25 August 2020 / COVID-19

[Updated] Victorian COVID-19 Management Plan & Appendices

Dear All,

Please see attached updated COVID-19 Management Plan and Appendices. You will note that we now have a further 5 documents for reference within this management plan.

These further changes are in line with the Industry Guideline released on Friday 21st August. A list of the changes are as follows:

  • Induction and Acknowledgement Section – You MUST sign into this document on site to acknowledge that you have been inducted, read and understood it.
  • The term ‘Casual Contact’ has changed to ‘Contact’. (Appendix 01 – Self Assessment Flow Cart)
  • Updated Declaration. (Appendix 03 – Daily Prestart)
  • Temperature Testing threshold reduced to 37.5 degrees from 38 degrees. (Appendix 04 - Temperature Screening Procedure)
  • Further information on the wearing of masks (Appendix 05 - How to Wear a Face Mask)
  • DHHS Risk Assessment ( Appendix 07 – Risk Assessment Part 1 & 2)

I have also attached an Infographic poster ‘ How to put on a mask’ to be displayed on site (for those who have not already).

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or if I can be of assistance to you.

Candece Frazzica-Kara
HSE Manager (VIC)

Mobile 0411 022 839
Email Candece.Frazzica-Kara@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au 

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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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