In the realm of Queensland Government building and construction projects, the Accredited Auditor Scheme, overseen by WorkCover Queensland, plays a crucial role in providing independent scrutiny of safety systems and standards.
Under the scheme, auditors gain accreditation through Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, committing to meet the conditions of their appointment for a three-year duration. To access a current list of accredited auditors, individuals can search for the "PQC Contractor Auditor Register" on the Department of Housing and Public Works website.
Primarily utilized by the Department of Housing and Public Works on behalf of government departments engaged in building projects and the Department of Transport and Main Roads, the accredited auditor scheme ensures compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, and relevant codes of practice.
To facilitate audits, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland provides audit tools, including the safety management system audit report, work health and safety management plan assessment report, and site inspection report.
Qualified health and safety auditors are encouraged to use these templates, keeping in mind that they cover key requirements, and additional duties may exist. It's essential for construction contractors using these templates for internal reviews to align them with legislation.
Auditors, accredited by Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, operate independently and adhere to the scheme's guidelines and the Code of Conduct for the Queensland Public Service. Any complaints or concerns about an auditor's conduct or the scheme's operation can be directed to constructionstrategy@oir.qld.gov.au.