Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00394:body:0:p10
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00394
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 23595–26404

a work health or safety duty in relation to the same matter, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Since various contractors and sub-contractors work on the same construction site, their activities are likely to overlap and interact with each other. They each have a duty to protect the health and safety of workers and other persons at the workplace and must therefore consult, cooperate and coordinate activities to ensure each person is made aware of what the others are doing, to identify the hazards and risks and decide who is best placed to take action to control the risks.
Principal contractors for a construction project have specific duties under the WHS Regulations
to include arrangements in their WHS management plan that outline how persons conducting
a business or undertaking at the workplace will consult, cooperate and coordinate activities between each other.
One of the ways in which PCBUs should do this is by discussing WHS arrangements with other duty holders, including other subcontractors, prior to commencing work (e.g. by visiting the site or by phone, fax or email).

Sub-contractors working on the same site should also discuss their activities with each other directly.

Examples of consultation, cooperation and coordination on construction workplaces
Example 1:
As part of work for a builder, a roof tile sub-contractor installs a roof perimeter guardrail system to minimise the risk of falls. The builder reaches an agreement with the roof tiler that the guardrail will remain in place until solar panels are installed by another sub-contractor. The roof tiler contacts both the builder and the panel installer when the tiling is complete, and the panel installer checks to make sure the guardrail is properly installed before commencing work. The panel installer then lets the builder know when the panels are finished, and arrangements are then made to dismantle the guardrail. The builder also checks the progress of the work regularly and ensures that the relevant fall protection information is included in each subcontractor's SWMS and is properly installed on site.

Example 2:
An electrician needs to isolate the electricity supply so that they can work safely. At the same time, a carpenter requires electricity for powered equipment. If the electrician doesn't communicate with the carpenter about the electricity shut off, and if the carpenter reconnects the supply, this increases the risk of injury to them both. The electrician should speak with both the carpenter and the builder to advise that the electricity supply will be shut off and negotiate the time during which electricity will be unavailable. The carpenter should check with the electrician to make sure it is safe to use the electricity supply.

Example 3:
 A plumber's work on one site is delayed,