Turn to page 2 to see how the new legislation could affect you.

In this issue:

04Winners return for seconds at MBAV awards

07CFMEU: A busy year for training

14Summer safety on site

19Help around the clock

05

ISSUE79

WIN

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROPOSED LEGISLATION

CREATES UNCERTAINTY

Mission Statement ONSITE is published as a Victorian building industry magazine in the interests of all relevant stakeholders of the Victorian building industry.

The ONSITE magazine supports an even-handed approach to giving voice to how the key stakeholders (building unions and employer associations), go about their day to day affairs, in this crucial component of the Australian economy in respect to issues such as safety, jobs creation and investment.

The magazine has a policy of not publishing overt political commentary, but does invite contributions aimed at promoting the positive aspects of the industry.

Consistent with the above, stakeholder advertising in ONSITE will be on an equal basis or not at all.

Editorial Board Brian Boyd: Incolink board member Lawrie Cross: Master Builders Association of Victoria Ron Smith: Media consultant

EditorAlison Manton: Marketing Communications Specialist, Incolink

Disclaimer Please note the opinions expressed in articles published in ONSITE magazine are not necessarily those of Incolink unless otherwise stated.

Published by Incolink on behalf of employer associations and unions in the Victorian building industry. The Redundancy Payment Central Fund Ltd (trading as Incolink). ACN 007 133 833 ABN 22 862 951 309

Incolink’s Privacy Policy Incolink has recently completed an audit of it’s processes and updated our ‘Privacy Policy’ and ‘Collection of Personal Information Statement’. Details of these documents can be found at our website.

Contact us 1 Pelham Street, Carlton Victoria 3053

Phone (03) 9639 3000 Freecall: 1800 337 789

Fax (03) 9639 1366

Email redund@incolink.org.au

Web incolink.org.au

Turn to page 2 to see how the new

legislation could affect you.

In this issue:

04Winners return for seconds at MBAV awards

07CFMEU: A busy year for training

14Summer safety on site

19Help around the clock

05

ISSUE79

WIN

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROPOSED LEGISLATION

CREATES UNCERTAINTY

incolink.org.au

See more photos from ONSITE at Incolink’s Facebook page

In mid-October, legislation was tabled in Federal Parliament entitled ‘Proper Use of Worker Benefits Bill’ which, if passed in its current form, has the potential to significantly reduce the benefits that all worker redundancy funds, including Incolink, can provide to workers and employers. At this stage it has the potential to lead to increased costs and significantly reduce Occupational Health and Safety expertise in the Victorian construction industry.

The construction industry presents unique safety risks to workers and often offers periods of casual and short term work. Construction workers face the highest risk of injury and death, have the highest level of suicide of any worker group, experience high levels of labour mobility and long periods of

unemployment.

Incolink provides a safety net which protects construction workers by investing in workers’ training, health, wellbeing and safety to tackle these issues. It is a unique fund bringing workers and employers together to solve industry problems. This Bill may have significant impacts on Incolink’s 40,000+ worker members. In particular, it may prevent us investing in key Occupational Health and Safety initiatives and providing workers’ insurances, such as funeral, dental and ambulance cover that Incolink funds directly.

CONTENTS02 Federal government creates

uncertainty

04 MBAV winners return for seconds

05 WIN $5,000 CASH!

06 Incolink news

07 CFMEU: A busy year for training

08 Fire Industry Awards

09 Plumbing here and in the USA

10 ONSITE at Classic East Melbourne

12 Cladding issue brings industry closer

13 MBAV Apprentice achievements

14 Incolink Summer Safety on site

16 AWCIV Awards of Excellence

17 AMCA Trainees and Apprentices

18 Master Plumbers Awards

19 Tips from the Toolbox

19 CFMEU: Dangers of silica

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROPOSED LEGISLATION

CREATES UNCERTAINTY

Occupational Health and Safety

Incolink worked alongside industry associations to establish a program of industry Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) grants when WorkSafe removed funding for these roles in 2002. Funding these OH&S roles helps ensure good OH&S practice across the commercial building and construction industry. We invested $4.8 million in 2016-17 to fund 12 organisations (Employer Associations and Trade Unions) to deliver OH&S services to Victoria’s Building and Construction Industry.

This Bill, as currently drafted, may prevent Incolink from investing in this critical work and put worker safety at significant risk on Victorian construction sites.

Insurances

Incolink invests back into the industry to generate a range of benefits beyond simply being a safety net of redundancy funds for members at the end of a job.

In addition to working with the employer to fund income protection, accident and illness and portable sick leave insurance, Incolink provides a number of insurances directly. This includes insurances such as ambulance, funeral and accidental dental.

This Bill may prevent Incolink from providing this cover to our members. If we were unable to provide these insurances, it would impact members and could generate additional costs for employers. This Bill also creates significant uncertainty by providing the Minister greater power to make

rules which could potentially prevent Incolink funding wellbeing services and safety training in the future.

Summary

This Bill has the potential to affect the co-operative model that has worked effectively since 1988.

Incolink supports proper governance, audited reporting and transparency to ensure members know how the money being held on their behalf is being spent and why. Our Fund has operated as a fund for the industry for 28 years on the basis of being a direct member based organisation.

However, the Bill as currently drafted goes beyond this objective. Occupational health and safety and the higher rate of injury and death in construction are two key areas in which Incolink invests on behalf of its members. It simply makes no sense to stop workers investing in their own OH&S or preventing funds from providing their members funeral and other insurances.

The risk that a current or future Minister could unilaterally create new rules to prevent us providing key health and wellbeing services is equally unnecessary and dangerous.

We are working with all political parties to ensure that they understand what the fund does for the Building and Construction industry and those that work in it.

If you have any questions, please call the Incolink Customer Service team on 03 9639 3000.

Radley de SilvaCEOMaster Builders Association of Victoria(Incolink Director)

Ralph EdwardsPresidentCFMEU Construction & General Division Victoria/Tasmania Branch(Incolink Director)

Ken GardnerCEOMaster Plumbers & Mechanical Services Association Australia(Incolink Director)

Earl SetchesVictorian & Federal SecretaryPPTEU(Incolink Director)

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROPOSED LEGISLATION

CREATES UNCERTAINTYThe Proposed Legislation

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MBAV

Radley de Silva CEO MBAV

Victors Kane Constructions and BFN Developments

RETURN FOR SECONDS

Two of the major winners last year came back in 2017 to claim Master Builder of the Year at the Excellence

in Construction Awards at Crown Palladium on Friday 4 August. Kane Constructions won the top title for their execution of the University of Melbourne Arts West Redevelopment in Parkville, a structure that blends old with new and comes wrapped in a distinctive rippled skin.

Our other back-to-back winner was BFN Developments as Regional Master Builder of the Year (Commercial) for their work on Abbey Gardens Aged Care Facility in Warragul—a respectful nod to the needs and dignity of seniors. We also congratulated Michael Rapinett of Foursquare Construction Management as Young Builder of the Year.

We hosted a record crowd that night—over 630 builders, clients and colleagues packed themselves into the Palladium to cheer our colleagues and enjoy the music of the Black Sorrows. Perhaps our most

special guest that night was Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews, who gave us—the construction sector of Victoria—a sincere pat on the back for the important work we (you) do. So much of the State’s success is owed to your achievements in building and construction, helping our State to thrive and remain a great place to live and do business.

If you haven’t seen them already, you can find all of the winners in the post-event publication (available at Master Builders’ East Melbourne office) or online in the ‘Events’ section of our website at mbav.com.au.

9 Caption...

9 Top: BFN Developments – Regional Master Builder of the Year – Abbey Gardens Aged Care Facility, Warragul. Middle: Kane Constructions – Master Builder of the Year – University of Melbourne Arts West Redevelopment. Bottom: – Michael Rapinett – Young Builder of the Year – Foursquare Construction Management

9 Master Builders Excellence in Construction Award Winners with Radley de Silva CEO and Melanie Fasham, President Master Builders (centre).

