7 August 2020 / COVID-19

Victorian COVID-19 Management Plan & Documentation

Dear All,

Someone said to me earlier this week ‘what a time to be alive’, and I completely agree, you would have never thought it would be a requirement to carry a permit to have to go to work.

This pandemic is something that none of us could ever have planned for and we believe that as a team and united front everyone has done an exceptional job in dealing with the continuous change’s to daily operations.

We understand that there are many stressors involved with this pandemic whether they be work related or personal, please know that you are not alone. You can pick up the phone and talk to anyone, anywhere at any time. Hutchies’ also offers a comprehensive Employee Assistance Program that offers confidential, support. 

At 11.59pm tonight the construction industry moves into further restrictions, to ensure that we are meet these requirements I have attached the following documents that are vital as we move into this new phase:

Note: It is critical that have the following documents in either hard copy or digital on your person at all times:

  • Permitted Worker Permit
  • Essential Employee letter
  • COVID Management plan
  • Licence or photo ID

Please do not hesitate to contact me should you have any questions or require any support. The Team Leaders and I thank you for your continual support and efforts to date.

Candece Frazzica-Kara
HSE Manager (VIC)

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

VIC COVID-19 Pack

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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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