Standards for Selection
In pursuing continual improvement in Health & Safety Management the Taupo District Council (TDC) requires a standard of Health & Safety Management of contractors providing services to the council. The contractor can provide evidence of achieving the standard of Occupational Health and Safety Management required by providing TDC with a copy of the ACC letter or a copy of the certificate, dated within the last 2 years advising their achievement of any one of the following audit standards in:
- “ACC Partnership Programme”, in either Tertiary, Secondary or Primary level.
- “ACC Workplace Safety Management Practices”, in either Tertiary, Secondary or Primary level.
- “ACC Workplace Safety Discounts for small businesses”. If neither of these are available then:
- AS/NZS 4801:2001
- Or another nationally recognised Health and Safety Certification/Management System. E.g. Quest, Operate Safe, Sitesafe
- A recently completed (within the last 6 months) copy of the ACC Workplace Safety Evaluations Audit Tool which indicates the contractor passes the minimum criteria for TDC. However TDC reserves the right to conduct this “Self-Assessment Audit” with the participation of the contractor.
This is the minimum standard of Occupational Health & Safety Management that TDC will accept.
It is possible that from time to time contractors will need additional training together with standardised documentation to satisfy these requirements. TDC supports the use of the “Site Safe” training module Safety Plan for Small Businesses (www.sitesafe.org.nz and click on ACC Logo for details) or similar to provide the standard of training and documentation. TDC will accept any similar training from other training providers that satisfies this requirement.
Selection Process
Where there is a low level of risk involved and for small contractors who are requested to work for TDC and that work is not part of a continuous contract or of a repetitive nature and who’s duties on site are expected to last less than one day then these contractors may be inducted using the TDC Induction Form for Staff/Contractors/visitors. Otherwise, TDC requires that a Health and Safety Questionnaire be completed. The completed questionnaire provides insight into the effectiveness of the Contractors Health and Safety history and that the contractor has sufficient controls and procedures in place to manage on site occupational Health & Safety. Answers to the questionnaire will establish whether or not they should proceed in the tender process. Questions for Contractors completed questionnaire and information is to be forwarded to –
Health & Safety Advisor
Taupo District Council
Private Bag 2005
Taupo
Or can be dropped off at Customer Service Counter, 72 Lake Terrace, Taupo
Contractor Information
The Contractor Health and Safety Handbook forms part of the information sharing required between the Principal “Taupo District Council” and the “Contractor”. This handbook is intended to provide the contractors and subcontractors to TDC with information and instructions intended to keep them, our staff and the public healthy and safe. It is part of our duty to ensure that contractors and subcontractors are not harmed and do not harm others. Hence you are required to review and read all parts of this book that might relate to your contract. The handbook serves as part of the induction to TDC sites.
Applicant Notification
Contractors applying to be registered with Council as Health & Safety Approved Contractor will be notified by mail of their success or not. Upon successful completion a contract will be entered into and the applicant will be required to complete a “Health, Safety and Environmental Standards Agreement for Contractors”. This agreement is for a two year period. TDC has the right to rescind this agreement should there be issues that cannot be resolved regarding the contractors’ action or inaction.
Benefit
Taupo District Council's aim is to maintain and develop an effective working relationship with contractors to ensure the health & safety of those working on, and in vicinity of TDC sites. This process is not a guarantee of work, however it does provide the contractor with an advantage in the selection process because they have already met the council’s prerequisite health and safety expectations.
If you are engaged to undertake work for TDC, the council officer/manager/consultant for the contract/work will be required to conduct a site induction, monitor and review your health & safety standards throughout the contract to ensure they are at a satisfactory level. The interaction will be of mutual benefit to the development of both contractors and TDC.
By maintaining a safe work record with council, TDC may if requested act as a reference in support of a contractor for future works.
Renewal of status
TDC will advise the registered contractor that their contract is due for renewal (two years from date of approval onto the register). This is accomplished by the contractor providing TDC with the latest records of training and health and safety accreditation/certification by completing the “Questions for Contractors”. TDC will also take into account the work record of the contractor over the preceding two year period.