WorkSafe Victoria obligations for small builders

WHS obligations for principal contractors

Small builders must ensure compliance with safety regulations, to help reduce the risk of injured and killed workers on building projects and incidents damaging property and equipment. including mandatory safety training for all workers, regular safety inspections, and comprehensive risk assessments. 

Key obligations

A principal contractor must be appointed for all construction projects valued at $250,000 or more.

As a principal contractor, you must:

• erect signs that give your contact details and the nature of the work being carried out
• for projects more than $350k a written work health and safety (WHS) management plan must be prepared before work begins, and make it available to workers
• get a copy of the safe work method statement relating to high risk construction work
• manage risks to health and safety, and general risks, specifically those associated with:
  • storing, moving and disposing materials and waste at the site
  • storing plant that isn’t in use
  • controlling traffic around the site
  • maintaining essential services