28 August 2020 / COVID-19

Keeping COVIDSafe

Update on Hutchies’ Approach

When the coronavirus pandemic hit Australia in March this year it was imperative for all industries to introduce social distancing and hygiene measures to prevent the spread of the virus. Some of these measures may have been challenging to implement however they were essential in order to keep people safe, and in the case of construction, to keep sites open.

It is now very clear that many of these measures are not going to be temporary and we must operate with the expectation that they will be in place for some time. This means that they need to become custom and practice on sites and in offices, and ingrained into our everyday actions and behaviour.

This alert is intended to remind all Hutchies’ people of the resources available and also to bring specific focus to the fundamental and practical measures that must be in place on our sites and in our offices.

Naturally as states move through different stages of restrictions there will be state, city and region specific requirements, such as the recent stage 4 restrictions in Melbourne where Hutchies’ people have done a remarkable job implementing all of the necessary requirements.

Regardless of any state specific requirements, there is a need for everyone to take personal responsibility to do their part in limiting the spread of the virus.

This includes washing hands regularly, maintaining social distancing, no shaking hands or hugging, avoiding unnecessary work related travel, utilising video conferencing to limit face to face meetings, and getting tested if you have any coronavirus symptoms.

Moving forward we will be sending weekly updates which will include reminders, case studies showcasing best practice measures, and relevant news alerts.

Particular items to note from this alert are:

1. Hutchies’ updated COVIDSafe Plan, site and office checklists, template induction slides and examples of good social distancing and hygiene practices

2. New COVIDSafe Declaration signage that must be displayed at every entry on job sites and offices

Note DUE TO THE STAGE 4 RESTRICTIONS CURRENTLY IN PLACE IN VICTORIA, THERE ARE ADDITIONAL AND SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR OUR VICTORIAN SITES – INCLUDING A STATE SPECIFIC COVIDSAFE PLAN. HUTCHIES’ PEOPLE IN VICTORIA SHOULD CONTINUE TO USE THOSE RESOURCES AND CONTACT CANDECE FRAZZICA-KARA WITH ANY QUESTIONS.

Other Recent Activities

View all activities
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

View More
10 October / Update

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.

View More