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REFERENCES:

http://www.who.int/features/factfiles/mental_health/en/www.mentalhealth.org.uk/your-mental-health/about-mental-health/what-good-mental-health

Did you know that your Incolink insurance programs* will only be provided while an employer

is paying the agreed redundancy and IPT contribution on your behalf?

This means you are not covered for any period where there are gaps in your redundancy or insurance contributions.

Although Incolink is continually following up overdue employer contributions - it is also important

for workers to check to ensure their Redundancy and IPT contribution has been made.

You can now check your contributions via WorkerLink using your Incolink member number and password. You can also access WorkerLink via the Incolink smartphone app.

Remember: payments from employers are due on the 14th of the month for the month prior. E.g. payments for the month of November are due on the 14 December 2017 –

so check your account after this date.

Contact your employer or your company payroll department immediately if contributions have not been made.

Call Incolink on (03) 9639 3000 if you have any questions or download the Accident and Illness Benefits brochure from incolink.org.au.

Are you covered? Check your Incolink account now!

*Personal Leisure Time Accident and Income Protection and Trauma (IPT) Insurances.

TCSv2

WINOR ONE OF SIX $500 WISH

GIFT CARDS

GO TO bit.ly/onsitewincash TO ENTER

I N CO L I N K M E M B E R S O N LY

WISH CARDS ARE ACCEPTED AT

Terms and conditions: Entries go in the draw to win a monthly $500 WISH card and the grand prize of $5,000 cash. Only one entry per member and all winners will be contacted via email. Winners of the $500 WISH cards will be announced on www.incolink.org.au each month in November 2017 to April 2018 inclusive. Winner of the grand prize of $5,000 cash will be drawn on 30 April, 2018. Any entries with an invalid email address are not eligible for entry. For full Terms and Conditions please go to incolink.org.au

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Important news about your GRAWhen you are made genuinely redundant you no longer have to make your GRA claim within 30 days.

Under the previous policy, members who had their funds in a Genuine Redundancy Account (GRA) had to make a claim within 30 days of their termination date or were ineligible to claim. This 30-day limitation has now been removed.

Members in a GRA account are now eligible to claim at any time after their termination date has been submitted by their employer.

For more information please call Incolink on 03 9639 3000

Where is my Incolink statement?You may have noticed that there is no Incolink statement with this issue of ONSITE. Incolink is making it easier for you to be notified of changes to your account. All future statements and news about your account will be sent to the email address you have supplied to Incolink.

If you prefer a printed statement you can receive an annual statement in July each year.

Commencing 1 November 2017 all new members will be contacted using email. You will be able to change your Incolink correspondence settings by going to your profile in WorkerLink.

In 2018 we will be launching ONSITE as an online magazine to partner the printed version. We will keep you updated as to when you can go online and see more of the Incolink industry magazine.

Don’t forget! Please make sure we have your email address using WorkerLink or by calling 03 9639 3000.

REDUNDANCY RATE CPI INCREASEFrom 1st October 2017 the default weekly amount paid into your Incolink account by your employer increased from $75.36 to $77.04. In addition to this your employer pays an apprentice levy of $1.01 per week, per employee, to support our industry apprentices.

$78.05 - $1.01 = $77.04 in your Incolink account each week.

REDUNDANCY BENEFIT – MAXIMUM INITIAL CLAIM AMOUNT INCREASEAs of 1 October 2017, the maximum Initial Claim amount will increase from $5,312 to $5,429.

CPI increases on Incolink accounts

Using WorkerLink members can check their account balance and recent payments or call (03) 9639 3000 for assistance.

INCOLINK HOLIDAY OPENING TIMESDecember 22 10am close off for claims Incolink office closes at 1pm

December 23 Industry Shutdown

January 3 9am Incolink opens for claims only

January 8 8am Incolink open for all services

January 9 End of Industry Shutdown

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CFMEU

John Setka Secretary CFMEU

for the Education and Training Unit

A busy year

It’s been a busy year in the Education and Training Unit, with plenty of High Risk courses, a new intake of WHS certificate III and IV courses and another group of pre-apprentices and apprentices coming through. Also, training has been offered to retrenched workers in the Latrobe Valley and we continue to run our specialised courses to sites, councils and government authorities.

attention of carpentry trainer Craig.

