MASTER BUILDER Official Magazine of the Master Builders Association of NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
$1bn STATION RENOVATION
BUILDER BLITZ
SafeWork targets the No.1 killer on work sites
SICK BUILDING SYNDROME A day in the life of a building biologist
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION Have attitudes in the industry changed?
Contents
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MBA NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
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Contents For more information visit renault.com.au Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
3
22/03/2018 3:58 PM
Are your showers ticking time bombs? Despite builders best efforts, leaking showers are consistently listed in the BSA’s top ten defects. Sadly, sometimes this is due to substandard workmanship, but most of the time it is the design of the shower itself which is creating the potential for disaster. Most contractors are at a complete loss as to why, but detailed testing has shown how, by the action of expansion and contraction, water is “pumped” along glue cavities to escape the shower enclosure, no matter how well it is water-proofed. The best way to prevent the problem is to seal the screen directly to the membrane, and NOT to the tiles. Waterstop Streamline provides: •
Positive connection between screen and membrane
•
Maximises floor area
•
Provides a template for following trades
•
Ensures correct fall to waste
•
Complies with and exceeds AS3740
•
Modern, cost effective, one-piece design
•
20 different shapes and sizes
•
Minimum change for maximum benefits
My business has expanded rapidly since we star ted using the Waterstop Streamline ho b and I now have tilers recommending the Waterstop Streamline system – and me – to othe r builders. Everyone that uses it loves it.
Mr Fred Medd ings, Managin g Director Watertight Austr alia (Water-proo fers)
Remove the doubt. Fit Waterstop Streamline ... and forget about leaking showers.
Water escapes shower enclosure
Water path
Bed
Hobbed shower
Tile
Screen ‘sealed’ to tiles with silicon Tile
Bed
Mr Glen Whitehead, Managing Direct or BJM Developments
Water escapes shower enclosure
Membrane
Waterstop Streamline Screen ‘sealed’ to tiles with silicon
Screen
Screen
Rebated or flow-through shower
By using Waterstop Streamline I know the shower will be perfect every time. It has to be, because this prod uct is designed to dictate placemen t of all of the other components to make up a complete shower. It’s virtu ally impossible to stuff it up.
Water path
Streamline
Screen Screen sealed to membrane with silicone
Keyway to trap liquid membrane
Tile Tile height gauge
Tile Hob
Bed
Bathroom floor tile height optional Substrate
Bed Membrane
For more information, visit www.waterstopstreamline.com.au Phone 07 5426 3700 • Fax 07 5426 3711 • Email sales@gleda.com.au
WATE12057 MB FP_AD_DEC11.indd 1
WATE12057
Membrane
4/01/12 1:23 PM
Contents
MASTER BUILDER Official Magazine of the Master Builders Association of NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
In this issue REGULARS
7 9 1 1 53 5 9 62 64
Contact List President’s Viewpoint Executive Director’s Viewpoint Regional Roundup Dates for Your Diary What’s New Looking Back
Displaying the very best in the business
BUILDER BLITZ
SafeWork targets the No.1 killer on work sites
SICK BUILDING SYNDROME A day in the life of a building biologist
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
FEATURE ARTICLES
12 Master Builder Housing Awards 2018 33
$1bn STATION RENOVATION
Have attitudes in the industry changed?
About the cover: Master Builder Member Laing O’Rourke wins a $955M contract at Central Station (Page 65)
Sick Building Syndrome A day in the life of a building biologist
GENERAL FEATURES
17
Training
18 20
MBA Higher Education Pathway offers a firm foundation with the industry How can Master Builders help with business growth?
Apprenticeships Apprenticeships for construction trades on the rise
22
Legal Hoardings and scaffolding 101
26
Insurance Personal indemnity insurance revisited
29
Workplace Health & Safety Construction blitz on falls from heights
48
Women in Construction Exclusive interview with attendees from the Empowering Women Workshop
COMMERCIAL FEATURES / NEWS
45
Procore The most trusted name in construction software
66
Published by
Our Members Have you checked what your clients are seeing?
News Corp Australia is the exclusive Publishing Partner of the Master Builder magazine. ABN: 63 009 820 035 Phone: (07) 4690 9422 | Fax: (07) 3220 6447 Website: www.newscorpaustralia.com Custom Publishing Manager: Brooke Gardner 07 4690 9309 | M 0407 406 518 brooke.gardner@newsregionalmedia.com.au Senior Editorial Liasion: Josie Adams 07 4690 9454 | M 0437 819 696 Josie.Adams@thechronicle.com.au Media Sales Consultant: Maddysen Sears 07 4690 9349 | M 0417 382 101 Maddysen.Sears@newsregionalmedia.com.au Graphic Designer: Jeff Brown Printed by: APN Warwick Print Press This publication is copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means including electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the permission of Master Builders Association of NSW or News Corp Australia. Disclaimer: Readers are advised that the Master Builders Association of NSW and the publisher cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of statements made in advertising and editorial; nor the quality of goods and services advertised.
Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
5
Which brand of window deserves to be in your next Master Build ?
rylock.com Artarmon 9425 0100
More than 30 years delivering World Class light, views, lifestyle & energy efficiency into quality Australian homes
| Showroom (by appointment) 11/76 Reserve Road
Kingsgrove | NEW Factory & Showroom 9503 0600
2/1 The Crescent
Photo courtesy Sheridan Building Services
Contacts
MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF NEW SOUTH WALES 52 Parramatta Road, Forest Lodge NSW 2037 | Private Bag 9, Broadway NSW 2007 Tel: 02 8586 3555 | Fax: 02 9660 3700 | Email: enquiries@mbansw.asn.au Website: www.mbansw.asn.au | ABN 96 550 042 906
HEAD OFFICE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Martin Patience Simon Pilcher Ross Mitchell Chris Calderbank Park Mick Banks Mike O’Donnell Bob Black
EXECUTIVE
Executive Director Executive Assistant
EVENTS & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Awards Coordinator Awards Coordinator Assistant Special Projects Officer
President Deputy President Immediate Past President Vice President Vice President Vice President Vice President. Brian Seidler Amanda de Vries
OPERATIONS
8586 3503 8586 3507
MBA INSURANCE SERVICES
FOREST LODGE OFFICE NSW State Manager Mark Barnes Senior Account Manager (General) Edwina Lyall Account Executive (Corporate) Diane Craven SME Team Leader (Genera) Jess Walsh Snr Account Executive Hilda Marfo Account Executive Harry Rankin Account Executive Linda Thompson Account Executive Diego Califato Business Development Manager (General) Dele Omisore Business Development Executive Patrick Rafferty Business Development Assistant Shaian Carmona Business Development Manager Alan Fraser Account Executive – Ballina Team Leader – Warranty Peter Usher Senior Account Executive – Warranty Daniel Vine Account Executive – Warranty Kirra Lee Parr National Business Development Manager (Surety) Bill Korakis NEWCASTLE OFFICE Business Development Manager Leanne Farmer Account Executive – Warranty Jayne Cornwell NORTHERN REGIONS OFFICE Business Development Manager Alan Fraser Account Executive – Ballina
MASTER BUILDERS FINANCIAL SERVICES Leasing and Car Search
Ogarit Kelley
MEMBER SERVICES
Manager Member Services Graham McGuiggan Membership Coordinator Paul Love Membership Sales Support James Stevenson Member Engagement Representative Josephine Lee Marketing and Website Support Samantha Harris Administration Assistant Sarah Gunn
8586 3519 0466 431 218 8586 3570 0412 806 700 8586 3594 8586 3556 0478 401 931 8586 3501 8586 3528 8586 3568 9296 6605 8586 3583 0410 234 605 0466 770 910 8586 3565 0481 906 275 9296 6604 6681 4266 0410 234 605 8586 3512 8586 3566 9296 6608 8586 3541 0431 658 067 4979 0115 0466 777057 4979 0110 6681 4266 0410 234 605 0414 919 194 8586 3554 8586 3540 0413 306 556 8586 3581 8586 3569 8586 3572 8586 3545
NORWEST EDUCATION CENTRE & TRAINING 5 Burbank Place, Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 Tel MBA Skill Recognition Centre
APPRENTICESHIP SERVICES
Tel Apprenticeship Services Manager Karen Kellock
LEGAL
Head Solicitor Solicitor
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND SAFETY Director Construction Executive Officer Safety & Risk Industrial Relations Officers Safety Officers Secretary – IR & Safety IR Administration Officer Industry Sector Co-ordinator
8586 3588 1300 884 315 8586 3533 8586 3538
Robert Collings Hannah Shephard
8586 3517 8586 3517
Peter Glover David Solomon Iain Jarman Matthew Gissane Alex Gohari Chris Schultz Leon Lenzo Nicholas Ruston Beverly Glover Annette Gee Tracey Van Breugel
8586 3535 8586 3552 8586 3502 8586 3573 8586 3529 8586 3522 8586 3524 8586 3607 8586 3523 8586 3531 9296 6666
Director Operations Government Projects & Programs Manager ICT Manager Communications Communications Coordinator IT Support/Webmaster Sponsorship Relations Manager
Susan Manning Linda Morris Amanda Kelly
8586 3506 8586 3564 8586 3504
Craig Donovan 8586 3537 Omesh Jethwani 8586 3539 Amanda Kernaghan 8586 3580 Steven Swan 8586 3562 Lynda Gladwin 8586 3549 Alexander Ashley-Carrington 8586 3525 Haley Tibbetts 0412 980 829
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
Manager Finance & Administration Strebre Delovski Credit Control Manager Frank Chevell Credit Officer Daniela Fraumeni Inventory & Administration Officer Jodi Adams Accounts Payable Officer Bridget Delmore Assistant Accountant Sebastian Aguilera Reception #2 Charles Martin Room
8586 3508 8586 3509 8586 3567 8586 3527 8586 3510 8586 3511 8586 3526 8586 3546
REGIONAL OFFICES NEWCASTLE OFFICE
Level 1, 165 Lambton Road, Broadmeadow NSW 2292 Tel: Hunter Region Manager Len Blakeney Member Services Representative Ashleigh O’Brien Receptionist Jenaya McNaught Industrial Relations Officer Shona d’Arbon Industrial Relations 0fficer Ben Ziolkowski Membership Officer Kevin Sullivan Safety Officer John McGhee NSW Regional Office & Divisional Coordinator Luke Reeves Events and Training Coodinator Kerri Richards Trade Events Coordinator Rebeccah Kilmurray MBA Insurance Services Jayne Cornwell Business Development Manager – Warranty Leeanne Farmer
4953 9400 4979 0101 4979 0103 4953 9400 4979 0116 4979 0107 0439 157 141 4979 0112 4979 0109 4979 0105 0499 022 677 4979 0110 4979 0115 0466 777 057
NORTHERN REGIONS
Shop 1, 97 Tamar Street, Ballina NSW 2478 Tel Regional Coordinator Graham Marchant Member Services Representative Marlee Rudgley MBA Insurance Services Alan Fraser
6681 4266 0428 412 784 9296 6717 0410 234 605
GOSFORD
Unit 7/4 Stockyard Place, West Gosford NSW 2250 Tel Member Services Representative Sarah Wilkes
4323 4588
SOUTHERN REGIONS
Unit 1, 171 Princes Highway, Ulladulla NSW 2539 Tel Regional Coordinator Lynn Smith Member Services Representative Teresa Townsend
4454 1955 0418 633 297 4454 1955
ALBURY/WODONGA
35 Hovell Street, Wodonga VIC 3690 Tel Regional Manager Steve Donaghey Administration Assistant Ashlee Lempa
02 6058 2000 0402 044 075 02 6058 2000
PORT MACQUARIE
Unit 3, 12 Jindalee Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 Tel Member Services Representative Kerrie Clark
6581 4033 6581 4033
WOLLONGONG
Unit 3, 29-35 Princes Highway, Unanderra NSW 2526 Tel Member Services Representative Ruth Billington Regional Coordinator Lee Tanks
4272 9409 4272 9409 0419 140 126
ORANGE
Level 1, 296-298 Summer St, Orange NSW 2800 Tel Regional Coordinator Chris Dunn
MATES IN CONSTRUCTION
Hotline
02 6362 6895 0458 243 976 8586 3575
Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
7
IF ONLY THEY KNEW... Meet Ed and Sarah. They love their home and recently retiled their balcony. The job was perfect and they were thrilled. But 1 month later, they started to get leaching so they had their tiles professionally cleaned. The efflorescence returned so they cleaned it again. And again, and again.
IF ONLY THEIR BUILDER OR TILER HAD RECOMMENDED EFFLOCK
ENSURE CUSTOMER HAPPINESS FOR ONLY $4/m2* RECOMMEND EFFLOCK
Efflock is an advanced additive that prevents migration of calcium hydroxide and other salts that cause efflorescence.
For stockist or technical enquiries:
It works by impregnating mortar to provide a hydrophobic function that is unaffected by building movement or traffic wear. When added to screed, tile adhesive and grout, Efflock provides a primary water barrier and is proven to be a reliable solution for preventing efflorescence.
www.efflock.com.au Ideal in brickwork and render to prevent efflorescence, rising damp and salt attack
*AUD based on RRP for a 20 litre drum when used in a 40mm screed, tile adhesive and grout.
Introduction
From the President WOMEN INTEGRAL TO INDUSTRY’S FUTURE The Master Builders initiative Women Building Australia looks to invest in the industry’s future by tackling the gender pay gap. Building and construction is the nation’s second largest industry — it currently employs more than a million Australians but only 13 per cent of them are women.
women in their choice of a construction industry career. It brings together women who are just starting out in their careers or are training to attain a building industry qualification.
There is profound community concern about the gender pay gap. Getting more women into well-paid jobs in growing industries like building and construction has a big role in closing the gender pay gap.
As an industry, a key priority is ensuring that we can provide the skills that young people need and that employers want. The Women Building Australia initiative is a great example of how industry can invest in the future of its workforce and help tackle the gender pay gap.
There are great opportunities for women to achieve financial security and independence through a wide range of careers in our industry now and in the future. On-site or offsite, on the tools or in the office, women need to know that building and construction is an industry that will welcome them and it is where they can achieve financially and in their careers. Master Builders is committed to achieving real change. Women Building Australia is an initiative to change perceptions and raising awareness so the industry can recruit, train and retain more women.
