[Name of Organization] 

Accommodation for Rural Agricultural Work Code of Practice  

  1. Introduction 

Proper accommodation is a must for the workers, involved in rural agricultural work. Produced by the WorkCover Authority of NSW, this code or practice offers practical guidance on the type and nature of accommodation, which is suitable to be provided pursuant to the Rural Workers Accommodation Act 1969. This act contains the obligation to offer accommodation where a worker needs to work at rural premises in an agricultural occupation for a day or more than that. This code of practice outlines these needs, as well as offers guidance on related factors, which should be considered. Moreover, it assists controllers of rural premises by offering guidance on sleeping accommodation along with other ones, including general guiding requirements and facilities for storage of personal belongings, drinking water, washing, toilets, changing clothes, shelter, cooking, sleeping, dining, and food storage. It helps to promote a healthy and safe workplace, which protects all workers from injury and illness, and which can be adopted to fulfil their physiological or psychological requirements.  

  1. Purpose/ Objective 

This code of practice offers practical guidance to persons, who have the responsibility to control the workplace with respect to the nature and type of accommodation, which is suitable for rural workers under the Rural Workers Accommodation Act 1969 (RWA Act).  

  1. Application/Scope 

This code of practice applies to the provision of accommodation for persons engaged in pastoral or agricultural work at rural premises in NSW, where required by the RWA Act. It covers workers and contractors involved in an agricultural or pastoral occupation, irrespective of whether they are engaged on a permanent or temporary basis. This code of practice is not applicable to construction work when constructing rural worker’s accommodation apart from minor maintenance or construction that carried out as a part of normal agricultural work.   

  1. Application of code of practice for workplace amenities  

Amenities for rural workers are covered by the Code of practice: workplace amenities regardless of the kind of accommodation is provided. In some situations, both codes of practice need to be discussed to make sure sufficient amenities are needed to workers when not using the amenities given with the accommodation.  

  1. Identifying agricultural or pastoral occupation  

Agricultural or pastoral occupation means work in or accordance with  

  1. the sowing, raising or harvesting of crops of grain, sugar cane, fodder, fruit, or any crop or farm produce whether grown for food, or  

  1. the rearing, grazing or management of animals, which are being kept or raised for a commercial purpose, or 

  1. shearing or crutching of animals, or 

  1. sorting, scouring or pressing of wool, or 

  1. dairying 

 

  1. Application of this code of practice  

 

  1. Provision and maintenance of residential accommodation  

The person in control of the rural premises is generally the landholder, and he can be the employer. Accommodation can also be provided by the industrial awards, contracts or agreements, which apply in a given situation. Under the occupational health and safety legislation, employers, controllers of rural premises and others also have related responsibilities. Employers have the responsibility to make sure the health, safety, and welfare at work of their employees. Employers, self-employed persons, contractors, owners, and controllers of workplaces should consult with each other about observing the recommendations of this code and the provision of accommodation at each particular site.  

  1. Allocating the costs of accommodation and amenities 

According to section 6 of the RWA Act, accommodation should be provided free to the workers. This section applies despite anything to the contrary in the OHS Act. Some awards provide for variation of wages or deductions if accommodation is provided, or allowance for off-site accommodation.   

  1. Worker’s obligations  

Housekeeping or upkeep of accommodation during tenancy or occupancy is the responsibility of the workers concerned. Workers should make sure that the standard of facilities is maintained by keeping the premises tidy and clean, disposing of refuse properly, and only using the facilities for their intended purposes. After completing the work, the facilities should be left clean by the workers in a condition similar to that in which the workers found them.  

  1. Other legal requirements  

Persons responsible for carrying out major alterations, construction or renovation of buildings for use as accommodation should make sure that the alterations, construction or renovations of those buildings meet the requirements for siting, design, construction, and fit-out specified in the Building Code of Australia (BCA). New buildings or extensions will ordinarily need local government planning and development consent under the Environment Planning and Assessment ACT 1979 and should comply with the BCA. Where there is no consent authority, such as the Western Lands District, or where the BCA does not apply, the principles of BCA should still be applied.    

  1. Guidance on specific aspects of accommodation  

 

  1. Location of facilities, building or structures  

 

Performance Criteria 

Suggested solutions 

Accommodation and associated amenities should be located in a safe and convenient location.  

 

  1. Facilities should be sited so as to: 

  1. Prevent any flooding or dampness caused by rising or running water  

  1. avoid exposure to overflow, run-off or escaping material of any kind, 

  1. be an appropriate distance from any source of noise, odour, sources of infection or other work processes  

  1. be away from hazards, which can attract flies, snakes or other vermin. 

 

 

  1. Areas directly used for accommodation or amenities should not be used for other reasons, along with other work tasks, or the storage of materials of products. But the inclusion of amenities within a multi-purpose facility is acceptable.  

  1. Facilities should be located within reasonable walking distance. It should not be 20 meters far from the actual worksite, unless transportation is given. 

  1. Facilities must be located near each other. For instance, an amenity such as eating accommodation must be convenient to the toilet and hand-washing facilities.      

 

 

  1. Design and construction  

Performance Criteria 

Suggested solutions 

Structures should be solidly constructed, and have a solid, level floor. Waterproofing is essential. Proper lighting, cooling, heating, ventilation, as well as vermin proofing are crucial factors to consider.  

  1. All building structures should comply with the Building Code of Australia and state and local government environmental, planning, construction and operational legislation, codes or other requirements.  

  1. The design and construction materials of all building structures must be appropriate to the location of the worksite, as well as ensure protection from sun, water, and wind.  

  1. Surfaces should be finished to allow for regular and easy cleaning, where required.  

 

  1. Electrical safety  

Performance Criteria 

Suggested solutions 

Buildings and facilities should be designed and maintained to meet electrical safety standards.   

  1. Earth leakage devices or RCD units should be used 

  1. Special attention should be given to the electrical hazards  

  1. Extension cords, supply cords and other electrical appliances used in the facilities should be checked on a regular basis.  

 

  1. Clean water  

Performance Criteria 

Suggested solutions 

Clean water should be supplied for use in all amenities and accommodation.  

All water supplied for accommodation and amenities must come from water supplies or tanks, which are free from sediment, contamination, and rust.   

 

  1. Lighting  

Performance Criteria 

Suggested solutions 

Lighting must be adequate to make sure the safety of all workers in accommodation and for accessing and exiting accommodation.   

Lighting must be adequate to make sure safe movement and operation at the site or premises, along with accommodation and amenities. 

 

  1. Toilet facilities  

Performance Criteria 

Suggested solutions 

Clean and hygienic toilets should be provided in conjunction with accommodation.  

  1. Toilets should not be too far away from any cooking, dining or sleeping facilities.  

  1. Each toilet should  

  1. be of a specific size 

  1. be waterproof  

  1. be constructed soundly and well-maintained  

  1. have adequate ventilation and lighting  

  1. include measures to keep out snakes, flies, and vermin 

  1. be serviced on a regular basis to ensure it is operating properly  

 

  1. Implementation and Review 

[YOUR COMPANY NAME] should evaluate the facilities provided, check whether the facilities that are provided are adequate or not, and take adequate measures when changes need to make.  

  

    Date: