Our commitment to workers' health, safety and wellbeing
We are committed to supporting the health, safety and wellbeing of our workers. We recognise a healthy and safe workplace is essential to fostering an environment in which people can meaningfully contribute to community and business outcomes.
When doing business with us, contractors and suppliers are expected to contribute to a healthy and safe workplace by complying with the following information.
Work health and safety principles
Our work health and safety (WHS) policy is based on the following principles:
- everyone has a right to a healthy and safe workplace
- the physical and psychological wellbeing of workers is essential in creating a rewarding and productive workplace
- we recognise our responsibilities to work towards eliminating work-related injury and illness, and support and rehabilitate injured workers
- a strong and open relationship with workers and health and safety representatives is essential
- workers have a responsibility to act in a safe manner and to report risks and accidents as they occur
- promoting improvements in WHS practices is important to achieve a healthy and safe working environment.
What you can expect of us
When working with us under a contract, agreement or other documented work arrangement we will:
- consult with contractors about work health and safety duties and obligations to determine how shared responsibilities will be managed
- provide induction training and workplace walkthrough before you start any contracted work
- provide workers with a healthy and safe workplace in which physical and psychological risks are eliminated or mitigated
- provide safe furniture, equipment and systems of work
- train workers so they can use the furniture and equipment correctly and work safely
- supervise workers to monitor their health and safety
- provide adequate facilities for the welfare of workers and visitors
- consult with workers on matters that may affect their health and safety
- investigate health and safety incidents and implement further risk mitigation if needed
- ongoing monitoring of the contract to ensure contract specific WHS requirements are met.
We will also:
- provide sufficient information to a supplier so they understand how we will use a product
- comply with the supplier's recommendations about the safe use, storage and disposal of products supplied to us.
Safety induction
Safety induction for contractors is crucial to ensure they understand the specific health and safety requirements of the workplace. Contractors who do work at any of our site locations will receive a safety induction including:
- emergency and evacuation procedures
- first aid assistance and support
- site contact person for reporting health and safety incidents or seeking assistance.
Contractors must complete the safety induction checklist with the staff member who delivered the induction briefing session.
Contractors and visitors do not require a safety induction if they:
- are a returning contractor and have recently completed the site safety induction
- have a staff member escorting them at all times
- are not doing construction and maintenance work
- are not doing work that has work health and safety hazards, such as installing electrical equipment.
What we ask of you
If you are working with us under a contract, agreement or other documented work arrangement we ask that you:
- comply with your obligations under Australian work health and safety legislation and contract specific WHS requirements
- consult with us in relation to work health and safety duties and obligations to determine how shared responsibilities will be managed
- demonstrate you have an effective WHS management system
- provide information on how health and safety risks have been eliminated or mitigated in work undertaken for us
- comply with contract specific WHS requirements for qualifications, licences and registration
- comply with the procedures we have implemented to protect workers' health and safety
- report all incidents that have affected the health and safety of people
- provide sufficient information to allow us to monitor contract specific WHS performance
- understand failure to achieve WHS standards can result in ending the contracted services.
Additionally, we ask that you:
- supply products designed and manufactured to minimise the risk of injury to workers and visitors
- install plant or structures so they will be safe
- provide sufficient information on the safe use, storage and disposal of the product so risks can be eliminated or mitigated.
Behaviour standards
All staff and contractors should treat each other with respect and courtesy in the workplace. We expect all staff to adhere to the APS Code of Conduct.
Harassment, bullying and discrimination is not tolerated, and this type of behaviour is expected to be reported.
Read more about the Code of ConductOpens in a new window on the Australian Public Service Commission website.
Storage and deliveries
The contractor shall not store any plant, equipment or supplies on site unless prior permission has been granted, where appropriate.
Deliveries should be coordinated with the on-site contact person, taking into account suitable methods and times.
Reporting safety incidents
The contractor must report any safety issue to their on-site contact or other key personnel.
We use a real-time reporting system, and key personnel will assist contractors to submit a report to ensure the matter is managed appropriately.
Legislative and policy framework
There are several legislative, policy and related documents that form the Commonwealth framework within which we conduct health, safety and procurement activities.
These are the most important:
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Commonwealth)Opens in a new window
- Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Commonwealth)Opens in a new window
- Work Health and Safety Codes of Practice (Commonwealth)Opens in a new window
- Guidance on occupational health and safety in government procurement (PDF, 862KB)This link will download a file
Who do I go to for help?
Enquiries about contract requirements should be made to your contract manager.
Copies of ATO policies relating to work health and safety can be obtained from PeopleHelpline@ato.gov.au
During your visit to the workplace, contact your designated on-site representative for any queries.