Australian Capital Territory
Work Safety (National Standard for Construction Work) Code of Practice 2010
Disallowable instrument DI2010-235
made under the  
Work Safety Act 2008, section 18 (Codes of Practice)

Explanatory Statement

Section 18 (1)) of the Work Safety Act 2008 provides that the Minister may approve a code of practice to provide practical guidance about the Act.  Section 18(2) provides that, before approving a proposed code of practice, the Minister must consult the ACT Work Safety Council.  At its 3rd meeting on 18 June 2010, the Council noted that approval would be sought to notify the National Standard for Construction Work [NOHSC: 1016 (2005)] as a Code of Practice in the ACT.

The object of the Code is to protect persons from the hazards associated with construction work by requiring specified classes of persons to ensure these hazards are identified, the risks they pose assessed, and either the risks eliminated or, where this is not reasonably practicable, the risks are minimised; and requiring the provision of information, consultation, planning, documentation, training and other measures to ensure occupational health and safety. 

This Code applies to clients and designers of construction projects; persons with control of a construction project; persons with control of construction work; persons engaged to undertake construction work; and  construction sites, but does not apply to owners or occupiers of dwellings personally performing construction work on those dwellings.   The Code does not supersede obligations under relevant legislation. 

The benefits of following the Code could include-

•	improved business performance, efficiency and productivity;
•	fewer workers’ compensation claims, which may lead to lower premiums;
•	faster and easier return to work for workers who do sustain an injury;
•	fewer absences from work, and less disruption;
•	retention of skilled workers;  and
•	a safe workplace with a positive safety culture.

This instrument takes effect on 1 October 2010.
 
An approval under section 18 is a disallowable instrument.