Industry Reference Group (IRG) Supporting the Development of the Managing Respirable Crystalline Silica Dust Exposure in the Construction Industry Code of Practice (the Code)
Despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Office of Industrial Relations has been encouraged by the progress made with the Steering Group and the (IRG). The Steering Group has now met three times, on 17 May, 28 July and 25 November 2020, to consider key issues for the development of the Code. The input from the IRG, including the feedback provided on the construction materials, tasks and workplace scenarios etc. of particular concern or importance for your work, has been of great assistance in this process by helping us to ensure that a diverse range of views from across the industry are supporting the development of the Code.
At the latest meeting, the Steering Group reviewed a proposed scheme for determining the controls and associated requirements for a wide range of common construction tasks. This proposed scheme will be subject to further consideration in early 2021 and will lead to drafts of the Code that we expect will be shared with the IRG next year.
The Office of Industrial Relations has now extended the scope of the Code beyond the initial definition of ‘construction work’ in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. The extended scope means the Code will also apply to the manufacturing of construction elements, including where the manufacturing of construction elements (e.g. bricks, tiles, glass) occurs separately from a construction site and for general construction retail purposes.
This change recognises the large number of materials containing respirable crystalline silica that are manufactured for use across the construction industry, and is considered appropriate to ensure all Queensland workers manufacturing construction materials are protected from the significant risks posed by exposure to respirable crystalline silica. The membership of the IRG has now been extended to include additional key organisations involved in the manufacturing of construction elements.
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Rebekah Jensen |
SafeWork NSW – Mentally Healthy Workplaces
Please find attached a flyer and frequently asked questions regarding “Mental Health at Work” and “Managing for Team Wellbeing” online interactive training for businesses with less than 200 employees.
The training is free and run by Black Dog Institute, in partnership with the NSW Government.
To sign up, see the attached flyer and FAQs.
Flyer 1: Mentally Healthy Workplaces Program Summary FAQS [Download]
Flyer 2: Mentally Healthy Workplaces Free Program Flyer [Download]
Construction Services Group
SafeWork NSW
p 13 10 50
e construction@safework.nsw.gov.au
92-100 Donnision St, Gosford NSW 2250
Locked Bag 2906, Lisarow NSW 2252
www.safework.nsw.gov.au
Industry Update – Australian Government and Construction Commission (ABCC)
Click here to read more…
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Attention: Concrete Masonry Contractors
Part-Time Casual Teacher Bricklaying TAFE NSW is looking for individuals with current industry experience and knowledge in Bricklaying to join our team of teachers on a part time casual basis at the Granville Campus. Please click the link below for full details: https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/part-time-casual-teacher-bricklaying-216432 Greg Ible TAFE NSW
Head Teacher
Bricklaying / Paving
Ph: 96820366 / Mob: 0467 024 052
Email: Gregory.ible1@tafensw.edu.au
Granville Campus
136 William Street
Granville 2142
www.tafensw.edu.au
SafeWork NSW – Safe Work Month is about Everyone’s Health and Safety October is national Safe Work Month – a time to increase focus on improving work health and safety in your workplace, including the wellbeing of your employees. With over 3.2 million workers in NSW, Safe Work Month provides you with an opportunity to build awareness of work health and safety and encourage discussion about safety at work in your workplace. Did you know the construction industry is one of NSW’s highest risk industries? Every year thousands of workers are injured on construction sites as a result of easily preventable incidents. Some workers lose their lives; others suffer serious and debilitating ill health. It is important to manage risks associated with construction work. While construction sites have many risks, they can be easily managed without significant costs to the business. Help make Health and Safety a Priority on your Worksite We’re supporting managers within the construction industry this year with the launch of a series of free Construction Site Supervisors Virtual Workshops to show how straightforward managing safety in construction can be. The first workshop will focus on understanding your obligations for managing WHS at the worksite. Every month a new module will be released, so register now to reserve your spot or continue to keep checking the SafeWork NSW – Events page. Working at Heights Throughout Safe Work month and beyond, SafeWork Inspectors are targeting working at heights safety in the construction industry. If you want to find out more about the program and what you can do to make your site safe, simply visit our working at heights resource page. Help us Spread the Word about Safe Work Month We’ve developed a communications pack to help you get involved in Safe Work Month. You can use this pack to share the Safe Work Month message throughout your workplace and to your contacts. You can find out more about Safe Work Month by visiting our website or if you have any queries relating to the Safe Work Month, please email us at HRWSET@safework.nsw.gov.au. High Risk Work & Stakeholder Engagements Team Construction Services Group Stakeholder Pack PDF file [Download]
