New template to simplify prequalification process

WorkSafe has created a new prequalification template designed to make it easier for construction businesses to be brought on to jobs, which will be especially helpful for smaller contractors, says Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Brooke van Velden. Prequalification is a process for checking a contractor's health and safety practices before hiring them. “I heard widespread frustration about a lack of consistency and duplication within New Zealand’s prequalification systems. Businesses can be asked to get a new prequalification for every job they tender for, with varying requirements for each. They can also be asked for the same information multiple times, for the same job. “Some said they had to walk away from clients because the cost of getting prequalified was not worth the value of the work. One submitter said they had to complete 76 prequalifications in a year,” says Ms van Velden. In response to a direction by Minister van Velden, WorkSafe New Zealand has released a position statement and template to clarify expectations around the use of prequalifications and support a more consistent approach across the industry. “These resources support a more consistent, risk-ba