WHO NEEDS THIS LETTER?

This letter is required for a person who has been appointed as a Principal Contractor for the work site. They will be responsible for preparing a site specific health and safety plan which is in line with the client's health and safety specifications and for ensuring the plan is applied for the period of the construction project.

WHAT IS THIS LETTER FOR?

This letter shows that a Principal Contractor has been appointed for the construction project, according to the requirements of the OHS Act. The letter allows these persons to act under the authority of the client in order to ensure that the construction project is conducted correctly and safely and that the client's safety specifications are adhered to during the construction work.

WHY IS THIS LETTER IMPORTANT?

This letter shows that a responsible person has been appointed to oversee the construction project in order to ensure this will be done correctly and safely. This provides evidence to an inspector that a basic structure is in place to ensure that construction work is managed properly, in accordance with the client's safety specifications for the construction project. This letter is relevant under section 5(1)(k) of the Construction Regulations of the OHS Act and its availability shows that the employer is complying with these Regulations in respects of this appointment requirement.

VALIDITY

This letter needs to be signed by the client (as the appointer) and by the appointee, dated and kept on record where it can be accessible to an inspector. A time period must be included for the appointment. Each appointee must have the relevant experience or accredited relevant qualification in order to be competent to perform these duties. 

HOW DOES THIS WORK AS A CONTROL MEASURE?

In the hierarchy of controls this letter forms part of the administrative control measures which should be in place to assist in managing the construction project correctly and safely. This letter ensures that a responsible person is appointed to ensure that the construction project is managed properly and in accordance with health and safety requirements.