Further, as outlined in this edition of Master Builder the NSW Government and MBA have embarked on a seven-stage program to empower women in the Construction Industry. As you can see there is a lot happening in this area. However, we need to translate this activity into increasing women’s participation in Australia’s second largest industry. Martin Patience MBA NSW President
We want industry businesses to benefit from the skills and aptitudes that women bring to building and construction workplaces. At a national level, Master Builders has launched a Mentoring Program to support
Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
9
Introduction
From the Executive Director SAFETY BLITZ FOCUSES ON FALLS COMPLIANCE OFFICERS TARGET INDUSTRY’S BIGGEST RISK. Recently SafeWork NSW issued a Safety Alert reminding the building and construction industry of the risks associated with working on roof skylights or plastic roof sheeting, as well as the actions required to ensure these risks are eliminated or minimised. Following a tragic fatality in March this year and a number of serious injuries, NSW State Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation, Matt Kean launched a 12-month falls from heights safety blitz on NSW construction sites. SafeWork NSW inspectors are currently targeting construction sites state-wide to ensure compliance where necessary, and to educate employers about how to protect workers from falls. Inspectors aim to ensure a level playing field for those who are doing the right thing. They are also taking a zero tolerance approach to employers who put workers lives at risk of falls. Since the safety blitz commenced, inspectors have issued more than 1,000 notices related to falls risks including 100 on-the-spot fines. We should be mindful that not all areas on a roof are safe to walk on, or step, or fall onto if you stumble or lose your balance. Even plastic sheeting that is claimed to be trafficable can become brittle over time and is highly reliant on correct installation to be trafficable.
Roof sheeting profiles, surface changes, dirt, moisture and obstructions on roofs make it more likely that a person will stumble and deviate from their intended travel path. It is important to note that before commencing work on an existing roof, carry out an inspection to determine: • the presence and condition of sky lights, plastic roof sheeting and other brittle roof sheeting such as asbestos cement sheeting • the presence and integrity of safety mesh. Whether it’s an existing structure or under construction, consider skylights and plastic roof sheeting as non-trafficable areas unless certified as trafficable. Even then, ensure that the installation has been checked and proven to comply with trafficable installation instructions. Members can talk to experts in our Safety department on these issues and also find out more from SafeWork NSW website, including codes of practice and guides to working on roofs. Brian Seidler MBA NSW Executive Director
Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
11
Who will be the Winner of the 2018 Award for Excellence in Housing? Some of the entrants revealed...
12
MBA NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
Awards categories The Excellence in Housing Awards boast an impressive display of homes of all shapes and sizes. This year our team of industry experts will judge — brick by brick. DIVISION 1
DIVISION 5
DIVISION 9
EXHIBITION/PROJECT HOMES
HOME UNITS
INTEGRATED HOUSING
• UP TO $250,000 • $250,001 - $300,000 • $300,001 - $350,000 • $350,001 - $400,000 • $400,001 - $500,000 • $500,001 - $600,000 • $600,001 - $800,000 • $800,001 & OVER
• UP TO $400,000 • $400,001 - $500,000 • $500,001 - $700,000 • $700,001 - $1 Million • $1 Million & OVER
• OPEN PRICE CATEGORY
DESIGN & CONSTRUCT - HOUSE • UP TO $500,000 • $500,001 - $1 Million • $1 Million - $2 Million • $2 Million & OVER
DIVISION 3 CONTRACT HOUSES • UP TO $500,000 • $500,001 - $650,000 • $650,001 - $800,000 • $800,001 - $1 Million • $1 Million - $1.5 Million • $1.5 Million - $2 Million • $2 Million - $3 Million • $3 Million - $4 Million • $4 Million - $5 Million • $5 Million & OVER
• OPEN PRICE CATEGORY
DIVISION 6 HOUSE ADDITIONS/ALTERATIONS/ RENOVATIONS • UP TO $150,000 • $150,001 - $250,000 • $250,001 - $350,000 • $350,001 - $450,000 • $450,001 - $550,000 • $550,001 - $700,000 • $700,001 - $1 Million • $1 Million - $1.5 Million • $1.5 Million - $2 Million • $2 Million - $2.5 Million • $2.5 Million - $3 Million • $3 Million - $4 Million • $4 Million - $5 Million • $5 Million & OVER
DIVISION 7 ROOF & ATTIC CONVERSIONS
DIVISION 4 TOWN HOUSES OR VILLAS/DUAL OCCUPANCY • UP TO $400,000 • $400,001 - $600,000 • $600,001 - $1 Million • $1 Million & OVER
ADAPTIVE RE–USE
HOME UNIT RENOVATION • OPEN PRICE CATEGORY
DIVISION 2
DIVISION 10
• OPEN PRICE CATEGORY
DIVISION 8
DIVISION 11 ESTATE HOUSING • LIFESTYLE LIVING OVER 55s - OPEN PRICE CATEGORY • AGED CARE BUILDINGS - OPEN PRICE CATEGORY
DIVISION 12 AFFORDABLE HOUSING • OPEN PRICE CATEGORY
DIVISION 13 GRANNY FLATS (Secondary Dwelling) • UP TO $100,000 • $100,001 - $150,000 • $150,001 - $200,000 • $200,001 & OVER
SUPPLEMENTARY AWARDS • Best Use of Timber • Best Use of Bricks • Best Use of Concrete • Best Use of Steel
RESTORATION/ADDITION • Restoration including addition - OPEN PRICE CATEGORY • Restoration only - OPEN PRICE CATEGORY
YOUNG BUILDER OF THE YEAR MASTER BUILDER OF THE YEAR
Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
13
Feature Article 14
MBA NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
Feature Article Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
15
DRIVE SAVINGS HOME
TFM2049 MBA NSW 03/18 T2018-009627
WITH YOUR GOLD FLEET DISCOUNT
Being a member of the Master Builders Association has its advantages. You’ll get a Gold Fleet discount across the complete range of Toyota vehicles1. Ideal for families, the Kluger features Toyota Safety Sense+ technology and a 5-Star ANCAP Safety Rating2 to protect those who matter most. Plus there’s masses of storage and gutsy performance. For the right vehicles at the right price, Toyota Fleet means happy families all around.
To find out more, visit your Fleet Specialist Dealer or call 1800 444 847 1. Excluding Special Edition models. 2. Toyota Kluger 5-Star 2014 ANCAP Safety Rating.
toyota.com.au/fleet
®
Master Builders Association membership details required to redeem Gold Fleet Discounts.
Training
MBA Higher Education Pathway has firm foundation with the industry Our education team spent a busy February and March undertaking further consultation with many of our members who gave their time and knowledge freely.
M
embers were consulted and provided the education team with feedback and suggestions to help fine tune our Pathway Programs. They also included consultations with a Project Management team to get a hard-edge stakeholder perspective. This resulted in positive adjustments to our Higher Education Pathway.
Our March intake for the Diploma of Management led to a very full classroom following on from our November Pilot class. Members from as far as the Illawarra and Newcastle enrolled their team members for the Diploma of Project Management course with candidates working within various building and construction sectors including: - Carpentry
- Roofing - Commercial - Residential - Outdoor Landscaping - Waterproofing - Facilities Management
apprentices or those who have recently finished their trade, and moving them along a non-traditional track to the Diploma of Project Management. Completion of this grants entry into the 2nd Year of the Bachelor of Construction Management at one of our partner universities.
This class included MBA, TAFE and direct hire apprentices, recent graduate tradesmen looking to upskill, adult apprentices and self-employed small business owners. It was also pleasing to note a truly representative classroom from all segments of Australian life. Most of this diploma will be held via interactive webinar and online project work — making it easier for participants who are working full time.
Want to participate?
MBANSW – through its vision for a transition from vocational education — is taking
Course enquiries can be made by emailing education@mbansw.asn.au or call 9296 6733.
With our next Pathway to Higher Education course starting in July, members will be updated regularly on this innovative and exciting initiative of MBANSW and the Departments of Industry and Education. It promises to answer the needs of our fast-growing highly skilled industry.
Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
17
Training
How can Master Builders meet the needs of your business growth and development?
M
aster Builders Association of NSW offers best practice initiatives in Training and Professional Development to assist you with the development of your staff for your business.
For example;
Table 7
• to help those along their pathway to a licence, we can assess existing skills and experience with our on-site assessment, which can be conducted in your time at your workplace
Government-funded student characteristics (NSW), January-February 2017 (’000)
There are many benefits to employers to invest in education and training, such as:
• for companies, we offer customised workplace solutions/packages to help minimise the impact on the business and active projects
Sex Males 157.9 Females 169.8 Not known 0.2
• growth of the business • closing skills gaps, and • the need to comply with industry regulations. Employers may also be looking to reduce staff turnover by investing in those staff who have the aptitude to progress and, in turn, increase their capacity and productivity levels. It is crucial that employees develop the transferable skills needed in the changing and evolving construction workplace. Indeed, the building and construction industry is in a growth phase and businesses often need to adapt to keep up with developments. Lifelong learning will be fundamental to future work environments, as seen in the requirement for Continuing Professional Development for Licensed Builders in NSW. In fact, there are many university graduates who require a VET qualification to gain skills related to their field or job. Master Builders understands and respects how busy work and life is. We have developed training programs that are accessible with online learning environments. We also deliver many of our classroom and workshop training programs on weekends. There are a range of other barriers for people to undertake training, which include financial constraints, transport, conflicting schedules and lack of confidence to take on study. Master Builders can help with some of these barriers to training.
18
MBA NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
• for eligible participants, training may be subsidised by the NSW Government under the Smart and Skilled Program. This can reduce fees for the participant as the NSW Department of Industry supports their learning For industry licence holders please be reminded that you can collect your CPD points by enrolling into our Professional Development seminars and workshops. The quality of our trainers live up to our motto: “By the industry, for the industry”. Our trainers are currently working in the industry in their chosen field of expertise. Our training material is continuously being improved and quality assured within AQSA auditing requirements. Our facilities are state-of-the-art with all the latest tools, equipment, learning devices and workshops. By providing the quality education and training, we believe we are empowering individuals – male and female – to build a successful career in the industry. Technical skill sets are trained in workshop and classroom environments which are part of our best practice initiatives in our training programs relevant to the needs of the job. Master Builders is committed to supporting the continued growth of the building and construction industry and adapt to the future needs of the workforce with our industry best practice education and training programs
Student characteristic
NSW
Age 14 years and under 15-19 years 20-24 years 25-44 years 45-64 years 65 years and over Not known
0.4 74.5 63.5 124.7 59.3 5.5 0.0
Indigenous status Indigenous Non-Indigenous Not known
30.1 293.0 4.9
Disability (including impairment or long-term condition) With a disability Without a disability Not known
38.5 283.7 5.7
Language (main language spoken at home) Non-English English Not known
60.1 244.3 23.5
Apprentice/trainee status Apprentices and trainees undertaking off-the-job training Not apprentices and trainees Total students
74.3 253.6 327.9
here at Master Builders Training we are already on the right path to offering these best practise initiatives as part of the services provided by our Training team. We aim to support your ongoing career by delivering the skills you need for lifelong learning and experience. Time and time again our students come back to us to continue training to diversify their business, get that promotion, or transition into management. We have an understanding of how busy work and life is and training to obtain the work/life balance is important, so our training programs are very accessible with online learning environments, and we deliver many of our classroom and workshop training
TRAINING COURSE LIST
programs on weekends. We also endeavour to assess your existing skills and experience with our on-site RPL assessment. This can be done in your time at your workplace. Our consultants can help you establish if you meet the criteria for this program. The quality of our trainers live up to our saying “by the industry for the industry”. Our training material is continuously being improved and quality assured within ASQA auditing requirements. Our facilities are state-of-the-art with all the latest tools, equipment, learning devices, and workshops. Master Builders recognises that everyone’s journey throughout their career in building and construction industry is different in the way they have entered the industry, their personal circumstances. We offer tailored
training pathways to suit your needs through Recognition of Prior Learning and your years of experience on the tools. With training and education we believe we are empowering individuals, both male and female with the supportive learning environments we provide to build a successful career in the industry. We have identified that at Master Builders we continue to grow and adapt to the future of the workforce and continue to improve our offers to our members and students the services it needs to connect quality apprentices and trainees with actual jobs, job outcomes and career pathways with specific “niche” skills required to grow within the building and construction industry.
Training is offered at our Master Builders Education Centre in Baulkham Hills and our regional offices in Newcastle, Ballina, Wollongong, Port Macquarie, Gosford, Ulladulla, Orange and Albury. CPD points are available for all Short Courses and Professional Development Seminars/Workshops. We also specialise in customised training solutions and packages for your business development needs.
Qualifications CPC40110 Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building)
CPC30313 Certificate III Concreting
BSB51415 Diploma of Project Management
CPC50210 Diploma of Building and Construction (Building)
CPC31211 Certificate III in Wall and Ceiling Lining
BSB41415 Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety
CPC30211 Certificate III in Carpentry
CPC31311 Certificate III in Wall and Floor Tiling
BSB40215 Certificate IV in Business
CPC31411 Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing
MSF31113 Certificate III in Cabinet Making RII30915 Certificate III in Civil Construction
CPC30111 Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
CPC20112 Certificate II in Construction
RII30815 Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations
CPC30611 Certificate III in Painting and Decorating
CPC10111 Certificate I in Construction
RII40715 Certificate IV in Civil Construction Supervision
Short Courses First Aid
Remove Non-Friable Asbestos
Internal Waterproofing - Industry Best Practice
General Construction Induction (White Card)
Supervise Asbestos Removal
External Waterproofing – Industry Best Practice
Introduction to Hebel Installation
Work Safely at Heights
Below Ground Waterproofing - Industry Best Practice
Professional Development Seminars/Workshops Asbestos Awareness
Health and Safety Representative
Manual Handling
Contracts and Insurance Workshop
Health and Safety Representative (Refresher)
Pre-Purchase Inspection Report Writing
Guide to Complying Development
Introduction to Security of Payment Act
Return to Work Co-ordinator
Hebel Awareness
Keys to Property Development
Test and Tag of Electrical Equipment
For further course information including course fees, visit our website www.mbansw.asn.au Contact Master Builders Training on 8586 3588 or training@mbansw.asn.au Training is delivered by Master Builders Association of NSW Pty Ltd. RTO ID: 6163
Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
19
Training
We believe...
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships for construction trades on the rise By Karen Kellock — Apprenticeship Services Manager
20
MBA NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
• Certificate IV commencements should also be noted as this also seen a slight positive growth in the 12 month period of 3.8 per cent. Master Builders Apprenticeship Service understands the importance of employment opportunities for our youth aged 15-24 years, who are the largest unemployed group - currently around 13 per cent in Sydney and in regional areas of NSW the figure stands at 16 per cent.
According to the latest National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) report (September 2017), there has been an increase in the number of people starting construction apprenticeships in NSW.
Vocational education in Australia is a worthwhile pathway in securing a job. Statistics indicate VET graduates have a higher employment rate than some university undergraduates.
