Situations such as shearers, seasonal fruit pickers, construction or maintenance workers might be covered if the provision of accommodation is a necessary part of the working arrangement.

Arrangements such as seasonal grain handling staff would not normally be covered as most receival bins or depots are located in gazetted townsites.

If you provide residential accommodation that falls into the categories covered by the change, you need to make sure that as far as practicable, the accommodation is maintained in a safe and healthy condition so that employees are not exposed to hazards at the premises. The following checklist, while not exhaustive, gives an indication of what might need to be considered. What is reasonable in the circumstances should also be taken into account. For instance what is expected in a situation involving mustering or fencing camps on a remote station would be different from what might be provided in a fixed building at the homestead.

• Is it maintained in good repair?
• Is it separated from hazards such as noise, heat, dirt and atmospheric contaminants?
• Are electrical outlets protected by residual current devices?

• Can people enter and exit the building safely, particularly in the event of an emergency?

• Have precautions been taken to prevent the outbreak of fire?
• Where appropriate, have portable fire extinguishers been provided and if so, are these regularly maintained?
• Are people clear as to what to do in the event of an emergency?
• Do you have an emergency evacuation plan in place?

• Are adequate and appropriate facilities for showering and handwashing provided?

• Have you taken into account what is reasonable having regard for the requirements of the people living in the premises?

• Is the accommodation in a clean and hygienic condition?

• Is there a readily accessible supply of clean, cool drinking water (at a supply point separate from the toilet area)?

• Are sleeping room furniture and fittings structurally sound and maintained in a safe condition?

• Are cooking facilities maintained in a safe condition and is there reasonable access to appropriate food heating and refrigeration equipment that will maintain food fit for human consumption?
• Are there reasonable facilities for eating and preparing meals?
• Are any gas or electrical goods well maintained so that they are safe to use?

• Are occupants protected from extremes of heat and cold?

• Has provision been made for regular rubbish removal? Have suitable rubbish bins/receptacles been provided?

• Is the ventilation and lighting reasonable given the circumstances?

• Has provision been made for laundry facilities such as washtubs and a washing machine, depending on the duration and type of work?
• Are any electrical goods well maintained so that they are safe to use?