Examination of the definition of “construction project” under the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations 2014

Summary

In Australia, national harmonisation of occupational health and safety (OHS) regulation was pursued through the development of model Work Health and Safety legislation. The model Work Health and Safety Regulations specify that construction works above a threshold monetary value are deemed to be construction projects requiring the appointment of a principal contractor with duties relating to OHS planning and coordination. The research explored the effectiveness of the monetary threshold as a suitable trigger for specific OHS planning and coordination duties.

The monetary threshold was perceived to be subject to two forms of capture problem, reflecting inadvertent capture of low risk works or failure to capture high risk works. Organisations were also reported to deliberately split contracts to avoid capture by the threshold. The cost estimate modelling revealed inequalities and variation in the operation of the monetary threshold by geographic location and design specification.

Team

  • Helen Lingard
  • Amanda Warmerdam
  • Salman Shooshtarian

Partners

  • Safe Work Australia

Testimonial

Safe Work Australia was very satisfied with the quality and standard of the final report produced by the applicant in relation to this project. RMIT employed innovative techniques to analyse qualitative information and the report revealed thought provoking insights into the policy question.

Peer-reviewed papers/outputs

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.