If you know of an employer who needs a first-year apprentice with a love of carpentry and a good basic knowledge of the commercial sector, send them our way. We have enthusiastic apprentices ready to help them.

We will be interviewing for our 2018 pre-app intake in late November. Contact the Unit or Liam O’Hearn, CFMEU Apprenticeship Officer on 03 9341 3444.

Gippsland worker training

We have been working closely with CFMEU organiser Toby Thornton and the Gippsland Trades and Labour Council to provide training to retrenched workers in the Latrobe Valley. Numerous confined space, traffic control and safe work at heights courses have been completed and we are looking at expanding our range of courses. It has been encouraging that so many workers are coming into the Trades and Labour Council offices in Morwell for assistance in training and to find work. Call the GTLC for more information on 03 5133 7684.

Tilt-up and precast course

Almost 100 OHS representatives have completed the safety competency for working with tilt-up and precast. The one-

day course covers information on risk management and safe work practices during the manufacturing and erection of precast and tilt-up concrete.

This course is available to anyone working in this area who needs to know more about OHS requirements.

Advanced scaffolding ticket

Get your advanced scaffolding ticket at the Education and Training Unit. Coupled with your on-the-job experience, this five-day course is for scaffolders who hold an intermediate licence. Combining the old and essential skills of tube and coupler, and the latest Layher gear, you’ll learn about hung scaffolds and construction of swing stages.

Contact the Unit on 03 9341 3444 or check our website at vic.cfmeu.org.au for information on training and courses.

9 Another happy customer: Colin Vernon, Geelong Trades Hall Secretary and ex FFPD official with his certificate.

9 “Well hung scaffold at the CFMEU”

Pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships

Our fourth intake of pre-apprentices finished in August, with many already interviewed and ready to start with employers in spring. Employers who have seen them in action have been impressed with their work-ready skills and knowledge.

Our carpentry apprenticeship program, which commenced in 2015, continues to go from strength to strength. The first intake of apprentices are about to enter their third year, while first and second year apprentices continue coming through. CFMEU apprentices look and act like fully fledged commercial construction carpenters, thanks to the workshop time and

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Incolink NewsNFIA

Wayne Smith Executive Director NFIA

Fire industry awards highlight focus on

ExcellenceBy Wayne Smith

The talented individuals and dedicated companies that make up Victoria’s plumbing and fire industry continue

to do us all proud, putting their skills and dedication to work to ensure the safety of buildings and the people who use them.

Victoria’s Plumbing and Fire Industry Awards, held in Melbourne on 5 August, celebrated their efforts in front of a capacity crowd of over 500 people.

The National Fire Industry Association (NFIA) is proud of our industry and we congratulate all the winners in the fire categories for their achievements.

Excellence in Education and Training Award (Proudly sponsored by Plumbing Joint Training Fund) - FiT’s CEO Lucas Blyth.

Excellence in Fire Protection Award (Proudly sponsored by Fire Industry Training) - Leemark Fire Protection.

The Victaulic NFIA Apprentice Award - Ryan Cox of Firesafe Sprinkler Systems.

The William P Hite Leadership Excellence Award (Proudly sponsored by PICAC) – Lou Maglio.

The Excellence Awards demonstrate that our industry continues to thrive despite some parties seeking to undermine best practice fire protection work.

Recent building fires in the UK and other parts of the world demonstrate the importance of ensuring that fire protection standards are enforced by legislation and compliance to protect the community.

When building cladding fails – as it did with devastating results at Grenfell Tower in London and the Lacrosse building in Melbourne – an effective fire sprinkler system is the first line of defence and is crucial to saving lives and limiting the spread of fire. It’s essential that workers who carry out fire protection construction and maintenance works are registered and appropriately qualified.