The report also noted that there was a slight increase of construction trades workers in training, and those who have completed their trade qualification. Of all the industry areas identified in the report, construction trades was the most positive in terms of participation of apprentices, which is exciting news for the building and construction industry. • There was a 45.8 per cent increase in construction trades workers commencing apprenticeship and traineeship programs from 2013 to 2017. • There was also a positive growth spurt of 2.3 per cent commencing in apprenticeship and traineeship programs in just 12 months from 2016 – 2017. • Completions of apprenticeships in our field has also shown positive growth of 17.4 per cent for the same 12 months.
• More than 78 per cent of VET
Apprenticeships
T
here has been an increase in construction trade apprenticeships recently — despite many media reports about a skills shortage and falling number of apprenticeship commencements and completions nationally across all industries.
graduates are employed after training. • The rate is even higher for people who participated in VET as part of an apprenticeship or traineeship, where 82 per cent of graduates were employed after training. Master Builders continues to play a pivotal role in vocational education to support and educate the industry to become qualified and licensed tradespeople. Today employers are seeking both hand-on skills and experience, as well as the aptitude to continue to grow and learn in the industry. Encouraging young people to take on VET apprenticeships and traineeships in the building and construction industry means that they will be skills ready and less likely to face unemployment in the years ahead.
Construction Trade Apprentices in NSW 20000 18000 16000 14000 12000 10000 8000 6000 4000 2000 0
In-Training
Commencements
Completions
2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Employment outcomes of Graduates in Australia 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 2013
2014
Trades Apprentices and Trainees
2015 VET Graduates
2016
2017 University Graduates
Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
21
Legal
Hoardings and scaffolding 101: Safety obligations and regulations By Peter Conroy
Peter Conroy is a Standards and Policy Specialist at City of Sydney Council and is an accredited building surveyor. Peter is responsible for the development and implementation of the City’s Hoardings and Scaffolding Policy and Guidelines.
H
oardings and scaffolding are used extensively by the construction and building maintenance sectors. These types of temporary structures are commonly used when working near or next to a public place and are often erected on or over pathways and roadways. Where this occurs, they can have significant impacts on the safe and convenient movement of pedestrians and vehicles.
In NSW, local councils are responsible for approving and regulating the placement and use of hoardings and scaffolding in public places. In relation to work safety including public safety in vicinity of a worksite, the principal contractor undertaking work is primarily responsible for selecting an appropriate hoarding and/or scaffolding system that is suitable for the site and the likely or potential risks posed by the works. This article focuses on hoardings and scaffolding installed in public places and explains the various statutory and local controls that regulate their installation and use. Key legislative provisions that apply to worksites, and how hoardings and scaffolding
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MBA NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
are used to afford protection to public places from construction and other work activity, are identified. Controls developed by the Sydney City Council to regulate and minimise the impacts that these forms of temporary structures have on public places are also outlined and discussed as examples. What are hoardings and scaffolding? The Macquarie Dictionary defines ‘hoarding’ as “a temporary fence enclosing a building during erection”. ‘Scaffolding’ is defined as “a temporary structure for holding workers and materials during the erection, repair, cleaning or decoration of a building”. In NSW, there are two principal forms of hoardings used to isolate and/or provide protection within a public place. They are: • Type A hoardings – typically a 2.4 metre-high fence of timber or steel frame construction with plywood cladding, with or without scaffolding (Figure 1). Type A hoardings incorporating concrete Jersey kerbs or blocks are also used to form an impact/fall protection barrier to deep excavations (risks associated with vehicles losing control, impacting on
fences and falling into excavated sites adjoining roadways); and • Type B hoardings – an overhead protective structure under which pedestrians and/or vehicles can walk or move when passing a worksite. They are typically constructed of a structural steel frame and deck that provides a barrier from objects that may fall from a work area into the public place and where necessary, to also enclose a worksite at footway level by means of a plywood sheet fence (Figure 2). These hoardings are typically a proprietary steel modular gantry system that can be erected quickly with minimal public inconvenience. Larger systems, often accommodating site sheds and large scaffolding systems supported on the hoarding deck, are generally more complex and take longer to install. Type B hoardings are typically made available to the construction sector by specialist suppliers. Hoardings are different to temporary site security or safety fencing which are typically proprietary fencing panels of chain-wire or steel mesh fixed to a metal frame (Figure 3). These types of fences are commonly erected within the property boundaries of a worksite and often located at the interface with public land (roadways/footways). They are however often located on the public-way and in some cases, without the formal approval or notice of the local authority (council). Some local authorities, including the City of Sydney, prohibit the placement of these fences on public roads.
• provides a frame or structure to temporarily support part of a building element or work. What are the key regulatory provisions controlling worksites and the design and use of hoardings and scaffolding? In New South Wales the placement of temporary structures on a road reservation (roadway and/ or footway) is regulated through the Roads Act 1993 (s138 and s139) and the Local Government Act 1993 (s68 and s94), plus the supporting regulations. Where temporary structures are placed on State ‘classified roads’ (including footways), the concurrence of the State road authority, NSW Roads and Maritime Services, is required (s138(2) of the Roads Act 1993).
Figure 1 ABOVE: A Type A hoarding (City of Sydney Guidelines for Hoardings and Scaffolding 2017) Figure 2 BELOW: A Type B hoarding (City of Sydney Guidelines for Hoardings and Scaffolding 2017)
In terms of work safety, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the supporting Regulations apply in New South Wales. This Act and Regulations are based on the model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations developed by the Federal body, Safe Work Australia. The Regulations contain three key provisions relating to the management of falling objects and site security fencing (see box for the NSW provisions). Safe Work Australia plays a leading role at a national level providing assistance and guidance to industry and state and territory work safety government agencies. Safe Work Australia was established in 2009 through the Safe Work Australia Act 2008 with a primary responsibility to lead the development of policy to improve work health and safety and workers’ compensation arrangements across Australia. Safe Work Australia does not regulate work health and safety laws. This is the responsibility of the states and territories. To support the statutory controls Safe Work Australia also develops model codes of practice that provide practical guidance to assist people in control of a workplace to achieve the standards of health, safety and welfare required under the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations. To have legal effect in a jurisdiction (i.e. a state or territory) a model Code of Practice must be approved as a “code of practice” in that jurisdiction. Safe Work Australia provides the following information in relation to codes of practice:
What are the principal purposes of hoardings and scaffolding? Hoardings and scaffolding are used for several purposes: Hoardings
• afford safety protection and amenity to the public passing a worksite including overhead protection from falling objects. Scaffolding
• screen a site from public view;
• forms a temporary platform to allow workers to safely undertake activity e.g.: demolition, construction and maintenance work on an existing building or structure;
• contain dust and debris within a site to minimise impacts on the adjoining public place; and/or
• encapsulates a structure through the attachment of containment and screening mesh to the scaffolding frame to contain
• isolate a worksite from a public place to prevent unauthorised access;
An approved code of practice applies to anyone who has a duty of care in the circumstances described in the code. In most cases, following an approved code of practice would achieve compliance with the health and safety duties in the WHS Act, in relation to the subject matter of the code. Like regulations, codes of practice deal with particular issues and do not cover all hazards or risks which may arise. The health and safety duties require duty holders to consider all risks associated with work, not only those for which regulations and codes of practice exist. Under a WHS Act in a jurisdiction, approved codes of practice are admissible in court proceedings. Courts may regard an approved code of practice as evidence of what is known about a hazard, risk or control and may rely on the code in Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
23
Legal
dust and debris within the work area and to contain falling material, debris and tools within the scaffolding envelope; and/or
Legal
determining what is reasonably practicable in the circumstances to which the code relates. Several national model codes have been produced by Safe Work Australia for the following development and building-related activities: • construction work; • demolition work; • safe design of structures; • managing work health and safety risks; and • managing the risk of falls at workplaces. Model work health and safety legislation and model codes of practice have provided some consistency at a national level however there is no specific national model code of practice for the design, application and use of hoardings. What are the controls applying to hoardings and scaffolding in NSW? The principal document used by industry is the SafeWork NSW Code of Practice for Overhead Protective Structures. This Code, published in 1995, provides guidance to the construction sector, hoarding suppliers and contractors through several key design elements and requirements including: • structural design aspects including limitations on superimposed loads, structural stability and design impact ratings for decks of Type B hoardings (to stop falling objects); • vehicle impacts on hoardings regarding stability of the structure such as impacts affecting structural integrity through the removal of a support column; • safe pedestrian access beneath a hoarding including the provision of artificial lighting;
workplace”. This person is responsible for assessing the risks associated with the work being undertaken and includes risks to the public. Identified risks must be addressed through implementing control measures which is defined in the Regulation as: “in relation to a risk to health and safety, means a measure to eliminate or minimise the risk”. For worksites near public spaces, the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 has a number of matters that must be considered and met regarding risks associated with falling objects and the security of sites to prevent unauthorised access. Three relevant provisions are set out in the box. Minimising impacts of hoardings and scaffolding on public places The SafeWork NSW Code of Practice for Overhead Protective Structures provides some guidance to address impacts of hoardings installed in public places however impacts 54
associated with scaffolding and methods to reduce impacts on pedestrian movement are not addressed in AS/NZS 1576. Since the mid-1990s the City of Sydney has regulated, through a local approvals policy and guidelines, the design and placement of these forms of temporary structures in public places. This has been necessary to minimise their impacts on safe and convenient movement of pedestrians and vehicles, and more recently since the introduction of dedicated cycleways in the city, the safety and convenience of bicycle riders. The effective and safe management of construction vehicle movements including loading and unloading of vehicles near pedestrian pathways is also important to afford adequate protection to the public. Crane activity involving hoisting material to and from trucks standing in the public place and lifting over footways is an area of high risk. Type B
Management of risk of falling objects
A person conducting a business or undertaking at a workplace must manage, in accordance with Part 3.1, risks to health and safety associated with an object falling on a person if the falling object is reasonably likely to injure the person. Note. WHS Act—section 19 (see clause 9). 55
Minimising risk associated with falling objects
(1) This clause applies if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk referred to in clause 54. (2) The person conducting the business or undertaking at a workplace must minimise the risk of an object falling on a person by providing adequate protection against the risk in accordance with this clause. Maximum penalty: (a) in the case of an individual—$6,000, or
• waterproofing of the deck (pedestrian amenity and public liability mitigation – eye injuries, wet surfaces that increase slip risks caused by soiled footway surfaces); and
(b) in the case of a body corporate—$30,000.
• minimum design standards for protective fences and overhead decks.
(b) if it is not reasonably practicable to prevent an object from falling freely—providing, so far as is reasonably practicable, a system to arrest the fall of a falling object.
Hoardings must also meet other design standards such as the loading standards of AS 1170 (structural design actions; wind actions and earthquake actions).
Examples
(3) The person provides adequate protection against the risk if the person provides and maintains a safe system of work, including: (a) preventing an object from falling freely, so far as is reasonably practicable, or
1
Providing a secure barrier.
2
Providing a safe means of raising and lowering objects.
In relation to scaffolding, AS/NZS 1576 Scaffolding – Part 1: General requirements, sets out standards for the design and operational requirements for scaffolding systems. This is the relevant standard in New South Wales.
3
Providing an exclusion zone persons are prohibited from entering.
298
Security of workplace
The City of Sydney also regulates the placement, design and finishes of hoardings and scaffolding in public places at a local level through an adopted policy and technical guidelines. These are described later.
Maximum penalty:
What are the work health and safety considerations when undertaking work adjoining a public place? A person in control of a worksite, typically the principal contractor, is responsible for compliance with the provisions of the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations. The Act refers to such a person as “a person conducting a business or undertaking at a
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MBA NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
(1) A person with management or control of a workplace at which construction work is carried out must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the workplace is secured from unauthorised access. (a) in the case of an individual — $3,600, or (b) in the case of a body corporate — $18,000. (2) In complying with subclause (1), the person must have regard to all relevant matters, including: (a) risks to health and safety arising from unauthorised access to the workplace, and (b) the likelihood of unauthorised access occurring, and Example. The proximity of the workplace to places frequented by children, including schools, parks and shopping precincts. (c) to the extent that unauthorised access to the workplace cannot be prevented—how to isolate hazards within the workplace. (NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017)
City’s Creative City Cultural Policy and Action Plan, and the use of consistent standardised colours (see Figure 4).
Other aspects such as design quality and regular maintenance of hoardings to ensure continued acceptable structural performance and visual appearance in the streetscape are also regulated (see below). How are hoardings and scaffolding regulated in the City of Sydney? Each day some 600,000 people visit the City of Sydney and more than 400,000 enter and work in the local government Figure 3: Typical temporary construction site security fencing. area. The city also has a growing residential population – currently more than 200,000 people reside in the area. The city’s footway network is therefore critical in maintaining convenient and safe passage of pedestrians to and from commercial buildings, retail shops, tourist attractions and other places. When hoardings and scaffolding are proposed for installation on footways they must be designed to have the least possible impact on the movement of people past worksites. These objectives also apply in busy commercial districts of other cities.
In meeting these aims, public inconvenience adjoining worksites is minimised and development activity in the city can be undertaken in a controlled and orderly manner without undue adverse impacts on the public and excessive impost on the development and construction sectors. Conclusion Development and construction activity is a significant aspect of our built environment and economy. In cities and suburbs, buildings are commonly erected close to or on the property alignment with public roads. Where this occurs persons in control of a worksite are obliged through the work safety laws to manage risks and to implement control measures to ameliorate the risks to the public that pass by worksites. This often requires the installation of hoardings and scaffolding within public spaces.
The effective design and regulation of hoardings and Figure 4: Examples of Type A and Type B hoardings displaying historic images and scaffolding in the city is critical to public art achieve this aim but at the same Most local authorities, time accommodate the needs of interesting temporary structures; including the City of Sydney, acknowledge developers, builders and property owners. To • maintain a colour standard for consistency the legislative obligations and work safety facilitate this the City’s Policy and Guidelines for across the city; requirements placed on contractors and Hoardings and Scaffolding (adopted under the • control truck and worker access points in recognise that hoardings and scaffolding, and Local Government Act) apply. hoardings to enhance public safety; resulting footway obstructions, are often an The principal aims of the policy are: essential part of construction and building • provide effective lighting under hoardings • minimise pedestrian, cycleway and vehicular maintenance activity. (Type B hoardings) for public safety and to obstructions and inconvenience resulting from illuminate graphics/public art on site fences; To achieve an acceptable outcome for all the placement of temporary structures in a and parties it’s important that both the local public place; • maintain safe passage and high amenity including safe footway surfaces past worksites; • effectively maintain visual openness of footways; • screen and secure work areas from the public place; • minimise impacts by providing appropriately designed, finished and watertight hoarding decks (Type B hoardings under which pedestrians and cyclists pass); • provide fascias to conceal site sheds on hoarding decks (Type B hoardings); • minimise adverse visual impacts through the display of high quality public art and graphics, innovative designs and other visually
• minimise adverse impacts on street trees.
