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The FSC accreditation roadmap.
Three stages, one continuous path. We support you through all of it.
Prepare your safety system.
- ✓Complete the Self-Assessment Diagnostic
- ✓Review gaps with our consultants
- ✓Align your WHSMS to FSC Audit Criteria
- ✓Roll-out your new policies and practices to the office and project sites (our resource package will help you greatly)
- ✓Begin implementing your safety system
Submit, audit, accredit.
- ✓Submit application via FSC OnlineReceive 40hrs support from an FSO
- ✓Stage 1 Systems Validation Audit Desktop, ~2 days
- ✓Stage 2 On-site Accreditation Audit On-site, ~2 days
- ✓Accreditation granted Up to 3 years initially
Stay accredited, keep growing.
- ✓Tender for eligible government projects
- ✓Maintain your safety system day to day
- ✓Renew accreditation before it lapses Extendable to 6 years
Where we fit in your journey.
Seek our free support whether you are exploring FSC Accreditation for your business, seeking FSC accreditation for a specific project, mid-application, or anywhere in between. Our mission is to help as many builders as possible gain Federal Safety Commission (FSC) WHS accreditation as quickly as possible.
Eligible builders pay nothing for ongoing consults to align their safety systems to FSC Audit Criteria a.s.a.p. or access to our BeSafeReady support package, which provides time-saving resources to be ready sooner.
Australian Industry Group is here because we're trusted to deliver this well. You do not need to be a member to access our support under the Grant, which is currently set to end 30 June 2027.
If you decide later to become a member, the support continues. If you don't, that's fine too. Accreditation is yours either way.
What's included in your free BeSafeReady support package.
Consulting and resources, all funded by the Australian Government, available to eligible builders at no cost.
Common questions.
The questions builders ask us most often. If yours isn't here, our team can answer it on a quick call.
How long does FSC accreditation take?
Most builders take three to nine months from first decision to accreditation. The biggest variable is how complete your existing safety management system is when you start. Our diagnostic tells you that in five minutes.
Audits themselves are quick: Stage 1 is around two days desktop, Stage 2 around two days on-site.
What is the FSC WHS Accreditation Scheme?
A national workplace health and safety accreditation administered by the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner. It's required for builders tendering for head contracts on Australian Government-funded construction projects valued at $4 million or more.
It assesses whether your safety management system meets a defined national standard, and whether it operates effectively on site.
Do I need FSC accreditation for HAFF projects?
Yes. Housing Australia Future Fund projects fall within the federally-funded construction scope. Builders tendering for head contracts on HAFF projects above the $4 million threshold need to hold FSC accreditation.
What's the difference between Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits?
Stage 1 (Systems Validation Audit) is a desktop review of your written WHS management system. The auditor checks the documents exist, are current, and cover what the scheme requires. Typically about two days.
Stage 2 (On-site Accreditation Audit) happens on one or more of your live projects. The auditor checks whether the system you described in Stage 1 is actually running on the ground. Also about two days.
Is the BeSafeReady support really free?
Yes. The program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. Eligible builders pay nothing for the diagnostic, the consultant time, the resource centre access, or the pre-application audit.
You don't have to become an Australian Industry Group member to receive it.
What happens after I'm accredited?
You can tender for head contracts on Australian Government-funded construction projects above the $4 million threshold. Initial accreditation runs for up to three years, with biannual reporting via FSC Online and ongoing audits by Federal Safety Officers.
Reaccreditation can extend the period up to six years.
Ready to start your accreditation journey?
Two ways to begin. Both free. Both lead to the same place.
Start with the free self-assessment diagnostic.
A short self-assessment that shows where your safety system stands today, helping us see the FSC accreditation gaps so we can help you close them off.
No cost · Takes 5 minutes Start the free self-assessmentApply for the full support package.
WHSMS template, Resource Centre access, pre-application audit, online Safety Learning Modules. Everything you need, all free.
No cost · DEWR funded Apply for the full support package