8 September 2022 / Observation

R U OK? Day 2022

Checking in on your mates could make a difference.

Today is a reminder of the importance to check in on each other and ask R U OK? And not just today, but regularly if you can.

The last couple of years have been difficult and intense for most people. Between the direct effects of the pandemic, and the ongoing inflationary economic situation, stress levels are likely to be high.

People at Hutchies have gone over and above to deal with the current climate at work. Today, however, is an opportunity to take a moment to check in with each other.

For anyone struggling, know that there are genuine mates and the broader Hutchies’ crew around, plus other support services - people that care about you and are ready to listen and understand.

Take the time to try and connect openly – a conversation could mean a lot to someone right now.

Getting ready to ask

Before you can look out for others, you need to look out for yourself. And that’s ok. If you're not in the right headspace or you don't think you're the right person to have the conversation, try to think of someone else in their support network who could talk to them.

To help you decide whether you’re ready to start a meaningful conversation, ask yourself:

Am I ready?? 

  • Am I in a good headspace? 
  • Am I willing to genuinely listen? 
  • Can I give as much time as needed? 

Am I prepared 

  • Do I understand that if I ask how someone’s going, the answer could be: “No, I’m not”?
  • Do I understand that I can’t ‘fix’ someone’s problems?
  • Do I accept that they might not be ready to talk? Or they might not want to talk to me?  

Picked my moment?

  • Have I chosen somewhere relatively private and comfortable? 
  • Have I figured out a time that will be good for them to chat? 
  • Have I made sure I have enough time to chat properly?


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Hutchies' Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Confidential free support is available with Converge International to all of Hutchies' people, partners and immediate family members. Don't be afraid to reach out and have a conversation.

View Hutchies' EAP flyer here, or visit their website:

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Or call 1300 OUR EAP (687 327)

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TIACS is a free and confidential counselling service for truckies, tradies, blue collar workers and those who care about them, available Australia-wide.

Need a yarn? Give us a call or text to speak with a counsellor.

See link below for more resources

TIACS operate from Monday to Friday, 8am-10pm AEST

To get in contact simply call or text 0488 846 988 or email admin@tiacs.org

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Other Recent Activities

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18 December / General

Congratulations all of our Hutchies' veterans and to the winner of Constructor of the Year 2024.

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30 October / Quality Alert

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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