The City recognises that hoardings and scaffolding, and the resulting footway obstructions, are a necessary part of development activity and building maintenance. The Guidelines provide a means to permit their use but also ensure that minimum standards are satisfied for the safety and amenity of the public. There are also significant adverse visual impacts resulting from construction activity and therefore hoardings are required to have quality design features to screen and minimise these impacts at street level as well as visual impacts from a hoarding structure itself. These features include the display of public art, graphics and historic city images on hoardings as part of the
authority and the person carrying out development or maintenance activity work jointly to achieve a satisfactory hoarding and scaffolding design that satisfies a contractor’s work safety obligations but importantly, also satisfies the safety, amenity and convenience needs of the public. Further information and guidance: Safe Work Australia - www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au SafeWork NSW - www.safework.nsw.gov.au Standards Australia - www.standards.org.au City of Sydney Hoardings and Scaffolding Policy and Guidelines - www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au City of Sydney Creative City Cultural Policy and Action Plan - www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
25
Legal
hoardings form a safety barrier when this activity is being undertaken.
Insurance
Professional Indemnity insurance revisited
W
ith many residential builders now involved in sourcing designs, and design & construct contracts becoming increasingly common in the commercial sector, it’s important to understand how this can expose your business to potential losses should you not have the right insurance cover. Historically Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance was only considered by engineers, architects,
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MBA NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
Insurance
or designers and the like. When directing clients to particular designers, or entering into Design and Construct contracts, you are likely to legally assume a degree of liability arising out of injury or loss arising out of professional services – even if you’ve outsourced this work to an external company.
contractors and builders who provide design, product specification, or other professional services in addition to, or as part of their construction activities for clients (for example when entering into Design & Construct contracts) assume the additional responsibilities and liabilities of a design professional.
money to defend against PI claims, and while you may ultimately only be found 10%-20% responsible for the loss, the legal defense costs and proportionate liability judgement can result in $100k+ losses.
What is Professional Indemnity Insurance?
Whether or not you provide these professional services in house or engage an external consultant you assume liability to your clients or other parties for claims arising out of injury or loss incurred as a result of a breach of professional duty in the provision of these professional services.
If your business is involved in construction (not exclusively design) – you should be insured through a Design & Construct (D&C) PI policy. Without being insured through a D&C policy, your PI policy may not cover you for jobs that you’ve constructed, even if your advice/product specification on the build was the direct cause of loss.
Professional Indemnity Insurance is designed for professionals who provide advice or services to their customers. It protects your business against legal costs and claims for damages to third parties which may arise out of an act, error, omission or breach of professional duty in the course of your business. Examples of Professional Indemnity claims: • A negligently designed slab cracks and needs to be repaired/rectified. • A balcony collapses due to faulty design. • A builder installs tiles in a wet area that are not slip-rated to the correct level, resulting in a slip & fall injury which is directed back to the builder. • A building is constructed per plans but does not comply with building codes/local laws resulting in rectification works in order to comply. Why you need Professional Indemnity Insurance. Construction industry professionals such as
What are you being covered for? Key exposures are design failure, inadequate/ incorrect advice, design, or product specification, inappropriate/incorrect certification, and poor work documentation. Who can claim against you? PI claims can be made against you by any third party including, but not limited to clients, regulatory authorities, professional bodies & associations, future property owners and body corporations. Do I need Professional Indemnity Insurance if I outsource all of my designs? Whether you direct clients to a particular architect/draftsperson, or your clients provide you with full plans without your input, builders are typically the first port of call for design/ product specification losses. It costs time and
Already have a Professional Indemnity policy – do you have the right cover?
D&C PI policies encompass a broad definition of the various professional services involved in designing and building. A non D&C PI policy will require you to specifically list the professional services to be covered, with anything not specifically listed, uninsured. Want to know more? Contact one of our specialist insurance staff on 1300 MBA NSW or Visit our website on: mbais.com.au
MBA Insurance Services a Master Builders service
Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
27
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Workplace, Health & Safety
A word from the safety regulator
Construction blitz on falls from heights SafeWork NSW targets falls from heights risks
F
alls from heights are the No.1 killer on construction sites in NSW. Too many tradies are killed or seriously injured on construction sites, with devastating effects on families, friends and co-workers. The number of falls from heights incidents reported to SafeWork NSW tripled from 2013 to 2016, with most incidents involving workers in the construction industry. In one such incident, a carpenter fell four metres from scaffolding and was impaled, in another case an electrician fell three metres from a ladder and died from head injuries. More recently, a first year apprentice roofer died after falling six metres through polycarbonate roof sheeting. In response to the alarming rise in falls related incidents, last year SafeWork NSW introduced new on-the spot penalties where employers can be fined up to $3,600 for failing to control the risk of falls adequately. NSW Minister for
Innovation and Better Regulation, Matt Kean, also launched a 12-month Falls from Heights blitz on construction sites.
adequately supported or tied to the building and 28 per cent had inadequate access/egress to scaffold decks.
SafeWork NSW Inspectors will target suburbs state-wide where there is a high concentration of building work with an aim to flooding the area with pro-active inspections, securing compliance where necessary and educating employers about how to protect workers from falls.
With regards to working on roofs or floors, more 40 per cent of sites had inadequate edge protection and more than a quarter did not have a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for high-risk construction work.
Blitz findings so far Inspectors have already visited over 460 sites since November last year. The visits revealed that more than 50 per cent of sites had unsafe scaffolding, more than 40 per cent didn’t have proper edge protection, and nearly 25 per cent didn’t provide an adequate site safety induction to their workers. Additionally, more than 50 per cent of the scaffolds were unsafe due to missing ledgers, planks or hop ups, 19 per cent were not
When conducting inspections, SafeWork has a range of options available to secure work health and safety compliance including issuing Improvement Notices, Prohibition Notices and Penalties (on-the-spot fines). Penalty Notices are issued based on the seriousness of the risk observed and/or the duty holders’ safety and compliance history. These tools allow inspectors to implement a proportionate response to the level of risk or non-compliance observed. In alignment with industry sentiment, Safework NSW aims to ensure a level playing field for those who are doing the right thing. Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
29
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Workplace, Health & Safety
Since November 2017 SafeWork have issued over 1,000 notices regarding falls from heights risks, with more than 120 of these being onthe-spot fines. What you can do: There are many ways you can help avoid workplace tragedies and ensure your workers go home in one piece at the end of the day, starting with eliminating the need for working at heights where possible. If you can’t eliminate working at heights, the work must be conducted: • on a surface that is structurally capable of supporting the loads on it, and • has barriers around its perimeter and any openings to prevent a fall, and • the gradient and surface is even and readily negotiable, and • a safe means of entry and exit is provided. Some typical examples of fall protection are scaffolding, perimeter screens, guarding, and/or fencing. Harness systems, such as fall restraint or fall arrest devices should only be used as a last resort. Ladders are a common tool of trade on construction sites, however statistics show they are inherently dangerous if not used appropriately as per their intended design and with great care. Inspector Tips – Safe Work Method Statements Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) are required for any construction work that involves a risk of a person falling more than two metres. This is one of the categories identified as High Risk Construction Work (HRCW). Construction Inspector Jamie Hinton said: “SWMS are an important industry tool that must be used when there is HRCW taking place.” The main things an inspector is looking for on a SWMS is that: • You have identified the hazards and risks to health and safety • You have planned and implemented the controls identified in the SWMS • It’s site specific • It’s made available and is understandable to the workers, and
• It must be revised if site conditions or circumstances change. “It doesn’t have to be war and peace, sometimes simple and clear is best. Besides ensuring you have the physical controls in place, planning and talking to your workers and contractors about safety are the most important
things you can do.” SafeWork NSW Inspectors continue to blitz construction sites throughout 2018. If you need information on how to work safely at heights or a copy of the Code of Practice; Managing the risk of falls at Workplaces, visit www.safework.nsw.gov.au or call 13 10 50.
TALK – PLAN – PROVIDE
Who’s most at risk
Here are some things you can do to address the risks of working at heights:
When we looked at our most serious construction industry falls from heights incidents and fatalities over the last three years to 2016/17, we found that:
TALK – conduct toolbox talks (or similar) with all your workers and discuss how best to address the falls issues you have on site. Also ensure all workers have been site inducted and discuss falls issues in the induction process. PLAN – develop SWMS and keep them up-to-date. Ensure that all workers have read, understood and signed them. PROVIDE – the appropriate physical fall protection measures such as scaffolding, temporary rails, void covers etc.
• 50% of workers fell off either scaffolds, ladders or roofs (off or through), • 40% of those who fell were either builders, carpenters, formworkers, roofers, labourers or painters, • Most of the workers fell between two and four metres – or a single storey, • The age range with the highest number of falls was 25 to 34, however, those over 45 were most likely to die from their injuries. Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
31
ASX
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Feature Article
A day in the life of a building biologist By Omesh Jethwani
Kelly Abeleven is a Building Biologist on a mission to “cure” the building and construction industry from Sick Building Syndrome, which has existed for decades — Omesh Jethwani, Government Projects & Programs Manager, held an exclusive interview.
To a classroom of six year olds in a show and tell, how would you define building biology and the role of a building biologist? A building biologist looks for and fixes health hazards in the home. What makes you sick, sneeze, cough, or get a runny nose when you are in your home? Why is it that you can’t sleep at night and wake up feeling tired and grumpy? What is that weird musty smell in the bathroom downstairs? Why do you need to remove the leaves in the gutters, clean up your room, put your pillows out in the sun and pull back your bed sheets on a regular basis? A building biologist also helps builder designers build healthier homes so people don’t get sick. Who is the person responsible for this awareness movement? Nicole Bijlsma is a building biologist, bestselling
author (Healthy Home Healthy Family), former naturopath and acupuncturist, PhD candidate and founder and principal of the Australian College of Environmental Studies which she established in 1999 to educate people about the health hazards in the built environment. Nicole established the Building Biology industry when she began to notice the extent to which the environment was causing illness in many of her patients and, after personally experiencing insomnia and ten miscarriages which she believes arose from sleeping near the meter panel shortly after moving into her home in Warrandyte. Nicole completed eight years of training at university as well as pursuing further studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine in China in the early 1990s. After several years in clinical practice however, it became obvious to her that her training did not provide the knowledge or the skills needed to treat patients with asthma,
allergies, or those suffering from chronic conditions affecting multiple organ systems. She consequently began to conduct house audits and found the ‘elephant’ was present in most people’s homes. What are some of the most typical and non-typical hazards on a building biologist checklist? There is a large body of scientific knowledge correlating allergens like house dust mites, pollens, pet dander and mould with asthma and allergies; toxicants in air and water like pesticides to solvents, flame retardants, fragrances and glues to learning and behavioural problems in children, neurodegenerative disorders and a growing number of environmental sensitivities; in addition to electromagnetic fields used in wireless technologies to insomnia and other adverse health effects. In light of the amount Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
33
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For more information visit renault.com.au †Three (3) year/200,000km warranty offer and 3 year Roadside Assistance both apply. Warranty and Roadside Assistance valid for 3 years or 200,000km (whichever comes first) for new and demonstrator TRAFIC models. Roadside Assistance terms and conditions apply. Call our Customer Service Team on 1800 009 008 or view the Terms and Conditions statement at www.renault.com.au/drivingpeaceofmind for details. First 3 scheduled maintenance services capped at $599 per service on new and demonstrator TRAFIC models based on standard scheduled servicing from new and on normal operating conditions. Scheduled maintenance services required every twelve (12) months or 30,000km (whichever occurs first). If vehicle is not presented within three (3) months of when the scheduled service is required, right to that capped-price service under the program is forfeited.
