8 October 2020 / COVID-19

Staying Alert

Staying Alert

As case numbers continue to fall around the country, it is important to keep up all of the practical step that have been employed since the start of this pandemic. Each person’s individual effort contributes to keeping case numbers low, particularly given that outbreaks are likely to continue in Australia until a vaccine is available.

Part of our collective responsibility is ensuring that we each recognise coronavirus symptoms and get tested if we experience any of these (listed below). 

This is especially important if we have visited a venue or location of concern at the same time as a confirmed case. Each state / territory publishes a list that is updated as outbreaks occur.

Hutchies' COVID-19 Resources

Symptoms

Know the symptoms and be on alert. If you experience any of the following symptoms, don’t come to work. Notify your Team Leader and contact your nearest medical centre / hospital to get tested. 

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Sore throat

Other symptoms can include runny nose, headache, muscle or joint pains, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of sense of smell, altered sense of taste, loss of appetite and fatigue. 

Symptoms can develop between two to 14 days after you are exposed to the virus. Most commonly, symptoms develop five or six days after exposure.

The practical measures such as good hand hygiene and social distancing during the pandemic have positively contributed to a dramatic reduction in cases of influenza across Australia. This means that the experience of cold or flu-like symptoms may in fact be COVID-19 so it’s important to confirm via a test. 

If you need advice, call Australia’s COVID hotline 1800 020 080 (24 x 7) 


Venues of Concern

A ‘venue of concern’ is a location that a state / territory government has declared may pose risk of spreading COVID-19 from a confirmed case who has been there at a specific time.

If you were at the location around the same time (regardless if you are showing symptoms or not), you should immediately self-isolate, contact your nearest medical centre or hospital and make an appointment to get tested (some testing locations require a referral, so ensure you call ahead first).

Keep an eye on the lists in your state / territory or check out Hutchies’ coronavirus map for details. 

State / TerritoryVenues of ConcernTesting Locations
ACTN/AACT Testing Clinics
NSWNSW VenuesNSW Testing Clinics
QLDQLD VenuesQLD Testing Clinics
SAN/ASA Testing Clinics
TASN/ATAS Testing Clinics
VICVIC VenuesVIC Testing Clinics
WAN/AWA Testing Clinics

Typical Testing Process

The testing process for coronavirus is quick, simple and free.

A swab is used to take a sample from the back of your throat and your nose. Although the experience of getting a test done is slightly uncomfortable, it is completed within a matter of seconds. 

Hutchies’ coronavirus map displays testing clinics (indicated by yellow dots), or head to your state’s website for more information (as above).

Testing at a public hospitalTesting via a clinic / private practice
> Find a hospital that is offering coronavirus testing (typically called a Fever Clinic).
> Phone your doctor or a local GP clinic that offers coronavirus testing and describe your symptoms or situation.
> You should not need a referral, but you will likely need to wait in a queue, especially if there has been an outbreak in the area. > The doctor will provide you with a referral to a suitable respiratory clinic. 
> You will be asked to provide your details as well as your symptoms / reason for getting tested (eg you were at a venue of concern at the same time as a confirmed case, or you are showing symptoms). > You should go to the nominated clinic as soon as possible. You may be required to line up in a queue or wait in your car until it is your turn to be tested.  
> You will then be tested by an assigned medical professional which should take less than a minute. > You will then be tested by an assigned medical professional which should take less than a minute. 
> Once tested, you will be sent home to self-isolate until you receive your results (either by phone call or text). This means waiting for your result at home and not leaving your home for any reason except in the case of a medical emergency.  > Once tested, you will be sent home to self-isolate until you receive your results (either by phone call or text). This means waiting for your result at home and not leaving your home for any reason except in the case of a medical emergency.  

Support

If you need help, reach out

Hutchies HelpCOVID-19 Health InformationEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)
Reporting potential cases or general Hutchies advice.
Hutchies' COVID-19 Hotline
Phone 07 3335 5015
Email coronavirus@hutchies.com.au		This hotline can provide guidance if you have questions about COVID-19.

Australian Government COVID-19 Hotline
Phone 1800 020 080 (24x7)
This confidential service is open to Hutchies' people and immediate family members.

Converge International
Phone 1800 687 327


For general information on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), call the Australian Government's Coronavirus Health Info Line on 1800 020 080.

For the latest updates on COVID-19 in Australia, visit:

Australian Governmenthttps://l.hutchi.es/AusHealth
Smart Travellerhttps://l.hutchi.es/SmartTravel
New South Waleshttps://l.hutchi.es/cvNSW
Northern Territoryhttps://l.hutchi.es/cvNT
Queenslandhttps://l.hutchi.es/cvQLD
South Australiahttps://l.hutchi.es/cvSA
Tasmaniahttps://l.hutchi.es/cvTAS
Victoriahttps://l.hutchi.es/cvVIC

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Hutchies has also created a resource to help maintain positive mental health during what has been a tough year for everyone.

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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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