With a growing number of Victorians choosing to live in high-rise apartment towers, it is timely for the Victorian Government to consider legislating to strengthen the quality standards and ‘inspect and test’ regimes for fire prevention works.

9 Lou Maglio with Entire Fire Group

9 Lucas Blyth

9 Carmel Coate, Lou Maglio and Wayne Smith

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PICAC

Earl Setches National Secretary CEPU Plumbing

AT HOME AND IN THE USA

PLUMBING AND FIRE INDUSTRY EXCELLENCE

It has been a big few months for the plumbing and fire industry, with the annual Plumbing and Fire Industry Awards (PFIAs) held

in Melbourne and the annual United Association (UA) Instructor Training Program and Apprentice Skills Contest in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

The 2017 PFIAs were bigger than ever, with the crowd at the sold-out event enjoying fantastic food and entertainment in what was the perfect night to celebrate the industry’s achievements and to recognise the dedication of so many individuals.

Special mentions to Terry Smart, who was awarded Excellence in OHS; Lucas Blyth, for Excellence in Education and Training; Robbie

Peden, for Indigenous Professional of the Year; and Lou Maglio, who received the prestigious William P Hite Leadership Excellence Award.

In mid-August, representatives from the PPTEU and PICAC travelled to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for the annual UA Instructor Training Program, Industry Day and Apprentice Skills Contest. Andrew Fabb and Rowan Morton represented Australia in the Apprentice Skills Contest and PICAC’s Greg Tink graduated from the Instructor Training Program. Congratulations to each of them on their achievements.

It is a great honour to represent Australia in the UA’s Apprentice Skills Contest. I encourage current third or fourth year plumbing or sprinkler-fitting apprentices to contact events@picac.vic.edu.au to find out about the opportunities to participate in 2018.

9 Andrew Fabb representing Australia in Sprinkler Fitting at the UA Apprentice Skills Contest

9 National Secretary, PPTEU and Chair of PICAC, Earl Setches with Australia’s Plumbing Competitor, Rowan Morton

9 United Association Apprentice Skills Contest

Awards Ceremony 2017 (USA)

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classic East Melbourne

ONSITE at Classic East Melbourne

Overlooking Fitzroy Gardens and Yarra Park and close to Melbourne’s famous sporting precinct, Built is constructing the $75 million Classic East Melbourne residential development for a Brookfield and Cbus Property joint venture. The project will deliver 64 luxury inner city apartments across three unique boutique buildings - Mosspennoch, Parade and 22 Clarendon.

A highlight of the project is the refurbishment of the heritage listed mansion Mosspennoch House. Built

in 1881 for prominent lawyer James Liddell Purves QC and with a range of uses throughout its history, the double fronted Italianate mansion is being converted into six luxury apartments as the building is restored to its original splendor.

Complementing the heritage beauty of Mosspennoch House with its contemporary finish, a second residential building at 22 Clarendon Street will deliver six levels of premium accommodation within a unique glass facade.

On Wellington Parade, the facade of the original Parade Hotel will be preserved and extended to accommodate 46 apartments. When complete, it will include communal lounge facilities on the ground floor, with the Parade’s second floor converted into a luxury three bedroom apartment.

Close to the MCG, the Parade building has an important place in AFL legend. In May 1859 a small group of Melbourne Cricket Club members and journalists gathered at the Parade Hotel’s bar and, over a pint, formally drew up the first rules of the game. It is said that the birth of AFL footy came from the need to keep our cricketers fit during the off-season!

Expected to be completed in early 2018, with approximately 90 workers onsite each day, the Classic East Melbourne project is a great example of Built playing a role in building and preserving the fabric of our community.

Go to Incolink’s Facebook page for more photos of the Classic East Melbourne construction site.

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classic East Melbourne

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By Brian Boyd

The Australian Made Campaign (AMC) and the Master Builders Association (MBA) have formed a new

partnership to encourage contractors and developers to source more Australian-made building materials.

The AMC’s view is that Australian-made products are ‘likely to be safer’ than imports, even if they are more costly.

