The OHS scheme covering the building industry will be updated, with authorities looking to modernise and streamline processes while keeping safety intact.

The federal Department of Employment has put up a discussion paper for a review of the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner and the Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme.

The department says the review is looking to cut unnecessary duplication and regulation, while maintaining high standards of safety.

The Australian Government Building and Construction OHS Accreditation Scheme has been in operation since 2006, after it was set up in response to the Cole Royal Commission into the Building and Construction Industry.

The Royal Commission found that the building safety record across the country was unacceptable.

According to the new discussion paper; the review will look to improve accessibility, reduce red tape, harmonise processes, eliminate duplication, increase effectiveness and consistency, implement risk-based approaches and better leverage educational benefits of the scheme.

Part of the review will examine the potential impact on smaller businesses including the cost of complying of gaining and maintaining accreditation.

It will also look at the accreditation system for businesses, with a view to extend the period that accreditation is valid for those with a good audit history.

The review will check the suitability of current funding threshold limits for building work under the scheme, as well as the processes for selecting and appointing Federal Safety Officers to eliminate any possible conflicts of interest.

The complete discussion paper is available in PDF form, here.