Objectives

To conduct a comprehensive Baseline Risk Assessment for the 36-month water metering project, ensuring strict compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act. The primary goal is to systematically identify workplace hazards, evaluate potential risks using a standardized quantitative matrix, and establish robust safety procedures to protect personnel, infrastructure, and the environment throughout all project phases.

Scope

The project encompasses desktop and on-site investigations, consumer liaison for property access, meter re-siting, and consolidation. Civil and engineering works include trenching, bedding, backfilling, and earthworks for pipeline reticulation and connections, alongside barricading all excavations. Contractors will fabricate, supply, lay, joint, and test pipes and fittings connecting to existing municipal pipework. Additional activities cover temporary site establishment, traffic management, pedestrian walkway construction, full site reinstatement to original conditions, and the return of all usable materials to municipal stores.

Technical Requirements

Contractors must implement a documented Health and Safety Plan aligned with national OHS legislation. Key technical mandates include:

• Risk Scoring Methodology: Apply a quantitative risk estimation technique where Risk Score equals Exposure frequency multiplied by Probability of occurrence multiplied by Severity consequences. This matrix classifies risks into five levels, ranging from Level 1 (under 20, accepted risk) to Level 5 (over 400, very high risk requiring immediate operational suspension).
• Hazard Identification & Evaluation: Systematically catalog hazards across all activities (e.g., site access, excavation, traffic, plant operation, community interactions) and assign documented E, P, and S ratings using standardized worksheets.
• Control Measures: Develop and enforce mitigation strategies for high-risk scenarios, including trench collapse prevention, underground service detection, emergency response protocols, and environmental contamination controls.
• Monitoring & Review: Continuously update risk registers, audit compliance, and adjust safety procedures based on evolving site conditions and incident reporting.

Skills Requirements

Personnel and management must demonstrate specialized competencies to execute the scope safely and efficiently:

• Operational Expertise: Certified proficiency in mechanical and manual excavation, pipe laying and jointing techniques, compaction equipment operation, and safe lifting and handling practices.
• Safety & Compliance: In-depth knowledge of OHS legislation, formal risk assessment methodologies, traffic management planning, and emergency response coordination.
• Supervisory & Managerial Capabilities: Proven experience in subcontractor vetting, site safety auditing, community risk engagement, and implementing corrective actions for non-compliance.
• Specialized Training: All staff working near live services, in open excavations, or operating heavy machinery must hold valid safety certifications and undergo regular competency evaluations.