7 - 9 January 2022 / COVID-19

Managing Positive Cases and Close / Casual Contacts on New South Wales Construction Sites

National Cabinet has agreed to a unified approach to managing contacts of a confirmed positive case of COVID-19. This includes a new definition for close contacts. It currently applies to NSW, QLD, VIC, TAS, SA, ACT and will eventually be adopted by WA and NT.

The changes simplify the circumstances when a person is classified as a ‘close contact’. They also minimise the need for isolation and testing for anyone else potentially exposed to COVID-19 – that is those contacts that have been previously referred to as casual contacts. This update summarises the new requirements and how they will be applied in the construction industry in New South Wales.

The Update below has been developed by an Industry Working Group that includes the CFMEU, PTEU, ETU, MBA and a large number of principal contractors in NSW. It has also been provided to NSW Health and WorkSafe.

This advice is effective immediately and will be implemented across the New South Wales Construction Industry from 7 January 2022 (today). 

Hutchies' teams delivering projects in New South Wales must download and read this latest industry advice and be ready to implement it when managing positive cases on any of our construction sites or in our offices.

A further update will be distributed shortly concerning other states however given the national approach to close and casual contacts, the general principles will be consistent.

Contact the Coronavirus Team if you have any questions or need more information about the current status of COVID-19 in New South Wales.

This important update includes the latest advice for construction on:

> New Definitions & Requirements

Changes for confirmed positive cases and new definitions of close contacts

> Managing a Positive Case

Step by step process for construction sites or offices to manage positive cases

> Contact Tracing

Ensuring Workers continue to check in so they can be promptly notified of a positive case

> Masks

Requirements for mask wearing in Queensland

Download Update

Managing a positive case on Hutchies' sites or in our offices

Hutchies' sites and offices should follow the 'Managing a Positive Case Process' outlined in the attached industry update when we are made aware of a person who has tested positive with COVID-19. 

In addition, please notify the below about all cases via email:

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Script to notify other Workers of a positive case on site or in an office

We have developed a communication template for the Site Management Team to use in the event they need to notify Workers / Subcontractors / Suppliers / Visitors.

This includes the consistent advice that aligns with the NSW Health Directions to advise people they must monitor for symptoms, continuing working, unless symptoms develop in which case they must isolate and get tested.

Download Template

Other Recent Activities

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30 October / Quality Alert
Prohibition on the Use of Engineered Stone

Engineered stone ban effective 1 July 2024

ALL engineered stone regardless of the silica content percentage will be banned

Alternative products must be considered and implemented on all projects.

The industry is shifting away from engineered stone due to the risks of respirable crystalline silica, which can cause silicosis and other silica-related diseases. Although the consultations are under way and there has been no official announcement by Federal or State Governments on the issue, the health and safety risks along with the uncertainty around this issue warrants a decision to ban all engineered products entering job sites nationally. The ban will take effect on 1 July 2024 and will extend to ALL engineered stone regardless of the silica content percentage. 

An update to this alert will be provided before the end of the year when the Federal and State Governments are expected to issue a formal decision on the ban. In the meantime, to mitigate the impact of potential delays and variations, the best approach is to inform the clients of the pending ban and to propose and seek approval for an alternative product. Similarly, ensure all future estimates have the stone specification qualified and priced accordingly.

Product alternatives going forward include:

Compact Laminates

  • Under 1% silica content
  • Extremely competitive pricing
  • Only comes in 12mm thickness
  • Heat resistance is an issue
  • Product not suitable for high end applications

Porcelain Surfaces

  • Under 10% silica content
  • Price dependant of product and supplier
  • Large variety of colours and thicknesses (4, 8, 12, 20 and 30mm)
  • Great resistance to staining, scratches, UV and heat
  • Good warranty terms

Acrylic Solid Surfaces

  • 0% silica content
  • More expensive alternative
  • Limited thickness availability
  • UV stable and heat resistant but direct heat exposure not advised
  • Minimising wastage through flexibility in sheet sizing
  • Seamless joints

Natural Stone*

  • Various silica content percentages
  • Variety of products at different price points available
  • Ongoing maintenance may be an issue
  • Unlikely to satisfy specific warranty requirements

*Although this alert does not directly impact natural stone, some types have high silica content so risk of using these on projects should be considered carefully.

For an up-to-date list of available products and their usability, click here.

More information

If you need additional support, please contact the Quality Team:

Phone 1300 HUTCHIES
Email QualityTeam@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au

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10 October / Update
Installation Details for Elephant's Foot & Wastech Bin Chutes

Make sure bin chute systems are installed correctly, following the tested systems and the manufacturers’ instructions.

Check the detailed drawings from Elephant’s Foot and Wastech for different wall types (plasterboard, shaft-liner, speed panel, concrete, Hebel, and masonry).

Any changes to the tested systems must be approved by your project certifier, signed off by the fire engineer in the fire engineering report (FER), and accepted by the relevant state / territory fire service.

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