The NSW Roads & Traffic Authority (RTA) requires that all contractors undertaking work for it be pre-qualified to its standards in OHS&R, Quality Assurance and Environmental Management. This part of a due diligence exercise on the RTA’s part.  All Councils in NSW need to enter into a formal contract with the RTA  to continue to undertake maintenance work on the State roads network on the RTA’s behalf. This means that the Councils, too, need to become pre-qualified.

Phil Hawley & Associates undertook the development of an OHS&R and a Quality system on behalf of a client council, to meet pre-qualification requirements. Being a relatively small rural based shire, it was necessary to start with almost a clean sheet of paper.

The approach adopted was to involve the councils staff as much as possible in the development of the systems. That way, there is increased ownership of the systems, and a far greater likelihood that the systems will be absorbed into the culture of the organization. The increased reporting and paperwork loads on staff make it essential that they have the greatest input possible.

The heart of the OHS&R system is a comprehensive accident and incident report form that is similar in format to the Workcover reporting form, and also includes an investigation/continuous improvement section, and a project OHS&R Plan that is folder based and essentially revolves around a checklist. A similar approach has been adopted with the quality system.

The RTA has assessed and approved the OHS&R, Quality and Environmental managements systems, and has commended them, with the comment "written by a person with a practical bent". i.e. the client can be sure of being able to implement the systems.