SafeWork NSW
p 13 10 50
e hrwset@safework.nsw.gov.au
Construct NSW and the Office of the Building Commissioner (OBC) Milestones
This is a big week for the Construct NSW and the Office of the Building Commissioner (OBC) with the following milestones arising:
Summary information is below for Members:
Developers Must Provide Advance Notice of Class 2 Building Completion
Inspectors Have More Powers
Reporting a Defect
Developers to Lodge Strata Bonds through the NSW Planning Portal
Training Available for People Involved in Audits
NSW’s First Certifier Practice Standard being Published
–> Media Release (NSW Government) – Download
New Bricklaying Qualifications
Brendan Coyle, MCA President, has been working with TAFE and the Government for over 3 years regarding the new Bricklaying Qualifications.
Brendan Coyle is also on the Masonry Structures Committee working with Standards Australia regarding proposed changes to the Elements and Performance Criteria to:
All Members – 2020 MCA Annual Awards for Excellence As you are aware the current business environment is one that hasn’t been experienced in our lifetime. The business community worldwide is reeling under immense pressure from the unprecedented circumstances arising out of the COVID-19 pandemic and knock on effects. MCA Members have had to adjust their work practices to remain operational. While many businesses have work at present the forward outlook later this year looks very uncertain. Under these circumstances the MCA Executive was consulted and the difficult decision was made to postpone the 2020 Annual Awards Dinner. The decision was taken reluctantly, though we felt that there was little option considering the health, wellbeing of all involved and commitment under contract for the event. We only had a small opportunity to respond without incurring significant financial risk and penalties. We understand the importance of the Awards for Excellence for the Masonry Contractors Membership including the Awards Dinner to all and look forward to the Awards Event in 2021 which will be open to projects completed over the 2-year period. We value the support of all of our Members and thank you for your ongoing support and understanding. Brendan Coyle President
The Masonry Contractors Association (MCA) advises that due to COVID-19 and Government guidelines currently placed on gatherings of large numbers, regrettably the MCA Breakfast and General Meetings scheduled for:
Members and Guests will be kept informed by email of the current COVID-19 restrictions with regards to large gatherings. Once the current Government restrictions have been lifted MCA will be in contact with Members and Guests to advise of the final meeting arrangements.
In the meantime, MCA appreciates your understanding.
Masonry Contractors Association (MCA) are currently adding new resources to the Website for our Members to download. Please click on the below link and type in your email address and password:
https://masonrycontractors.com.au/resources/member-resources
“MCA Excellence in Brick and Blocklaying Awards and Dinner 2019”
Please don’t forget to review “Artibus Brick & Block” – Review
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Minimum wage increase – make sure you are paying the right rate New minimum wage increases apply from the first full pay period after 1 July 2019. Who do the new rates apply to? Employees who get their pay rates from: We are here to help For help understanding your wages obligations in the building and construction industry, visit wages and entitlements page or call on 1800 003 338. You can also find out more about the new rates through the Pay and Conditions Tool on the Fair Work Ombudsman website. Australian Apprenticeships Federal Budget 2019 – AA website fact sheet What is the Additional Identified Skills Shortage Payment? Find out here… Brochures are available here: Page 1 (Download), Page 2 (Download) For further information Tel. 1300 136 547 or info@metcell.com.au or Buy Online www.metcell.com.au The MCA Executive has reviewed this product and believe it to be of benefit to the industry and would encourage you to utilise this product and the company’s services as they are an MCA Sponsor. Disclaimer: The MCA Executive does not warrant or guarantee any product, or service that we endorse. Persons using such products or services assume responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer.
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