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Australia has one of the highest rates of allergies in the world, affecting one in four people and most of the allergens can be found in the home. The age of the building is one of the most important questions to ask, because it frequently identifies hazards that may be present: • Asbestos used in most Australian homes from 1945 – 1985 • Lead commonly used in various products from paint (up to 1965), lead solder on galvanised metal and copper water pipes, and lead flashing on the roof (a concern if you drink tank water) • Organochlorine pesticides were extensively used on farms and routinely sprayed under the slab of most homes in the 1980s and have been correlated with numerous adverse health effects • New homes take years to outgas the chemicals emitted from paints, sealants, adhesives, carpets and cabinetry. In addition, new homes in temperate climates appear to experience more condensation and mouldrelated problems because of the inability of water vapour to move through the building envelope • Wireless technologies emit radiofrequencies which can reflect off metal materials like sarking, vapour barriers and metal rooves creating a microwave-oven effect. Whilst this can be an advantage to reflect external sources arising from mobile phone towers or the neighbour’s smart meter, it can increase exposure from internal sources like routers, cordless phones and wireless printers for example. Sleeping in these fields has been shown to affect melatonin, which is important for sleep, circadian rhythm and immune and hormonal function. Nicole’s research has uncovered that the home’s proximity to known hazards is an important marker that the building biologist needs to establish. For example, is the home within 40km of an open cut mine or coal fire power station; 2km from a farm or golf course that employs crop dusting; 1km from a wind turbine; 500m downwind from traffic-related air pollutants or a coal corridor; 400 m of a mobile phone tower or high voltage transmission line; or have they built their home above a known radioactive deposit that may increase the occupants’ risk for lung cancer? Are there any rare symptoms that only a building biologist is able to diagnose? Building biologists are not trained to diagnose
illnesses, rather we work in conjunction with health and general practitioners to identify potential triggers in their patient’s home and provide simple and cost-effective solutions on how to reduce or avoid exposure. This may involve (amongst many things) educating the client as to how to reduce their exposure to toxicants in cleaning products, implement integrative pest management, how to reduce exposure to the chemicals emitted from new furnishings, how to use technology and position wireless sources in a way that reduces exposure to radiofrequencies, provide tips to reduce exposure to allergens, and advice on how to prevent the build-up of water vapour in the home that leads to condensation and mould-related problems. We also network with a broad range of professionals from tradespersons (electricians, plumbers, hydrologists), to mould remediators and health and medical fields. Diseases that we frequently find that maybe correlated to hazards in the home include asthma, allergies, eczema, recurrent colds and flus, sleep disturbances, headaches, learning and behavioural disorders in children and chronic fatiguing illnesses for which there is no other explanation. How does one become a building biologist? Is there an exciting career pathway for an individual who chooses to embrace the role of a building biologist? Building biology is ideal for anyone who cares about their health and the health of future generations and is ready for an eye opening and life-changing experience. This career is ideal for people who are solutions based, want to educate and empower people to make healthier choices in the home, whilst providing a consulting service that is flexible and financially rewarding. The growing awareness of the adverse health effects arising from exposure to electromagnetic fields, toxicants, noxious gases, allergens and mould, has significantly increased the demand for Building Biology graduates, with most referrals coming from doctors, health practitioners and building designers. The nationally accredited Advanced Diploma of Building Biology (10194NAT) is a 2 year full time / 4 year part time course available through the Australian College of Environmental Studies (RTO 21740). The course also contains standalone modules like Mould Testing, Electromagnetic Field Testing, Healthy Home, Design a Healthy Home and Children’s Environmental Health which is ideal for tradespersons, architects, building inspectors, building designers and health practitioners to increase their skill base and differentiate themselves from their competitors. Which gender currently dominates the role of building biologists and why? The industry currently attracts 70 per cent women and 30 per cent men. There are more women because women are more likely to look after their sick children and make the
connection between the sickness and the home. Women also have a higher body burden of toxicants because they are the primary consumers of personal care and cleaning products, and they have a higher body fat to muscle ratio and consequently are more likely to be diagnosed with chronic fatiguing illnesses. I think it is also about our fierce protective nature, when one has experienced a miscarriage, especially reoccurring, you will do anything to find answers. We are certainly living in good times with the amount of scientific literature out there, but to help with stress levels, always take information from trusted sources only. What can one expect to find in a building biologist toolbox? We use lots of tools! Thermal camera, moisture meter, indoor air quality meter, bio pump and cassettes (air samples for microbes), bio tapes, microbial swabs, ATP meter, portable vacuum cleaner and cassette (dust and allergen sampling), gauss meter (AC magnetic fields), high frequency meter (radiofrequencies used in wireless technologies), UV lamp, full face respirator, protective clothing (Tyvek suit, gloves and booties) and of course a toolbox full of stuff (screw drivers, hammer, Brad nails, electronic tape measure, LED torch….). What is the difference between green building and building biology? Where the primary goal of ‘Green’ building schemes is to design and construct buildings that are structurally sound, fire resistant, energy efficient and that do not adversely impact the environment, the primary focus of a building biologist is to evaluate and control hazards in the built environment that may adversely impact human health. Whilst the building biology industry supports the use of materials that are sustainable, recyclable and that do not adversely impact wildlife or ecosystems, the push to create tight buildings with impermeable vapour barriers and compromised passive ventilation appears to have resulted in more condensation and mould-related problems, and increased exposure to toxicants outgassing from imported building materials and furnishings. In addition, people with environmental sensitivities react to the electromagnetic fields emitted from compact fluorescent lighting, which are also an environmental and human hazard when the mercury vapour is released when they are accidently broken or discarded. Why has there not been more focus on the biological sustainability of the built environment, given that people are spending 90 percent of their time indoors? Doctors, naturopaths and allied health practitioners are not trained in environmental medicine, so the connection between disease and hazards in the built environment has largely been missed. Completion of the human genome project in 2003 however, confirmed that “Genetics loads the gun, and the environment pulls the trigger” and a growing Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
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of time spent indoors, and the push to create tight, energy efficient homes with compromised ventilation, the number of new builds in temperate climates experiencing condensation and mould-related problems appears to be rising. In addition, homes built in warm, humid climates where the relative humidity exceeds 70% are also at risk for condensation and mould-related issues.
Feature Article body of evidence in the scientific literature is correlating various disease states like asthma, allergies, cancers (lung, breast, brain, prostate and testicular) and chronic fatiguing illnesses with various toxicants, allergens and electromagnetic fields that are frequently found in the built environment. In light of the fact that it can take 17 years for scientific discovery to get to the clinician’s practice, this transition has been slow, which is why the Building Biology industry was established to create a bridge between integrative and health practitioners and building trades. In February 2017, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health released the Nine Foundations of a Healthy Building. What are the Nine Foundations and In your opinion, why were the Nine Foundations listed as the core elements of healthy indoor environments? The Nine Foundations are Ventilation, Air Quality, Thermal Health, Moisture, Dust and Pests, Safety and Security, Water Quality, Noise and Lighting and Views. The Nine Foundations listed are definitely important, but just a start in my opinion and the list is missing some important factors such as electromagnetic fields and site selection. Anything which looks to improve the health of the indoor built environment is a positive in my eyes. Buildings need to have a positive impact
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on people and the environment, they should also support our health, and the health of the environment. Buildings should be built in harmony with nature with factors such as air quality, water quality, ventilation, moisture and thermal health, as included in the Nine Foundations of Health, taken into account in the planning stage. This could help with health effects such as asthma, fatigue, headache and irritation from common indoor pollutants including flame retardants, carbon monoxide, lead, benzene and pesticides which enter our body through breathing, swallowing or through our skin. Does the responsibility lie on the architect or the builder to achieve the Nine Foundations of a healthy building? We believe all those involved in the design and construction of a building should be well versed with the knowledge and the skills to create healthy buildings. The architect should design the home according to the microclimate and topography of the site; select materials that don’t adversely affect indoor air quality, have good hygroscopicity and that do not increase the occupant’s exposure to harmful electromagnetic fields, radioactivity or toxicants; allow for the movement of water vapour through the building envelope; select appropriate cooling and heating systems that take into consideration the occupant’s existing health
status; and to support the health and wellbeing of the occupants living and/or working in the building. Ideally the location of the site should be assessed for known hazards to see if it is even suitable for the occupants with preexisting conditions like asthma, allergies and chronic fatiguing illnesses. Builders should be familiar with the appropriate installation and cure rates for concrete and masonry, prevent materials becoming sodden during the construction phase, construct the home to reduce the build up of water vapour (exhaust fans to vent steam to the outside and not the roof cavity), use of intelligent and permeable vapour wraps, ensure sufficient gaps in the roof cavity (from cladding) and subfloor (where appropriate), prevent thermal bridges, ensure adequate water proofing of wet areas, wire the home in a way that doesn’t expose the occupants to high AC magnetic fields or radiofrequencies amongst many other recommendations. Builders also have a duty of care to be familiar with mould testing and remediation to ensure they don’t create secondary damage and contaminate the rest of the home when they conduct renovations that involve removing water damaged materials. In your opinion, which countries have set examples as caring leaders which have significantly contributed to the health and wellbeing of their people?
Some examples include: • In Europe, chemicals are regulated through REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) which places the responsibility on industry to manage the risks and provide safety information. In Australia and the USA, the burden of proof is on the government to prove a chemical can cause harm.
within the Australian National Construction Code to mitigate mould and condensation within new buildings. Do you think Australia is on a par with the rest of the world when it comes to finding a cure for Sick Building Syndrome? Most countries do not seem to be aware of the magnitude of ‘sick building syndrome’. Exposure standards for chemicals and electromagnetic fields are not adequate to protect us. Most often, people don’t realise that the industry doing the harm is also the one setting standards. Most exposure standards for chemicals in everyday products and electromagnetic fields are not health-based standards, but rather
pesticides found in a home is tracked in from your shoes. Have a thick piled door mat at the entrance which is regularly beaten and a place that occupants and guests can place their shoes before entering the home. If you stop wearing your shoes inside your home, you can reduce the amount of dust by 50%. 2. Get a water filter to remove contaminants. Chlorine and fluoride in drinking water are associated with health risks. 3. Reduce the chemical load in the home. Air fresheners, perfume, pesticides, solvents, paints, cleaning and personal care products contribute to poor indoor air quality. 4. Healthy cleaning a. Use a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA
• Triclosan – a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent used in a wide range of consumer products was banned from consumer products in the USA, as a result of concerns that it is a hormone disrupting chemical. The European Union labels triclosan “irritating to the eyes and skin, and dangerous for the environment”. Yet in Australia the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme concluded in their review that there was “no concern for the public”, so it continues to be used in cosmetics and personal care products including toothpaste. • Radiofrequency electromagnetic energy – banned in childcare centres and kindergartens in France. Removed from childcare centres and kindergartens in Cyprus. Russian National Committee on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (RNCNIRP) have documented their concerns about wireless technologies for many decades.
are developed in consultation with industry to determine what is ‘practicable’ in a workplace environment. Exposure standards fail to account for multiple routes of exposure, mixture effects, transgenerational effects, the timing of exposure or individual human risk factors such as age, genetics, nutrition etc.
• CCA (copper chrome arsenic) – The use of CCA is restricted in Japan, Sweden, the European Union, Canada and the USA and is banned in Switzerland. CCA was restricted in Australia in 2006.
It would be great to see a future of building standards that assist in the safeguard of the health of our present and future generations by minimising health hazards and allowing people to live to their full potential.
• Condensation and Mould – USA, Britain and Canada have standards pertaining to the mitigation of condensation and mould in new homes. There is no regulatory requirement
What are Kelly Abeleven’s Top Ten Steps To a Healthy Home? 1. Take shoes off before entering the home. Much of the dust and chemicals like
filter. Most conventional vacuum cleaners will exacerbate indoor dust levels by recirculating back into the air up to 80 per cent of the particles they draw in. A vacuum cleaner with a built-in HEPA filter will prevent dust particles from becoming airborne. A motorised head and electrostatic disposable bag is also recommended. Wipe settled dust with a damp microfibre cloth followed by a clean, dry tea towel. This will trap most allergens and keep them from becoming airborne. Use the sun to air pillows and mattresses, pet bedding, chopping boards and soft toys. b. Ventilate – enabling fresh air and negative ions to come into the room, reducing the Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
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Different countries are leading the way with different hazards and the setting of standards. Researching the countries that are setting examples in caring about the health and wellbeing of their people is a time consuming and in depth task, this is why it took seven years to develop the Building Biology course. I think education is desperately needed, especially in relation to the safe removal of lead based paint, working on a water damaged building etc. This is important due to the health and transgenerational effects of some toxicants, as well as their persistent nature. Until standards are improved we recommend using the precautionary approach.
Feature Article
Do you think the Program should be introduced across board for all girls and women working in the Building and Construction Industry?
chemical load in the home and improving indoor air quality. Many chemicals found in the home that can trigger asthma and allergies can be reduced by opening windows on a regular basis (providing it does not bring in traffic fumes). 5. Create a sleeping sanctuary to give your body a chance to rest and recuperate. Buy Australian made as imported mattresses may contain formaldehyde and flame retardants. Mattresses and their casings should be made from natural fibres such as cotton, hemp, wool or latex. Ensure electrical appliances are at least 1 metre away from your bed, couch or any areas you spend time to reduce your exposure to electromagnetic fields. The AC magnetic field and/or radiofrequency radiation they emit, has been shown to suppress melatonin in the brain which impacts sleep/wake cycles and reduces your ability to rest. 6. Turn Wi-Fi off when not in use, use corded connections and a corded home phone (avoid cordless phones). Turn mobile phone off at night and use handsfree when talking. 7. Avoid clutter as it harbours dust, and house dust mites and attracts pests. Reduce the dust load as dust encompasses a wide range of potentially allergenic agents. 8. Mould is caused by dampness and moisture from roof leaks, condensation etc. Find the moisture first and remove the source. Remove mould with a damp microfibre cloth. 9. Avoid plastics, highly coloured ceramics, leaded crystal etc, by storing food and beverages in glass, stainless steel and leadfree ceramics. 10. Plants – Plants reduce airborne moulds and bacteria and plant-filled rooms generally contain 50-60% less airborne moulds and bacteria than rooms without plants, as long as they are not overwatered. Plants also connect you to the beauty of nature. How does one find a building biologist? Is there a specialised organisation or association? Visit the Australasian Society of building biologists website www.asbb.org.au and click on Find a building biologist.
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*You were one of the nineteen women who had registered for the Empowering Women to Thrive in the Construction Industry 7-Stage Program. Your views on the Program overall and has it benefited you as a female working in a male dominated industry? Yes the program has been amazing for me. It has provided encouragement and support, it has shown that not only is change necessary, change is actually being implemented. To have the opportunity to take the time to research the health effects of a sick building, see what is actually affecting the health of our buildings and learning about how to create a healthy building as a building biologist, has been an enlightening journey and it is satisfying to share this with Master Builders NSW and the other ladies who participated in the program. I think it’s nice to have female input in the industry, especially when tradespeople don’t have time to look further into certain products and their health effects etc. I would love to see buildings built with human comfort and health in mind, and the health of the planet, rather than merely building to make money. I believe the financial benefits of doing this over our lifetime and beyond will speak for themselves. I thank Master Builders NSW and NSW Government (Women NSW) for this amazing opportunity. I think the fact that it is recognised that there is such an imbalance in the building and construction industry is a great start and the beginning of great change. and Yes – just to get together and talk about it and be given the encouragement to move forward is an amazing opportunity.
Yes, I believe this program, or a program defined specifically for the building and construction industry, would be extremely beneficial. We are at such an important time in this industry and we don’t want to lose passionate and experienced professionals. This program, or a similar program, would be beneficial to all woman working, or who want to work, in the building and construction industry. When it has been recognised that change is necessary, and change has been implemented, this surely creates a bright future! If Master Builders NSW makes a funding application to assist more girls and women working in the Building and Construction Industry, what would some of your recommendations be? • Educate women how the home can affect their families’ health (asthma, allergies, sleep related disorders, various cancers...). Motivate women to have an interest in the industry, especially from a health perspective to ensure the industry can keep up with demand, and create a healthy future. • Highlight the possible work/life balance, job satisfaction and different avenues women can explore in the industry. For example, building biology provides a financially rewarding income stream that enables you to make a positive difference to the lives of many whilst providing flexible hours (work around family or other commitments). It also creates the opportunity to work with a large network of professionals from doctors and health practitioners to building trades to create buildings that support the health of the building occupants. • Have the women talk to other females in the industry. Passion goes a long way, women need to see this passion and understand that the building and construction industry is an amazing industry to be involved in. Talk to building companies, large and small, understanding the extreme importance of both and encourage everyone to work together to achieve the creation of buildings that we enjoy spending time in. • Train women in industries such as building
• Requesting funding to assist with more women working in the industry really makes sense when you look at the amount of money that could be saved on costs of future healthcare if we really concentrate on important factors such as building health. The health of the planet, the air we breathe,
the water we drink, has an obvious and direct relationship to our own health and well-being. A healthy building is the creation of a healthy indoor environment by allowing a building to ‘breathe’, and by using materials and processes to regulate temperature, humidity, airflow and quality. I believe women have the skills and passion to help create natural homes, schools and workplaces that support our mind, body and soul. One of my favourite sayings is ‘pay now or pay later’ which is extremely relevant to this question. Pay for funding now to help the industry move forward in a healthier manner, or pay later with bad health, landfill issues, declining natural resources and expensive healthcare costs. I know what will be cheaper in the long run! Kelly Abeleven, a Building Biologist, director of a Sydney building company and certified Water Damage Restoration professional, focuses with clients on optimal wellness principles in the home, schools and workplace. Kelly is an advocate for children’s environmental health; in the home, schools, public buildings and the health of the planet. Kelly educates people to live in harmony with nature and to provide healthy, liveable, and low impact buildings with
reduced EMF exposure, reduced allergens, less chemicals, and improved air and water quality. Kelly inspires her clients towards making lifestyle changes in their homes that significantly improve their health and the health of their family. She encourages the creation of natural and healthy environments that form the framework for our physical, mental and spiritual health. Kelly serves as a committee member of the Australasian Society of Building Biologists (ASBB). For more information, visit buildingbiologynsw.com.au *The Economic Empowerment & Leadership of NSW Women In Male-Dominated Trades project is supported by the NSW Government through Women NSW. The program, Empowering Women to Thrive in the Construction Industry, delivers tailored leadership and empowerment workshops that will enable new entrants’ tradeswomen and current tradeswomen to obtain the essential skills and key competencies that will empower them to establish and/or grow their trade business. The project provides access to mentoring, networking and potential career opportunities for women interested in jump starting their career and being part of the Building and Construction Industry.
