How to avoid VIC’s new $100k fines

By
Matt Perrott
Published on
December 20, 2024

Dodgy builders beware

Learn how to stay compliant, keep your workers safe and avoid Victoria’s new $100K fines.

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Is your site compliant?

We know it can be challenging for employers and head contractors to keep on top of everyone’s accreditation on-site, especially when overseeing major projects, or managing labour hire and subcontractor workforces. Yet, unregistered and unlicensed builders continue to make headlines in Victoria and around the country, which puts the credibility of the entire industry on the line. 

When builders do this, they endanger themselves and other workers, while running the risk of major financial repercussions from regulators like the Victorian Building Authority. Here we will unpack the consequences when builders do not play by the rules, as well as explore how BuildPass can help busy managers streamline their compliance responsibilities. 

Dodgy builders beware

In its latest crackdown which launched in October, the Victorian Building Authority has put dodgy operators firmly in their sights – visiting over 1,100 workplaces to ensure compliance is being upheld. To date, the blitz has found 34 unregistered or unlicensed parties working across 23 sites. 

The ramifications when someone gets caught without the proper accreditation or delivering sub-par work can be eye-watering, with individuals slapped with fines of up to $99,000 and companies hit with penalties of nearly $500,000.

Builders that commit Occupational Health and Safety offences are also in the crosshairs of government authorities. And one of the most common offences in the OHS Act 2004 is ‘failing to make sure the workplace is safe for employees and other people aren’t put at risk’. 

In Victoria, this legislation views the potential to cause harm the same as if harm or injury was actually caused. For example, letting someone work on a roof without adequate protection is just as serious as someone falling off the roof. 

Breaching OHS Act rules carries with it massive penalties for companies up to $1.7m, and for individuals the fine is roughly $350,000. 

While this might be considered harsh, it is a crucial measure to ensure the construction sector remains a safe place to work that considers ‘best practice’ as ‘the only practice’. Responsible employers are always cognisant of this, but ensuring that all workers are operating within a safe, controlled environment is often the most challenging part.

Mitigate compliance risks digitally 

The vast majority of builders are committed to doing quality and compliant work – meaning avoiding government fines is straightforward. 

But in reality, sourcing, signing and securely storing the relevant documentation from workers, whether it is a license, SWMS, white card, high-risk work certificates or working with children check, is no mean feat.

Through digitising your health, safety and compliance tasks, this alleviates much of the unnecessary admin site managers need to worry about, while providing more transparency around what is happening on-site.

Enhance your compliance standards with these BuildPass features:

Inductions – efficient on-boarding for new workers (roughly five minute average) that stores all of their documentation in one centralised place. 

Permits – instantly create, update, share and review important permits to get better visibility over a worker’s qualifications, while staying on top of enactments and expirations. 

Sign Ons – easily scan a QR code to sign on and start works safely. For managers, this allows you to understand exactly who is on-site and at what time. 

SWMS – access a library of industry-leading templates and customisable forms that slash the time spent on managing Safe Work Method Statements.  

Tickets & Insurances – access and track all worker tickets and insurances within one easy-to-navigate portal. 

With government scrutiny at an all-time high, builders simply cannot afford to leave compliance to chance. Tools like BuildPass make it simple to stay ahead of the rules, protect your reputation and unlock more efficient ways of working.

Are you ready to safeguard your site and avoid thousands of dollars in find? Get in touch - we'd love to explore ways to take your construction business and site operations to the next level.

Book a call with one of our friendly team members here.

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