TRADE TALK SCOTT CAM Man on a mission HAPPY HOLIDAY We are fast approaching the holidays and the subsequent shutdown period, are you prepared for the break? M any of us are looking forward by the wayside. Payment claims and QBCC safe passage home. It is also recommended to spending a well-deserved notices can have critical time frames whichthat you have an allocated person in charge break with loved ones soaking may result in dire consequences if not actedat the event, who is not consuming alcohol, up the sunshine right across upon as required. Ensure all your insurancesto keep a watchful eye over proceedings. our magnificent coastlines and enjoying the remain up to date during your leave period. Shutdowns are standard in most wonderful foods Christmas time. Notify your employees: make sure you have industries, but for building professionals it’s While you’re enjoy all of this, and a goodprovided your employees the appropriate especially important to remember to secure game of backyard cricket, you don’t want to amount of notice regarding annual shutdown.your site to minimise safety hazards to the be worrying about work. So put in the work Some awards prescribe notice periods for public over the break. now to ensure you are set up for an easy closures and allow for the claiming of leave Some important reminders for site safety return to work in the New Year. in advance if an employee does not have during the shutdown include: Dot all your i’s and cross all your t’s insufficient accrued annual leave. Be sure to Fencing: ensure all fencing is secure terms of your employee and contractual check your obligations in this regard. and undamaged, check that gates are obligations for annual close down. locked, and check that locks and doors Notify your clients: notification in advance AT THE EVENT ENSURE function correctly. regarding your Christmas shut down plans THAT YOU HAVE A VARIETY Signage: secure all signage, display the will ensure that there are no misconceptionsOF LIGHT AND NON- necessary warning signs, check that signage as to the progression of your works. clearly defines any potential hazards, and Check your contract: if annual shutdown ALCOHOLIC DRINKS, THAT display emergency contact numbers. was foreseeable at the time of signing the THERE IS A SUFFICIENT Tools and equipment: remove as many contract, the shutdown days should already AMOUNT OF FOOD... tools and chemicals as possible or store be allowed for within the building period. If them in a secured and locked location the shutdown period was not reasonably Celebrate safely: if you’re having a onsite, block access to scaffolding, ladders foreseeable you should submit a claim as workplace Christmas party clearly and elevated floors, clear away any trip soon as practicable in accordance with your communicate to your employees the event hazards, and remove flammable objects contract. rules, and any relevant workplace policies.(full skip bins and wooden pallets). Keep on top of your admin: it is crucial thatAt the event ensure that you have a varietyPower: turn electrical power off and business emails and mail is still monitored of light and non-alcoholic drinks, that therecheck security lighting and cameras during annual closures to ensure nothing fallsis a sufficient amount of food, and offer upare working. HAS A LOT TO OFFER You can become a builder. You can learn to manage a small business. You can get qualified in workplace safety. YOURGOALS IN The list is endless! And we have SET the courses and workshops MOTION WITH HIA you need to reach your goal. For full program details contact us on 1300 650 620, email us at Hunter_training@hia.com.au or visit hia.com.au BUILDING NEWS ISSUE 5/2018P9 1901 :oN redivorP lanoitaN