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biology. Builders and building biologists are a perfect match in my opinion, along with the other trades and services involved. For instance train a woman in a husband and wife building company, and the woman can be more involved in aspects of the build relating to health such as building material selection and where it is coming from (life cycle and embodied energy), PPE, remediation works and site design. A woman also has her partner’s health in mind and cares about the toxins they are constantly being exposed to, as well as bringing toxins home on their clothes etc. If we all work together to achieve an important goal, building health, this would have such a positive impact on our health, the health of the planet and the health of future generations. From what I can see, the building biology industry is in demand and the only way to work, is to work together…..and we definitely need more building biologists.
What’s New
Technology and Innovation By Josie Adams
Advanced technology is entering the construction industry market — designed to increase safety, efficiency and productivity on projects. Drones Drones are already used frequently on construction sites; however new regulations mean they will become increasingly common. A whole day spent in the sun is no longer necessary with drones able to offer a safer and cheaper alternative when it comes to monitoring projects and surveying sites. They can send back data, video and results in realtime, ensuring a surveying team can get the job done more quickly and effectively. They can also assist in a more thorough job with the ability to access small spaces or dangerous areas. The ability to manage workflow without being onsite is unprecedented and is certain to have a significant impact on all manner of construction processes, reducing travel costs and time. The Internet of Things (IoT) and construction Simply explained, IoT is the concept of connecting any device with an on and off switch to the Internet. This includes everything from mobile phones to air conditioning to wearable devices. In the building and construction industry it can be used in several ways increasing productivity and efficiency, and saving money. During a project for example, issues related to miscommunication such as misallocating funds, delayed or incorrect deliveries, and misplaced construction equipment are common. The development of construction technology and
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the IoT allows accelerated and smoother interactions between clients, developers, and workers. Integrating IoT into construction equipment, for example can track and monitor machinery from anywhere using a mobile device. A new machine from Case, Komatsu, Caterpillar and some others will come with a
to personal assistants like Siri, AI is being used in a number of industries. In the building and construction industry it can be used in several ways. From a management perspective it can help keep projects on track and budget. And on-site, in conjunction with other technologies such and drones and cameras, AI can be used to process data and keep workers safe and working effectively. For example, a foreman may be
standard package of telematic sensors and software for data gathering. If a machine is not working efficiently, using too much fuel or unexpectedly leaves a worksite, management will know — whether they’re 500 metres or 1000 kilometres away. Being able to operate heavyduty machinery equipment from a distance also improves safety. Artificial Intelligence From the use of chat bots in customer service
able to use software which compares work being done on the site (captured by drones) with the original design, if there is any deviation or inconsistencies they can receive immediate alerts saving time and money on rework.
What’s New Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
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News
On-the-go business apps For builders, mobile apps can make running a small business more efficient and productive, allowing for more time ‘on the tools’ Digital business cards
Mobile invoicing apps
Combining the advantages of online marketing with a traditional business card, digital business cards can give you instant access to your referrals and clients, and help track online marketing effectiveness.
Mobile invoicing apps allow you to create onthe-go invoices in seconds, so you can get paid faster.
You can customise and easily update your details and send your digital business card via SMS, email or other messaging applications anywhere 24/7. They offer the ability to target your customers with segmented and specific campaigns and allow you to track who is actively engaging in your marketing drive.
Most of the available apps allow you to make custom templates with your business details with pricing and customer information saved for regular use. Many offer payment reminders so you can keep track of your invoices. Some applications offer a ‘Pay Now’ funtion as well as a service allowing credit and debit card transactions for fast online payments.
Invoice2go, Billdu, FreshBooks and Invoice by Wave are just some of the apps available. Job management on-the-go Manage your workers and schedule, and track jobs from your mobile phone. Job management apps offer a range of benefits including the ability to collaborate in real time and to keep track of schedules, materials, machines, staff and contractors going to and from a work site. Using real-time timesheets, photo and audio sharing opportunities as well build plans and project data, it’s simple to manage your build from anywhere. Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
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Advertising Feature
Procore – the most trusted partner in construction software. Tom Karemacher – Vice President of APAC Procore Technologies.
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elivering a construction project on time, within budget and to a high quality is not easy. So often, we read about projects running well over schedule, blowing budgets or having accidents on the jobsite.
safety, and construction finance.
This complexity has driven the construction businesses to look for efficiency gains wherever possible to reduce time, drive transparency and safety adoption as well as increase profits and value. Software technology is now seen as one of the main areas where construction companies can drive these gains.
The majority of software systems have worked to improve a certain aspect of the construction jobsite without taking the whole construction vertical into consideration. But singular software solutions have inherent limitations and without the free flow of data, the back-and-forth collaboration to manage time, cost and quality, construction teams cannot deliver quality projects on time and within budget.
With an increasing amount of funds being allocated to infrastructure and projects, technology is now being recognised as vitally important to success in Australia’s construction industry. Yet the construction industry is the third least-digitised sector in the world and the local industry is to date, yet to be properly served by technology vendors. Construction has never been slow to adopt technology, but rather technology vendors have been slow to meet the needs of the industry, specifically in the areas of project management, quality and
Various software solutions have been used by construction companies to help meet these critical demands, but most have delivered only mixed success.
At Procore, we have developed a software solution that manages the entire construction process and that puts real-time information at the fingertips of those who need it most. Where previously a single delay could backlog an entire project, real-time updates allow users to carefully manage the entire construction process, giving project managers and developers the opportunity to jump in as soon as an issue is identified, and solve it as quickly as possible.
This access to real-time data brings agility to the sector and increasingly, project managers need to invest in the right digital solutions to streamline their reporting processes, and embrace the right tools that can ensure all information relevant to a project is accessible immediately, in one place and available to the full team. Choosing the right construction software solution is a critically important decision. A substantial investment in terms of cost, time, and resources; the software selected will also define the daily work culture and communication environment of construction teams. Procore has launched in Australia and New Zealand to bring a world-class construction management software to the market, with over 150,000 users already in Australia and New Zealand. Procore is investing heavily into the region to meet the large demand for a construction software system that delivers real value to the jobsite and has the customer and continued innovation at the core of the business. Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
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Legal
Building or extending – use the right contract Master Builders Australia has launched a new edition of the most widely used building contract in Australia in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Architects.
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he Australian Building Industry Contracts, known as ABIC, provide the market with an up-to-the-minute suite of standard form contracts for a variety of building works – ranging from small extensions to large residential and commercial projects.
CEO of Master Builders Australia, Denita Wawn, said: “The best thing about ABIC is that they are developed by builders and architects, designed to be simple and clear, and reduce the chances of dispute and confusion that is frequently the cause of costly delays. “The 2018 version of ABIC represents the most comprehensive update in several years, Databuild Adv AU 190x132 PRESS copy.pdf
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and recent improvements will provide owners, builders and architects with greater certainty when embarking on a building project.” The ABIC suite offers both base and subcontracts for a variety of works including: • Major works – medium to large commercial or residential projects involving work to be completed in stages; • Simple works – smaller to medium-size residential and commercial projects; and • Basic works – small projects or those involving a single trade. “Together with the optional plain English user guides and forms, the ABIC contracts offer an 1
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effective way to ensure everyone knows where they stand, reducing the chances of expensive delay and costly project blow-outs,” Ms Wawn said. Anyone working on a building project should make sure that their architect or builder are using the latest version of ABIC. CEO of the Australian Institute of Architects Jennifer Cunich said: “A strong and transparent relationship between architects, builders and their clients delivers the best outcome for all parties.” The 2018 ABIC are now available for purchase from the MBA website at: www.mbansw.asn.au
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Women in Construction
Empowering women to thrive in the construction industry By Omesh Jethwani
O
mesh Jethwani, Government Projects & Programs Manager caught up with Keirra Rushford, Director Certifying Solutions; Wendii Williams, Human Resource Manager A W Edwards; and Victoria Kennedy, Formwork Sales Representative Waco Kwikform Group on their personal journey as empowered women. What is “Women’s Empowerment?” Is this about gender equality, or is it more than that? Keirra: Women’s Empowerment is about recognition from both genders. It’s about women being recognised for, and realising themselves, how much they contribute to all aspects of work/ business, family and life overall, and to also start backing themselves for the significant impact they have. I feel that as women, a lot of us don’t realise how much we are juggling and holding together all at once because it has just become the norm for us. Wendi: It’s more than gender equality. It is
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MBA NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
about being able to make individual choices in your life that change your life. It’s wanting more and achieving it. Victoria: Empowerment is the ability to make your own choices, having the ability to have power or control/ ownership. Yes, I do believe Women’s Empowerment is about gender equality and when given the same opportunity to participate, I think a higher equality between men and women can be established. When you close your eyes and imagine an empowered woman, what do you see? Keirra: For some reason Cleopatra comes to mind. An empowered woman would be standing tall, hands on hips and head held high - taking life by the horns, instead of sitting on the sidelines. Picking herself back up every time she falls and pushing on no matter what adversity comes her way — and not…giving… up…no matter what!
Wendi: Someone that is strong and resilient – knows her “mission”. Victoria: independence. What are the qualities of an empowered woman? And how can women be empowered while maintaining their femininity? Keirra: I believe the qualities of an empowered woman are confidence, self-awareness, positivity, authenticity and drive. Be assertive and never lose your cool, because she who remains calm wins. Wendi: Remain who you are and what you believe in. Don’t change your personality to be accepted. If you are a professional and work fairly, things will happen naturally. Victoria: Independent financially, educated, resourceful and inclusive. Femininity is a socially constructed concept in my mind. What is the one thing you find most
Keirra: The lack of respect — I find people don’t make eye contact when I’m talking to them, they interrupt, act disinterested, or will only address my husband. I feel that there’s a misconception that I’m tagging along in my husband’s company, when in reality not only am I the main decision maker, but I’m also responsible for creating all of the systems, procedures, policies, as well as the setting up and managing of the accounts, administration, legal, HR, projects, website, business development, set up of two offices and even IT before deciding to hire an IT company.
bad that I couldn’t leave the house. The mind is a pretty powerful thing and it was the scariest thing I have experienced. I knew I had no other choice but to keep pushing on, and took Valium every day for a couple of months to help me get through. I struggled the most with social interactions and especially meetings, and I constantly let people push my boundaries in order to be accommodating. Running a business
Tell us a little bit about your own personal path of empowerment? What was significant? Kerirra: My own personal path of empowerment is fairly long, but what I found significant was my struggles with anxiety. Prior to starting Certifying Solutions with my husband, I worked for a company where I was subjected to sexual harassment, nepotism and bullying. This, coupled with a few other events led me to lose my selfconfidence, self-respect and sense of worth. Certifying Solutions took off a lot sooner than anticipated, and in addition to this I decided to start a second company. I had to learn all about planning, legislation, council requirements etc along the way, on top of building the foundations for what Certifying Solutions is today. This involved working 18 to 20 hour days including weekends, and making a lot of personal sacrifices. I had never fully dealt with the effects my previous job had on me, coupled with the speed at which the business was progressing, and about a year ago my anxiety was so
Keirra: I don’t feel the characteristics are gender based. I believe good characteristics of all leaders to be assertiveness and self-awareness, at the same time as also being kind hearted, a hard worker, have a sense of humour and the ability to take on constructive feedback. constructive feedback. Wendi: Every individual is different when it comes to their leadership style – male or female doesn’t come into it. To be a good leader you need to lead by example, be professional, respectful and transparent, and work under the agreed conditions of your code of conduct. Victoria: Being inspirational, a good example, focuses on their team, communication, humility and fairness. No, I think all leaders should have these characteristics regardless of gender
Wendi: Nothing currently, however over the years — generally finding a good mentor. Networking is great but sometimes having someone you can work closely with is key. Victoria: We are not given the respect to enable the same bargaining power.
male leader does?
has really forced me to face my demons, and I realised the only way I was going to beat this was to tackle it head on. I was the only person who could change things so I put myself into more situations that made me feel anxious, instead of avoiding them, and I changed my lifestyle and focused on learning as much as possible to build my confidence back up again. The difference to how I feel today is huge compared with a year ago, I still have anxiety but I have learnt how to keep it at bay and not let it control my life. I love running a business, and feel it was what I was always meant to do, and I’m excited to continue to grow it and learn from it as well as helping other people tackle their mental health issues along the way. Wendi: Returning to a full time managerial role and accomplishing professional and personal goals whilst raising a family Victoria: After many years I am only now starting to realise self-worth and I am working towards goals with more confidence and with purpose. What do you regard as the characteristics of a good female leader? Does a female leader need different characteristics to be successful than a
Do you think men play an important role in supporting empowered women? How have the male figures in your life supported you? Keirra: Men definitely play an important role in our lives, whether they are our partner, relative, colleague, friend or employer. My husband has always had my back at times when others have tried to bring me down, we have had some tough times and I wouldn’t be where I am now without his support. There are so many other supportive male figures in my life that I wouldn’t be able to fit in here! Two of them being my grandad and stepdad – who have always put the women in the family first, even if they haven’t been so well themselves (and despite us driving them a little nuts at times!). I can always rely on them to ‘tell it how it is’. Another supportive male figure in my life was a CEO I worked for many years ago, who recognised I wasn’t on the right path, and who organised for a career adviser to come and talk to me. He is responsible for me making the decision to move from Canberra to Sydney at age 17 and get into the big city to pursue some sort of career. His support and encouragement inspire me every day to keep going and to always strive to be the best version Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
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Women in Construction
challenging working in a male dominated industry?
