• eSAFE Construction - January 2012
• eSAFE - December 2011
• eSAFE Special harmonisation edition - September 2011
• Read previous editions
• Subscribe to eNEWS
• Unsubscribe

Print-friendly page

Building the Education Revolution (BER)

BER is a $14.7 billion national investment from the Australian Government to improve the quality of facilities in Australian schools to meet the needs of 21st century students and teachers.

The three key elements of BER are:

• Primary schools for 21st century - $12.4 billion to build or refurbish large scale infrastructure in primary schools, K-12s and special schools, including libraries and multipurpose halls.
• Science and language centres for 21st century secondary schools - $1 billion to build up to 500 science laboratories or language learning centres in secondary schools.
• National school pride program (renewing Australia's schools) - $1.3 billion to refurbish and renew existing infrastructure and build minor infrastructure in all schools.

   

In Queensland
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) is working with Education Queensland, Department of Public Works, Queensland Catholic Education Commission and Independent Schools Queensland to ensure contractors involved in BER comply with the highest standards of occupational health and safety during construction activities in schools.

WHSQ and the WHS Board have adopted a Zero Harm at Work philosophy which simply means no harm to anyone, anytime while at work. For Queensland to become the healthiest and safest working state in Australia WHSQ is asking education administrators, school faculties and the construction industry working on BER to accept nothing less than zero harm at work.

WHSQ has developed a specific information package to help builders, tradespeople, contractors and schools to understand their workplace health and safety obligations as part of BER. The information package includes a fact sheet, construction site check lists for site security, fencing, site inspection and construction safety plans which may be used as part of the process of ensuring safety on school sites.

Both before and during construction WHSQ encourages Queensland schools to establish and maintain effective safety consultation with principal contractors, sub-contractors and workers in a collaborative approach to ensure safety expectations are maintained on site.

Key areas to consider while construction work is being undertaken at schools will include:

• Fencing - site security and site access
• OHS management system - using formal OHS management systems
• Communication - between school and construction industry
• Safe storage - plant and materials
• Falls - preventing access to height
• Electrical safety - access and security of electrical sources and equipment
• Plant and machinery - security and movement
• Site deliveries and logistics - designated delivery times and locations
• School hours - children's exposure to construction activities.
• Reality - unpredictability and adventurous nature of children.

   

For more information:
Visit www.worksafe.qld.gov.au or call the Workplace Health and Safety Infoline 1300 369 915.

Visit the website to download:

• Information fact sheet for schools and construction industry
• Construction site inspection and safety plan assessment checklist
• Safety and security fencing for construction sites at schools risk assessment
• Establishing and maintaining effective safety consultation in construction
• Building and construction industry workplace health and safety guide.

   

For information on Queensland's Zero Harm at Work Leadership Forum Program also visit the website.

Have your say on the proposed national OHS laws | Get involved in Safe Work Australia Week