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Workshop to look at OH&S; and contracting out

According to the Victorian WorkCover Authority contracting our does not reduce risk - in fact it is more likely to increase a Council's risk exposure unless there are systems in place to effectively manage legal obligations for health and safety.

Many Councils believe that when they cease paying WorkCover, if works or services are contracted out, they cease being responsible for health and safety matters. But under health and safety law this is not so - the OHS Act 1985 states that contractors are deemed employees for certain employer obligations.

A Council's responsibilities for contractors - and how to better manage contractor risks - will be one of the key workshops at the 1997 Local Government Conference "Reform beyond 'Reform'" at the World Congress Centre on 20 and 21 February 1997. During the workshop, Mark Hayes, Partner with Maddock, Lonie and Chisholm, will explain a Council's legal obligations towards contractors, including presenting hypothetical situations which may arise between Councils and contractors.

The need for senior management commitment in managing health and safety issues in Councils will be covered by Michael Kennedy, CEO at the City of Boroondara. Frank Mistretta, Risk Manager at City of Darebin and Tom Kite, Risk Manager at City of Hobsons Bay, will share their experiences in implementing a contractor management system.

WorkCover's Project Leader for Local Government, Michelle Holian, will outline the management systems proposed in WorkCover's new publication 'Managing Contractor Health and Safety Risks - Guidelines for Local Government'.

"The workshop will provide a comprehensive guide to the principles and practical benefits of health and safety management," Michelle said. "While the legal and moral arguments are convincing, there are sound economic reasons for improving health and safety too. For example, some Councils will pay around 6.7 percent of their total 1996/97 remuneration on WorkCover premiums, while better health and safety performers pay as little as 0.9 percent.

"Clearly, there are financial benefits to improved health and safety management which Councils cannot ignore." She said that Councils require an approach which covers all sections of their workforce and activities.

Councils must develop systems to manage responsibilities to both their direct employees and their contractors. The experience of Councils, currently developing such systems, is expected to draw great interest.

"While the legislation and the management theory is all very necessary, perhaps the most valuable insights at the workshop will be from the Councils who are currently implementing health and safety management systems for contractors," Michelle said.

The workshop is designed to help participants with both strategies for managing contractor OHS and the practical tools for putting a system in place.The Victorian Local Government Conference, "Reform beyond 'Reform'" will be held at the World Congress Centre, Melbourne on 20-21 February, 1997. The workshop 'Contracting: Removing or Increasing the OHS Risks' is scheduled for Friday 21 February at 11.00 am.

For registration inquiries, contact Local Government Professionals on (03) 9686 3833.

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