Women in Construction of me. Unfortunately, he passed away before I had the chance to thank him for putting up with me and for believing in what I was capable of. Thank you Brian (former CEO of the Australasian Railway Association). Wendi: Absolutely. My husband is a great support person, we have worked in unison in raising the family throughout our work commitments. In my current role I have a fully supportive Director who works in partnership in the Human Resources domain. Victoria: Yes, I think it is very important — however all people should be supportive regardless of gender. The people in my life support my abilities and ideas, they encourage my independence and participation. Which female leader do you hold in high regard and why? Keirra: To be honest, I don’t really know much about many of the female leaders out there, but one who comes to mind a lot is Oprah Winfrey - because she came from nothing and is now one of the most successful people in the world. Instead of letting the adversities defeat her, she rose above and has helped a lot of people along the way. I grew up with a single mum who also did it tough working and going through uni while raising myself and my sister, we lived in government housing and relied a lot on donations from charities throughout childhood. Knowing that there are
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MBA NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
successful people out there who have done it tough along the way definitely makes me believe that your past does not dictate your future unless you allow it to. would have faced along her journey. Inst Wendi: Julie Bishop — she is confident, factual, professional, works in a cut-throat environment and seems to maintain a complete and composed “calm”. Victoria: Zaha Hadid – Architect. She didn’t see herself as a woman or minority architect. She saw herself as an Architect. However, if the “Woman Architect” label helped or inspired other women she was supportive of that. I think it is important to not put gender labels on ourselves. We as individuals can accomplish anything. Name two skills you would like to improve in yourself as a female leader? Keirra: I would love to improve my skills in having difficult conversations, and public speaking (my worst fear!) Wendi: I only have one — to be involved and understand the technical complexities of construction more rather than having a reasonable awareness. Victoria: Time management and
communication. How has the Empowering Women to Thrive in The Construction Industry 7-Stage Program assisted you as a woman to be more empowered and assertive in your role? Keirra: Caryn Walsh is a great role model and I admire how she walks into a room and immediately commands respect. The Empowering Women to Thrive course has been the best course I’ve done, I’ve learnt how to be a better leader, a better listener and a better communicator. I’ve also learnt to back myself. The course has given me many tools and a tonne of information that I am currently implementing in my business. I still have a lot of learning and growing to do, I just need more hours in the day! Wendi: A fantastic refresher – we can become stagnant without intention – so this forum has revived the general ideals
Victoria: It has helped me realise that I have a voice, I should be heard, I have a lot to contribute and I am an asset to any organisation. Since participating in the Empowering Women to Thrive in The Construction Industry 7-Stage Program, how would you support other women to live empowered lives? Keirra: Communication! And by sharing my experiences and struggles in the hope that others can learn something from them that assists them on their own path of Empowerment. Too often people struggle in silence and don’t speak up. I will definitely be encouraging more women, and people in general, to take action to better themselves and their lives. Wendi: I would encourage women to just be themselves – if you know your job / role then it doesn’t matter what gender you are. Believe in yourself and your role – generally the other stakeholders
have their own issues as well. In the end no one will ever mind doing business or working with someone that knows what they are doing. Victoria: By encouraging and showing other women what true inspirations they all are. What advice or suggestions can you give to women walking the path of empowerment? Keirra: Be yourself and look after yourself! Make sure that your ‘cup remains full’ so that when you are giving, you give from your overflow. When your cup is empty, so are you. It’s OK to say no when others are asking too much or if the answer in your head isn’t a solid yes. Notice when people in your life are taking from you without knowing how to give in return, or even how to receive what you’re giving with respect and gratitude. Don’t spend your time trying to please everybody and don’t allow people to push your boundaries for the sake of being accommodating. I’ve also found the audio book The 5 Second Rule by
Mel Robbins to be a life changer and highly recommend it to everybody. Wendi: Head up – Shoulders back. Victoria: Educate yourself and participate in everything that you want to do. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you. What is your vision or hope for women around the world? Keirra: I hope for women to start supporting each other more, instead of tearing each other down. My vision is to see more women leading alongside men, equality in opportunity between both genders is a must. Wendi: Definitely more education for those that have less opportunity currently. Victoria: That communities, businesses and nations offer more programmes/ policies to support empowering women. Your favourite empowering quote from an inspirational person? Keirra: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
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Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
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Women in Construction
of my goals and achievements and work principles.
Women in Construction
It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
Keirra: Daily meditation and yoga, getting outside during lunch time instead of eating at my desk, eating LOADS of veggies, and making time to do things I love outside of the business. I’ve just recently become vegan – which is funny to say because I used to be very judgemental of the vegan diet and loved meat/dairy, but I have felt so much better since I stopped eating those things. It all came about after having some gut issues due to not looking after myself the past few years so I’ve had to remove gluten and a few other things from
As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Wendi: “You should never accept anything less than that which you feel you deserve.” – unknown Victoria: “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.”
If you had an opportunity to interview an empowered woman, who would you interview and what would be the main question you would ask? Keirra: I would love to be able to interview as many empowered women as possible, particularly business women! The main question I would ask them would be “what helped keep you going during times of struggle when all you wanted to do was give up?” Wendi: Madonna – I don’t necessarily like her as an artist but I would like to interview her because she has pushed every boundary, has capitalised on her persona, has smashed gender stereotypes – all be it unapologetically. Victoria: Julia Gillard – What was the internal feeling of becoming an Australian Prime Minister? How do you take care of yourself everyday so that you stay balanced and centred?
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MBA NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
Our staff – because they are all smashing goals together and being the best team we could ask for. Getting out in nature, which allows me the time to reflect on all aspects of my life and the business, and space to think about what my next steps are, and what improvements/ changes need to be made. I’m also inspired by other business owners, people who have done it tough and who are now succeeding. I love hearing about the challenges they faced and how they dealt with them.
– Maryanne Williamson
– John F Kennedy
Happy customers, happy staff and having a reputable company – our goal of being the Private Certifier of choice for NSW/ACT, and an employer of choice as well.
my diet as well. It’s made me realise how important diet and exercise is, it really needs to be everyone’s number 1 priority! We can be so quick to pop pills these days without first changing our lifestyle. Sometimes life gets hectic, and I fall off the band wagon, but I keep putting myself back on there and try not to beat myself up about it too much. Wendi: Eat well, try to get as much sleep as possible and exercise – maintains mental and physical condition when managing many day to day issues. Victoria: Allocate a small moment every day to be alone to breathe and relax my mind. What inspires you? Keirra: So many things! Being able to help other people to grow and succeed every day, and seeing them make changes for the better because I have influenced or inspired them in some way.
My grandma, who was paralysed from the waist down and told she would never walk again, is walking today. She has also been through 9 brain operations and a stroke, and is still the most determined lady I know. She doesn’t let anything (or anyone) stop her! If she can get through that, then I can get through anything. The most significant inspiration though, would be the constant realisation that I don’t want to be at the end of my life and regret the life that I had or the opportunities I missed. Wendi: New challenges. I love to achieve. I have to personally see achievement happening – this keeps me motivated and hence inspires me to move onto other challenges. Victoria: Courageous efforts by people who have purpose and the will to succeed. The “Economic Empowerment & Leadership of NSW Women In Male-Dominated Trades” project is supported by the NSW Government through Women NSW.
Regional Roundup
- ULLADULLA -
ASBESTOS TRAINING MBA Ulladulla held an Asbestos Removal and Supervisors course in March. This course is designed to help you learn how to identify and dispose correctly of asbestos and material containing asbestos in a safe and correct way to ensure the safety of both you and the people around you are protected.
COUNCIL DA DELAYS O ver the past few months, there has been a lot of discussion at Division Meetings from members having issues with their Council on delays to DAs.
Everyone is well aware the building industry, not just in the Southern Regions but many regional areas is going through a major growth and one would clearly expect the Councils to offer a much faster and more efficient approval system in processing plans to meet the demands. This issue has been a concern for members for many years and is still an ongoing concern. The Southern Regions have invited guests from a number of Councils who have accepted our invitation to attend Division Nights to listen to the concerns members have and to try to work together to make things flow much better.
MBA support for Tathra T
he Master Builders Far South Members with the guidance of MBA Council of Management Representative Chris Briggs have come together to offer assistance where needed to those families who were affected by the devastating fires on Sunday 18th March in Tathra where over 70 houses were damaged or completely destroyed. The MBA Shoalhaven Division President Bill Stephens, Committee and Members agreed to donate $5,000 to the Mayoral Appeal to assist where possible.
– REMINDER – SOUTHERN REGIONS BUILDING AWARDS GALA EVENING 16 JUNE 2018 Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
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Regional Roundup
- BALLINA -
Northern Regions strong in Worldskills
M
aster Builders Association of NSW’s Northern Regions division is proud to have nine competitors from various trades in the construction industry taking part in the WorldSkills Australia National Competition.
Mr Marchant said that the overlapping footprint of the 4 MBA local divisions and the 2 WorldSkills Australia Regions in the top half of NSW meant that it was an obvious choice for the MBA to be involved and offer support for
The competition is a once in a lifetime opportunity for young Australian workers to showcase their skills to leading national and international trade and skill specialists. It will be held at the Sydney International Convention Centre, Darling Harbour from Saturday 2nd June to Monday 4th June 2018. The WorldSkills Mid Coast & Northern Rivers North Coast regions have 22 competitors in total travelling to Sydney on 1st June 2018 where they will compete against up to 35 other Australian regions in their chosen field of employment. MBA Northern Regions coordinator, Graham Marchant, said: ”By offering some financial assistance towards the registration expenses, the costfor the competitors to participate is reduced . Apart from time off work, competitors have to pay for their own travel and accommodation expenses whilst training, practising and competing.”
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MBA NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
the construction industry competitors from our region. Over three days of competition,more than 400 young competitors from around Australia will compete in 50 trade and skill categories. Their progress will be watched by thousands of visitors, ranging from the public, policy makers and government representatives to employers, teachers, trainers and experts. The ultimate prizes are gold, silver and bronze medals and the satisfaction of knowing they are the best
in Australia in their chosen field. Medallists are then considered for entry into the Australian Team for the 2019 International Competition to be held in Kazan, Russia. In previous years,the experience has been shown to have a long lasting and positive impact on the career of many young people and the industries in which they are employed. By competing in the competition, team members will be offered the opportunity to learn from peers, meet trade specialists and gain local recognition for their work skills. Involvement in skill competitions reflects the support given to young tradespeople by organisations within their home country. WorldSkills Australia is our country’s premier showcase of youth trade and skills excellence and we are currently ranked 10th in the world. The co-ordination for the Mid Coast & Northern Rivers Region competitors is undertaken this year by Jenny Frost from the Coffs Harbour campus of TAFE NSW. Ms Frost said that she knows the region’s competitors are appreciative of the assistance offered by the MBA local divisions. Photos by WorldSkills Australia.
Regional Roundup
- GOSFORD -
From power tools to computer software
N
icholas Gordon recently received the University of Newcastle’s award for the best estimating student in the Construction Management degree.
John Smolders, representing the Master Builder’s Hunter Division Committee and also a Conjoint Professor at the University, was pleased to acknowledge Nick’s outstanding achievement with a cheque for $500. Nick’s story demonstrates the benefits of starting with a building trade as a practical step towards a building degree qualification. “After I left school I did almost 8 years in the Australian Defence Force and then decided to get out and become a carpenter. I loved being a chippy and the practical, hands-on side of the job. It was hard work, but I really enjoyed seeing a result from my efforts at the end of the day — it gave me great job satisfaction. However, I realised after I finished my apprenticeship that I needed a few other options down the track so I don’t have to be on the tools the rest of my life or if my body didn’t allow it. So, in 2013 I started doing the Bachelor of Construction Management through the University of Newcastle. It was perfect because I could do the whole course online via correspondence which allowed me to keep working full-time while I studied. Now I’m three-quarter’s of the way through my degree and it has already helped me get a job with Richard Crookes Constructions. I’ve gone
from working as a carpenter on small residential jobs to helping to deliver a large commercial project — it’s been a real baptism of fire, but I’m enjoying the new challenge.
the course. It has also helped in my new role as I often lean on my practical experience to help resolve problems and issues onsite.”
The degree has already opened doors for me and will give me many more options in the construction industry should I choose to pursue them.
In recognising the need for a clearer pathway from a trade to a university qualification, Master Builders is now offering enrolment in a Project Management Diploma after 18 months completion of an apprenticeship.
Since putting the tools down, I often miss the carpentry life, but I still get my fill renovating my own house and I plan to do more of that kind of thing in the future. One thing I have found is that the practical knowledge gained from my time as a carpenter has really helped me throughout the degree to better understand the content in
With the support of Master Builders Training and four NSW universities, including Newcastle, students will be able to complete their trade qualification, a diploma and receive the equivalent of a year’s credit toward the Bachelor of Construction Management.
Commercial building approvals point to strong development on the Central Coast
T
he charts for building approvals on the Central Coast for the period July to December 2017 compared with the same period in 2016 show an extremely strong 142per cent increase in commercial building approvals. The strong increase in commercial approvals demonstrates the
strength of current economic conditions on the Central Coast. Total building approvals are up by 32 per cent in value and this also includes a 30 per cent increase in apartment/town house approvals. Alterations show a 10 per cent decrease in
approval values over the same time period and new house approvals were down 24 per cent by number. However it should be remembered that these declines are measured against a high level of activity in 2016 and the residential housing sector still remains strong within the region. Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
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Regional Roundup
- ILLAWARRA SUTHERLAND -
Time to brush up on Right of Entry
D
ue to a recent increase in union activity the Illawarra and Cronulla division’s hosted representatives from the ABCC to present on the right of entry process. The Australian Building and Construction Commission highlighted the importance of asking why entry was being granted, if the relevant notification had been provided and ensuring permits are inspected prior to granting access. The ABCC also covered what are the obligations of the Builder and the Union Representatives when entry is granted.
