The Hidden Risk That Could Cost You Your Business
Every builder knows that construction is built on compliance.
But here’s a truth too many ignore. Hiring or relying on an unlicensed Site Supervisor is one of the biggest risks your business can take.
If your supervisor isn’t licensed, you’re not just bending the rules.
You’re gambling with your business, your insurance, and your reputation.
Because when compliance fails, the fallout doesn’t stop at the supervisor’s name, it lands squarely on yours.
What the Law Says?
In Queensland, the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) requires anyone supervising building work to hold a valid Site Supervisor Licence.
It’s not optional. It’s mandatory.
That means:
- Every person who directs trades or oversees site activity must be individually licensed.
- Each licence must match the class of work – Low Rise, Medium Rise, or Open.
- The builder is responsible for ensuring everyone on site is compliant.
If your supervisor doesn’t hold the right licence, your project isn’t legally compliant, no matter how skilled they are.
What Happens When You Ignore It?
When an unlicensed person supervises building work, it opens a long list of legal and financial risks.
- You get fined
QBCC can issue significant penalties to both the business and the individual involved. Fines can reach $30,000 to individual and more for company, depending on the breach. - Insurance may not cover the work
Most construction and defects insurance policies require all supervising personnel to hold valid licences.
If they don’t, the policy can become void – leaving you personally liable for repairs, delays, or damages. - Your reputation takes the hit
Word spreads fast in construction. One compliance breach can jeopardise your eligibility for tenders, government contracts, and pre-qualification programs.
Karen Zhang - QBCC Express Founder
Builders spend years earning trust, don’t lose it over something that’s completely avoidable.
Why Builders Sometimes Take the Risk?
In most cases, it’s not bad intent; it’s assumption.
Some builders believe their company licence “covers” their team. Others think experience is enough.
But the QBCC makes it clear:
Even if your business holds a Builder Licence, each individual supervising work must also hold their own Site Supervisor Licence.
If they don’t, you’re exposed. Even if the work itself is high-quality.
Compliance isn’t about paperwork; it’s about accountability.
The Real Purpose of the Licence
Licensing isn’t red tape. It’s protection.
A QBCC Site Supervisor Licence ensures that every person managing trades:
- Knows the current building codes and safety standards.
- Understands how to interpret plans and specifications correctly.
- Can coordinate contractors, inspections, and client communication legally.
That licence protects:
- Your company – from fines and project delays.
- Your clients – from unsafe or non-compliant builds.
- Your supervisors – from personal liability.
It’s not a formality; it’s a foundation for professional integrity.
The Builder’s Responsibility
Before any project handover, smart builders do a compliance check:
- Is my supervisor licensed for this project type?
- Is the licence valid and current?
- Does it match the building class – Low, Medium, or Open?
A quick verification on the QBCC licence register can save you months of headaches later.
If your business runs multiple projects, it’s worth setting up a regular internal audit to confirm every site leader is properly licensed.
Because one missing licence can shut down an entire site.
How to Fix It Before It Becomes a Problem?
At QBCC Express, we help builders and companies close compliance gaps fast.
If you’ve discovered a Site Supervisor on your team without a licence, don’t panic, fix it.
Here’s how we help:
- Eligibility check – We assess the supervisor’s experience and qualifications.
- RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) – We connect them to an approved RTO to fast-track qualification.
- Documentation & application – We prepare and lodge a compliant QBCC application.
- Progress tracking – We stay in touch until the licence is issued.
Our process is transparent, fast, and built for busy construction teams.
The goal isn’t to punish anyone. It’s to protect your business before QBCC audits do.
The Cost of Compliance vs the Cost of Non-Compliance
Licensing a Site Supervisor costs a few weeks and a small administrative fee.
Ignoring it can cost:
- Tens of thousands in fines.
- Voided insurance coverage.
- Lost tenders and damaged reputation.
The choice is obvious.
If you’re a builder or construction manager, make licence verification part of your site handover checklist.
It’s the simplest way to safeguard your projects and your company.
Final Word
Compliance isn’t just a box to tick. It’s a reflection of professionalism.
Before your next project starts, ask one simple question:
👉 Is my Site Supervisor licensed to do that?
Because you wouldn’t hire an unlicensed doctor for your health.
So don’t hire an unlicensed supervisor for your build.
Licensing protects your people, your projects, and your future.
Who is responsible for ensuring Site Supervisors are licensed?
The builder or principal contractor is legally responsible for making sure everyone supervising building work holds the correct QBCC licence.
What happens if a builder hires an unlicensed supervisor?
Both the builder and the unlicensed individual can face fines, stop-work orders, or QBCC disciplinary action.
How can I verify a Site Supervisor’s licence?
You can search the official QBCC licence search online to confirm the licence number, class, and expiry date.
Can a company licence cover all staff?
No. Each person supervising site work must hold their own individual Site Supervisor Licence, even if the company has a Builder Licence.
How can QBCC Express help my business stay compliant?
We provide an end-to-end service, checking licence eligibility, handling applications, managing RPL assessment, and tracking progress, so your team stays fully licensed and compliant.