace at agreed times;
o
Notifying any incidents to the principal contractor;
and
o
Assisting in the resolution of workplace health and
safety issues.
The WHSR may submit a hazard report to the principal
contractor where hazards are identified during a workplace
inspection.
2.3
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.
The principal contractor must establish a committee if
asked by a WHSR or WHSO on sites with at least 20
employees.
2.4
Workplace dispute resolution
Any health and safety concerns not resolved to the
satisfaction of any subcontractor or employee 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 futher 5
working days, all issues are to be referred to NT WorkSafe
for arbitration and resolution.
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Section 3:
3.1
Inductions
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 employees 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 who 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.
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The site specific induction is based on the site safety
management plan and includes:

details of the site WHSO (if appointed), and a
description of the role.

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,
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walkways
Section 4:

Parking areas

Environmental controls – silt fences etc.
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: Refer to Section 6.
4.1.1
Subcontractors’ emergency plan
All subcontractors should have an emergency plan
for their specific scope of work at the site. That plan
must be co-ordinated with and added to the
principal contractor’s emergency plan for the site.
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
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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. A pre start 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 employees and
subcontractors Copies of reports and drawings shall be available in
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the site office. Any person undertaking work in vicinity of buried or
overhead services must provide a SWMS before proceeding.
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 substance 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:

access ways on to and around the site are safe and
clear;

all rubbish, building waste and spoil to be cleaned up
daily;
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4.7

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
No person is to work alone without the express permission
from the principal contractor.
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Any permission granted will require the subcontractor to
have a system of emergency contact in the event of an
incident.
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
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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
Section 5:
Emergency management
The principal contractor must be able to respond effectively to an
incident or emergency in order to minimise injury to persons and
damage to property.
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Incident management relies on following these six (6) steps:
5.1
1.
Check for danger
2.
Call for help
3.
Administer first aid
4.
Secure the area
5.
Notify NT WorkSafe if required
6.
Investigate
Emergency procedures
All subcontractors are accountable for their site workers in
the event of an emergency.
Any incident involving a subcontractor or their employees
must be reported to the principal contractor. All incidents,
injuries and treatment are to be recorded.
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
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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.
5.1.6 Terrorism, bomb threats

Record details of any telephone conversation, message,
package or letter
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5.2

Evacuate the work site immediately and check all
workers are present

Call 000 (police) and give details

Wait for police to attend. Do not touch any suspect
item
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
A first aid kit is to be available which includes:

burn cream, eye irrigation solution, tweezers, bandages
& other dressings, band-aids, scissors, saline solution,
slings and splints.
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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
Under Regulation 46 of the NT WorkHealth Act, NT
WorkSafe must be notified in the following situations;

An accident or occurrence causing the death of a
person

An accident or occurrence causing or likely to cause the
worker to be absent for 5 or more working days

Where a worker receives an electric shock

Where a worker has to be admitted to hospital as an
in-patient due to exposure to a hazardous substance

Where a person other than a worker is injured by a
workplace activity or by designated plant

An accident or occurrence involving the collapse,
overturning or failure of a load bearing part of a lift,
crane, hoist, lifting gear or scaffolding

An accident or occurrence involving the failure of
pressure equipment

An accident or occurrence involving the collapse of
shoring or an excavation which is more than 1.5 metres
deep
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
An accident or occurrence involving the unplanned
collapse of a building or structure or part of a building
or structure

An accident or occurrence involving an explosion or fire
that results in designated plant being inoperative, or
normal work being suspended for more than 24 hours

An accident or occurrence involving an unplanned
contact between plant and a live electrical conductor

An accident or occurrence involving a malfunction or
failure of personal protective equipment which affects
the health and safety of a person
The principal contractor must make the notification in the
approved form (Regulation 46 (4)) as soon as possible, but
within 7 days.
After an initial report as described above, a written record
must be completed within three days on the Incident
Record/Report (Form 3), by the subcontractor and a copy
given to the principal contractor.
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.
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An Incident Investigation Form is provided in the site safe
work plan.
Section 6:
6.1
Managing sub-contractors
Principal contractor’s obligations
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 August 2009 (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 NT
Work Health 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
NT Work Health Act, NT Work Health Regulations
and associated Australian Standards and Codes of
Practice (See Gusher manual appx 2);

all work must be completed in accordance with the
principal contractor’s safe work plan, site rules,
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policies, procedures, directions or directions from
the site supervisor;
6.2

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.
Sub-contractors’ obligations
Sub-contractors 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;
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
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.
Section 7: Critical incident management
7.1 Requirements
Occupational 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 employees and subcontractors,
Gusher has a responsibility to respond effectively if such an
incident occurs.
A critical incident is a situation faced by employees 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;
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• 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.
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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.
Speak with all those involved in the incident for
feedback on incident response.
2.
If necessary, contact support or emergency
response groups for feedback.
3.
Prepare an agenda item for the next Gusher
management meeting.
4.
Ensure any changes identified and approved are
included in this document and communicated to all
employees and subcontractors at the earliest
opportunity.
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.
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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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