2. Contractor OHS induction
Before starting work at a school, contractors must complete an OHS induction. The school can use the Contractor OHS induction handbook (DOCX)(opens in a new window) to make sure contractors are given all the department OHS requirements and school-specific health and safety information they need.
The Contractor OHS induction handbook includes an email template that can be used communicate the induction process to the contractor before they start work at the school.
The principal or their delegate must provide an onsite induction for all contractors prior to the commencement of works or services using the Contractor OHS induction checklist (DOCX)(opens in a new window) or equivalent template (see below).
If any of the documents on the checklist have been sighted and retained by the VSBA (as specified by the VSBA) or a Victorian government department (for government funded programs) as detailed in Chapter 1: Engaging contractors and AIMS, schools can tick ‘yes’ on the Contractor OHS induction checklist for:
- Public Liability Insurance Certificate of Currency
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance Certificate of Currency
- licenses, training and qualifications.
The principal or delegate must ensure that all contractors, regardless of the engagement:
- report to and sign in at the school office upon arrival
- where relevant, complete an OHS induction with the principal or delegate using the Contractor OHS induction checklist (DOCX)(opens in a new window) as mentioned above
- are aware of and follow the school’s Visitors policy(opens in a new window), and produce a WWCC if required
- are provided with a visitors pass, and that it is always kept on the contractor’s person.
Requirements when using an equivalent induction template
If an equivalent template is used, it must collect or include the following details as a minimum:
- workers’ compensation and public liability insurance
- Working with Children Checks (if applicable)
- a specific Safe Work Method Statement (DOCX)(opens in a new window) if high-risk work is being undertaken, as frequently (follow the SWMS requirements in the relevant policy)
- completed confined space entry permit(s), if required (follow the requirements in the relevant policy)
- links to the department’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy
- OHS procedures and requirements
- emergency procedures
- asbestos management processes
- hazardous substance or dangerous goods management processes
- hazard and incident reporting
- first aid and infection control procedures
- security and access.
These inductions are valid for 12 months, but it is best practice to re-induct or provide relevant updated information if there are any significant changes to the school’s environment or OHS processes, or if contractors don’t often service the school. Schools may choose to consider inducting their contractors mid-year as contractor licences tend to expire around this time.
Records of completed contractor inductions must be kept per the School Records Retention Guide(opens in a new window). Trades-based contractor inductions can be stored in AIMS. Where a contractor is engaged for purposes other than school asset repairs and facilities maintenance, eduSafe Plus (staff login required)(opens in a new window) can store OHS inductions electronically (refer to Chapter 6: record keeping for more information).
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