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

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9 April / Quality Alert

Engineered stone ban effective 1 July 2024

ALL engineered stone, regardless of the silica content percentage, is banned.


Alternative products must be considered and implemented on all projects.

In October last year Hutchies noted that the industry was shifting away from engineered stone due to the risks of respirable crystalline silica, which can cause silicosis and other silica related diseases.

On this basis, Hutchies proactively took a position to ban all engineered stone on our projects, regardless of silica content percentages, from 1 July 2024.

In December last year, we then had confirmation that following an Industrial Relations Ministers meeting, State and Commonwealth Leaders had agreed to ban engineered stone products.

Some at Hutchies have noted that the State and Federal communications concerning the ban have included transition periods as well as exemptions for some engineered stone with low (under 1%) silica content.

For clarity, there has been no change to Hutchies' position following these communications – Hutchies will not be using engineered stone that contains any percentage of silica on our projects from 1 July 2024.

Actions

To mitigate the impact of potential delays and variations, the best approach is to inform 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.

Refer to Hutchies' Stone Product & Suitability for Use List on the Document Library.


More information

If you need additional support, please contact:

Design — Michael Lawlor / Ogi Latinovic
Work Health & Safety — Jimmy Andersen
Industrial Relations — Ben Young
Other — Russell Fryer

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HB-CO-Events-2020-02-HutchiesTrainingAwards-Nominations-Header-01-LowRes-01.jpg
3 - 20 April / General

Calling all nominations for stand out apprentices and cadets across Hutchies.

Help us by nominating an apprentice or cadet that you think is a true representation of Hutchies' way.

We also want to celebrate other significant training achievements by anyone else across company over the last 12 months.

Make your vote by COB 12 April 2024 (extended to Friday 18 April!)

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4 March / Meetings

Thanks for participating in Hutchies' All Company Update.

A copy of the presentation slides is available to download below.

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