Of course, if you do have any questions regarding right of entry please feel free to contact MBA’s Industrial Relations department to discuss your obligations. Industry Workshop This March saw the Illawarra’s first Industry Workshop. Held in Shellharbour the workshop was well attended by more than 60 members. This new event format has been described as a speed dating-style event allowing members to
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MBA NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
rotate around the room hearing from a number of presenters. Each presenter is given 15 minutes to provide a short, succinct informative presentation before the group is moved on. Members have commented on how useful this is for gaining a lot of information in a short amount of time. Members are also given the opportunity to speak at length with the presenters after the rotations. Cronulla Division – Holcim On March 7th the Cronulla Division held their first meeting for the year at the Cronulla Sharks home ground. Being a Wednesday, the field was clear, so attendees could focus on the presentations by event hosts, Holcim Australia. The event was well attended and the content from Holcim sparked some interesting questions from the audience. Presentations included, manufacturing and processing, green star concrete and various colour systems and decorative concrete options. Holcim also spoke about their interest in
working closely with the Builder to ensure their quality requirements are met. Asbestos – Illawarra Division and training For the March Divisional meeting, the Illawarra Committee held an Asbestos themed event. The event forms part of the committee’s new plan to host events based on topics members request or need. Greencap, SafeWork NSW and World Wide Demolitions, each spoke about different issues relating to this hazardous material. Greencap gave a great presentation on educating members on the different types and how to identify Asbestos. Many members were surprised by the different forms it comes in and the applications for its use. World Wide Demolitions outlined how to safely dispose of it in a complying way and SafeWork NSW talked about local issues with Asbestos The event concluded with a tour of the Greencap testing Lab where builders can send various materials to be analysed for traces of Asbestos.
Regional Roundup
- NEWCASTLE -
Safework Breakfast
T
he recent Safety Breakfast conducted by Safework NSW inspectors for MBA Hunter members highlighted a number of major issues concerning falls from heights and the serious injuries witnessed in the residential building sector.
Fallstop, a long-standing Newcastle member, attended the event and were commended by the inspectors for their innovative systems
for the building industry. Fallstop provide floor and balcony edge protection, temporary void platforms and a temporary stair system designed specifically for residential builders.
To view the range of systems designed by builders for builders or find out more information you can visit www.fallstop.com.au
Established in 2003 to service the residential building sector along the NSW east coast, Fallstop have been acknowledged for their assistance to builders and contractors in meeting WHS obligations and standards.
Goop is an innovative and unique way to protect a wide range of surfaces and products. Goop is a peelable temporary protective coating that rolls on like paint and peels off for easy removal. Goop Guys Australian made, non-hazardous products can be used to protect
Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
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Regional Roundup
- NEWCASTLE -
3/13/2018
A bright future for the Hunter’s building industry
Executive Reports All - Power BI
Apartment Approvals
New Housing Approvals 2016
2017
2016
1,000
2017
1,000
843 800
717
833 800
667 648
600
600
400
400
200
200
422
0
0 Hunter
B
uilding approvals for the Hunter show the strength of the region’s construction activity from July to December 2017, according to recent figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
The building industry has become a major contributor to jobs and growth within the Hunter region as evidenced by the increase in total building approvals from $1.07 billion in the last half of 2016 compared with $1.38 billion in 2017. This represents a healthy 29 per cent increase in total building approvals with the industry at the strongest levels experienced in over a decade. New housing approvals were up by 18 per cent in the Hunter area and steady for Newcastle/Lake Macquarie, when compared with the same period in 2016. Apartment and town house approvals were up 97 per cent in Newcastle/Lake Macquarie and by 78 per cent in the Hunter. Alterations were steady in both areas but the overall six monthly approvals totalling $83 million demonstrate the size and importance of this market segment to the residential building sector. Commercial approvals increased 124 per cent in Newcastle/ Lake Macquarie but declined by 22 per cent in the Hunter. This increase in Newcastle/Lake Macquarie’s commercial sector combined with the large improvement in apartment approvals was the main driver behind a 68 per cent increase in total building approvals for the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie local government areas.
Newcas… & Lake Macqu…
Hunter
Alterations & Additions by Value 2016
162 91
2017
Commercial Building 2016
60M
Newcas… & Lake Macqu…
2017
400M
57M58M
344M 300M
270M
40M
282M
200M
25M25M
126M
20M 100M
0M
0M Hunter
Newcas… & Lake Macqua…
Hunter
Newcas… & Lake Macqu…
Total Building Approvals 2016
2017
800M
784M 600M
608M
606M 465M
400M
200M
0M Hunter
Newcastle & Lake Macquarie
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MBA NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
Diary Dates
Diary Dates 12 Point CPD Seminar Ballina Castle Hill Wollongong Manly Coffs Harbour Liverpool Rosehill
2 May 7 June 27 June 19 July 30 August 19 September 22 November
Trade Expos Gosford Newcastle Ballina Wollongong
30 May 20 June 18 October 25 October
Insight Forums Ballina Newcastle Port Macquarie Wollongong
6 April 4 May 10 August 21 September
Top 50 Luncheons 24 May 28 November
Industry Workshops Manly Coffs Harbour Port Macquarie Forster Gosford Belmont Cronulla Tamworth Maitland Orange Dubbo Baulkham Hills Tuggerah Tweed Heads Wagga Wagga Griffith Bega Nowra
10 May 22 May 23 May 24 May 30 May 31 May 4 July 24 July 25 July 15 August 16 August 12 September 26 September 17 October 30 October 31 October 7 November 8 November
Social Events Oxley Division Race Day 23 March Oxley Division Golf Day 21 September Illawarra Annual Dinner 25 May Illawarra Race Day 27 October Newcastle State of Origin Night 6 June
Awards Riverina Southern Northern Housing Newcastle Western Construction
15 June 16 June 28 July 1 September 7 September 14 September 3 November
Regional Update Merimbula Armidale Inverell Moree Gloucester Kempsey
2 May 5 June 6 June 7 June 6 September 13 September
4 July 5 September 20 November 21 November 22 November
7 November
Division Dates Blue Mountains 12 April 21 June 16 August 22 November Central Coast 4 April 2 May 6 June 4 July 1 August 5 September 7 November Central West 11 April 20 June 21 November Cronulla 2 May 4 July 5 September 7 November Dubbo 10 April 19 June 20 November Eastern Suburbs 27 March 24 April 22 May 26 June 24 July 28 August 25 September 23 October 27 November Hume 4 April 6 June 1 August 3 October Hunter 27 March 26 June 25 September 20 November Illawarra 5 April 7 June 5 July 2 August 6 September 1 November Inner West 22 May 17 July 18 September 16 October 20 November Manly 12 April 14 June 12 July 9 August 11 October Manning 12 April 26 July 18 October MIA 18 July 3 October Mid North Coast 28 May 20 August 12 November Murray 10 April 8 May 5 June 3 July 7 August 9 October 13 November New England / Tenterfield 4 June 23 August 19 November North Coast 29 May 21 August 13 November North North West 10 April 19 June 14 August 9 October Northern Suburbs 19 April 17 May 21 June 19 July 16 August 20 September 18 October 15 November Oxley 11 April 25 July 17 October Parramatta 18 April 16 May 20 June 18 July 15 August 19 September 18 October 21 November Riverina 19 July 4 October Snowy Mountains 3 May 5 July 6 September 8 November South Coast 18 April 16 May 20 June 18 July 15 August 19 September 18 October 21 November Southern Highlands 10 April 8 May 12 June 10 July 14 August 11 September 9 October 13 November St George 17 April 19 June 21 August 16 October Tweed Heads 30 May 22 August 14 November
Industry Breakfasts Illawarra Cronulla Merimbula Port Macquarie
11 May 14 September 8 June 6 September 14 September
Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
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info@glassbrickcompany.com.au (07) 4690 9349 maddysen.sears@newsregionalmedia.com.au Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
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Advertisers Directory
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What’s New
MeasureKit This augmented reality ruler tool is an application for Apple IOS 11. This tool is in its infancy, with greater innovations and advancements around the corner however, there are already many key benefits of this application for the construction industry. The application enables the use of the following tools ; Lines tool Measure straight lines on any surface, such as a desk or wall. The Ruler automatically attaches to detected horizontal and vertical planes for better accuracy. Trajectory Tool The trajectory tool in MeasureKit records precise device motion and shows movement trajectory line on the screen. Final distance and intermediate points are available too. This tool is most useful for measuring curved objects or length of a path, for example. Angles Tool You may not need a tool for measuring angles every day, but it’s always good to have it in your measuring toolbox. Also called protractor, with just three taps you can use this tool to quickly measure any angle and get the result in degrees. Similar to ruler tool described above, Angles instrument automatically attaches to detected surfaces and relies on focus ring to perform accurate measurements. Cube Tool This is something different. Cube tool allows you to visualize how much space some object is going to take. Set specific dimensions (either by scaling it with two fingers or using precise size controls), place it somewhere in the world, and see how it fits.
The most comprehensive termite warranty in Australia If your home has a Kordon® Termite Barrier installed* (*full installation), you can choose to activate and be covered by the Bayer Protection Program. You will be protected by an exclusive $1 million warranty! It’s easy! The Bayer Protection Warranty starts with an inspection of the home by a Bayer Accredited Timber Pest Inspector. If the home is termite-free, and possible conditions which may be conducive to termite attack are addressed, your Bayer Protection Warranty can be renewed. The same inspection takes place each year to give the homeowner total termite protection. This warranty can be renewed annually (fee applies) for the life of the structure. The Bayer Protection Warranty covers homeowners for up to $1 million worth of termite damage due to product failure or any other means of termite entry. Activate your Bayer Protection Warranty by visiting www.kordonwarrantycentre.com.au For further information on the Kordon Termite Barrier, Bayer Protection Warranty and Frequently Asked Questions visit www.kordonwarrantycentre. com.au or contact the Bayer Protection team on 1800 552 802.
Cube automatically attaches to surfaces detected in the world around you. You can rotate it, move it around, and change size however you want. Level Tool Just tap on the screen and a virtual level appears in your augmented world. Three colourful lines indicate three axes for alignment — vertical, horizontal, and a depth axis.
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MBA NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
Bayer CropScience Pty. Ltd., Level 1, 8 Redfern Road, Hawthorn East, Vic. 3123 Technical Enquiries: 1800 804 479 environmentalscience.bayer.com.au Kordon® is a Registered Trademark of Bayer © 2016
Major changes to HBCF. The Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) has changed and it could affect you.
IMPORTANT HOME BUILDING COMPENSATION FUND CHANGES
As part of the continuing HBCF reforms, icare have appointed a new Risk Manager for 2018. To find out what this means for you visit our dedicated website:
hbcf.com.au
Find out how our specialist team can proactively support your ongoing eligibility requirements.
ofits e broker delivering pr nc ra su in ly on e th is MBAIS ry. g & construction indust din il bu e th to ck ba y directl
1300 MBA NSW
The Way We Were
What the MBA said... May 7, 1952
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MBA NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
In 1952, Master Builder magazine slammed Sydney’s trams for causing significant traffic congestion. A feature of Sydney for more than 100 years up until 1961, the city had one of the largest tram networks in the world. Just 57 years after trams were banished, burnt and replaced by buses, the city is rebuilding a tram network costing about $3 billion. Today's tram lines are aimed at alleviating congestion on buses – Sydney is definitely going round in circles!
News
MBA’s Laing O’Rourke wins Central Station project Master Builders commercial member Laing O’Rourke has been selected to transform Sydney’s Central Station in a $955m project.
L
aing O‘Rourke will build the new Sydney Metro platforms at Central and Central Walk — a major part of the Sydney Metro City and Southwest project.
– providing a connection from the new Metro platforms to Chalmers Street. The development should bring urban transformation to the south of Sydney CBD.
Cathal O’Rourke, managing director at Laing O’Rourke, said: “We have a strong track record in complex transport precincts around the world — and with this experience we have assembled a team who will deliver a world-class result for the NSW Government, the people of Sydney and the businesses and customers who rely on Central every day.”
More than 270,000 people use the station daily, with that number expected to rise to 450,000 in the next two decades.
New Sydney Metro platforms will be built about 27m below the existing platform level, together with a new pedestrian concourse Central Walk
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said: “This is the start of Central’s long-awaited renewal, bringing new entrances and simpler interchanges that will make life so much easier for customers.” In the biggest improvement to the station in decades, customers will be able to connect
between light rail, suburban and inter-city trains, the new Sydney Metro and buses. Main project features include: • Construction of Central Walk — a 19m-wide tunnel from Chalmers Street, linking to new Metro platforms under Central Station • Construction of a new world-class Metro station • Renewal of the historic Central Station • A new feature roof to the Northern Concourse that will transform the space and emphasise the historic features of the Central Electric Building Laing O’Rourke will deliver the project alongside global architecture firm Woods Bagot and its partner John McAslan + Partners, and with one of the world’s leading design partnerships comprising GHD and Auerecon. Issue Two | April/May 2018 | MBA NSW
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Membership
8642
Have you checked what your clients are seeing?
C
onsumers are being educated regularly through Government advertising campaigns, current affairs and talkback radio to ensure they are dealing with reputable licensed tradespersons.
Your future clients are encouraged to “check a builder or contractor online” on the Service NSW website (formerly known as Fair Trading) and to use internet browsers like Google to assist them in making a buying decision. Q. So why should you check your own licence? A. To ensure what is being displayed is current and any conditions on your licence are up to date and accurate.
Enter your licence number – once entered the site will display your own personal information such as the date licence commenced and its expiry date. As you scroll down you will see more
Contracts not to exceed $20,000 in value Or
• Business address
Only for contracts not requiring insurance under the home building compensation fund
• Licence history • Licence class • Conditions You should check all information displayed, however the conditions of the licence need
Go to Service NSW formerly Fair Trading Web Site: www.onegov.nsw.gov.au/publicregister/#/ publicregister/search/Trades
a buying decision.
MBA NSW | Issue Two | April/May 2018
Only for contracts not requiring home warranty insurance
information:
Here is a quick guide on how to check your licence information:
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Examples of conditions can include
careful review as this information could influence
Author: Graham McGuiggan
To remove restrictions relating to HBCF projects, you will need to provide a copy of your Certificate of Eligibility to Fair Trading via email at: hbcfsecretariat@finance.nsw.gov.au If you have your Home Warranty with Master Builder Association Insurance Services, contact us and we will help you through the process.
8642 AFS NSW Master Builders Rediwall.qxp_Layout 1 19/3/18 12:33 pm Page 1
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NEW REDIWALL® 110mm, 156mm & 200mm SPEEDY-SNAP-IN PANELS Patented Speedy-Snap-In system lets you simply clip panels together for quicker and easier installation.
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NEW REDIWALL® 256mm PANELS Ideal for blade walls, these load bearing PVC-based panels readily slide together to form robust, durable permanent formwork.
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