8 March 2021 / Observation

We are Hutchies. We choose to challenge.

Each of us has a choice in everything we do to make a difference.

To change the way we see things, and the way things have been. To truly understand respect.

Together we can achieve better.

So let’s all choose to challenge — we already know we can change.

#ChooseToChallenge

Challenge the meaning of respect.

Challenge bias and inequality.

Challenge how we act and speak.

Challenge others for careless behaviour.

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In so many ways we are industry trailblazers. We can harness diversity and difference in everything we do to be leaders of equal opportunity.

We are Hutchies. We choose to challenge.

International Women's Day

Monday, 8 March 2021

At Hutchies diversity just happens because we never discriminate and try to give every company member the opportunity to grow and progress.
Scott Hutchinson
Chairman

The theme for this year’s International Women’s day is #ChooseToChallenge with a particular focus on gender bias.

However, making the choice to challenge anything shouldn’t happen on just one day! Each and every day, in many aspects of our lives, we can #ChooseToChallege. Be it at home, in social situations or on the job in a myriad of situations:

#ChooseToChallenge outdated attitudes like ‘boys will be boys’ or ‘girls don’t play with trucks’
#ChooseToChallenge inequality in gender, race or religion
Acknowledge your biases, we all have them, conscious and subconscious – in accepting them we can take real steps to change

How can I challenge bias:

Start a conversation with a friend or colleague to explore your biases
Call out inappropriate behaviour towards others
Recognise others based on merit, not gender or background
Find an International Women’s Day event in your city
Get involved with the National Association of Women in Construction

From challenge comes change – if we all work together to maintain a positive, safe and inclusive environment, the faster that change will happen.

#ChooseToChallenge

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9 April / 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, 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