In announcing the partnership, the AMC made no secret that it was taking advantage of current concerns over the widespread use of aluminium composite panel cladding on Australian buildings, and the links that have been drawn with widely publicised cladding fires both here and overseas.

Building unions, including the CFMEU, have long campaigned for the use of locally-made building materials. The union has taken a keen interest in the cladding issue from both a worker and public safety perspective.

It should be acknowledged that an MBA spokesperson called for a ‘national approach’ to the fire-risk cladding issue.

The MBA qualified its partnership with the AMC, stating its “focus has always been on trying to leverage their brand to assist our members who export building products”, adding “if it increases the use of Australian-made products domestically, that’s a secondary benefit”.

Even though the high-rise office and apartments boom is slowing, there are still many projects being rolled out.

Our industry is an important sector that generates jobs. Safety is a critical joint concern for stakeholders during construction, and representative industry associations and unions are entitled to carry a general duty of care for ongoing public safety through into the post-construction, post-handover phase.

Paying more attention to matters like product quality, origin, application of Australian Standards, labelling and independent compliance verification should not be a debatable industry issue.

The public are entitled to expect that new buildings follow the highest standards and use the safest products and methods possible. Unions and employers are a unity ticket in their support of such outcomes.

The Victorian government has set up a taskforce into the building cladding issue. A Stakeholder Reference Group, which includes CFMEU and Victorian MBA representatives, is assisting the taskforce and will have provided a report to the government at the end of October.

Paying more attention to matters like product quality, origin, application of Australian Standards, labelling and independent compliance verification should not be a debatable industry issue.

Cladding IssueBrings Industry closer

Brian Boyd ONSITE Editorial Board Member

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Lawrie Cross GM Industrial Relations & Corporate Services MBAV

MBAV

On Friday 12 May, Alfredton carpentry apprentice Steven Butler enjoyed a double victory with honours from

Master Builders Association of Victoria naming him State Apprentice of the Year and Regional Apprentice of the Year for 2017. Butler, 25, received his awards at a ceremony in front of a sold-out crowd of more than 925 guests and won nearly $5400 worth of tools, work wear and vouchers for his achievement.

Master Builders Association of Victoria President Melanie Fasham was present on the evening to recognise the achievements of this year’s apprentices.

“One of the best investments Victoria can make is in the training and skills

of young people in the building and construction industry,” Ms Fasham said. “When we prepare them, we prepare Victoria for the generations ahead and the communities that will rely on them. Tonight’s group of award recipients reflect the continuing importance of apprenticeships as the critical and enduring pathway for skills in the Victorian building industry.”

Apprentices like Steven demonstrate the skills, work ethic and positive attitude required to be a successful tradesperson in the building and construction industry. Steven realises that being a good builder is about mastering both manual and communication skills, and he mentioned his debt of gratitude to his boss for the opportunities afforded him. He will represent Victoria at the annual Excellence in Building and Construction Awards to be held at Princes Wharf, Hobart, on 25 November where the National Apprentice of the Year will be announced.

APPRENTICE

Among our staff, the Apprentice of the Year event ranks among our favourites. It’s a night to recognise the skill distributed across the young builders and tradespeople of Victoria, but it’s also a time to witness genuine excitement among men and women at the dawn of their careers.

9 Melanie Fasham & Steven Butler, State Apprentice of the Year

Achievements

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Sun Smart

What is skin cancer?

Protection at work

Skin cancer is a disease of the body’s skin cells. Skin cancer develops when the cells which make up our skin are damaged and grow abnormally.

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the main cause of skin cancer. Each time your skin is damaged by UV, changes take place in the structure and function of our skin cells. If UV damage keeps adding up, skin cells become less able to repair, increasing the risk of skin cancer.

Using sun protection during sun protection times will prevent UV damage and cut your cancer risk – and it’s never too late. Using sun protection will cut your risk of skin cancer at any age.

Sun protection for the building and construction industry is essential given that the work is often outside. Cancer Council Australia recommends that all workplaces that require employees to work outdoors for some or all of

the day have a comprehensive sun protection program in place that includes:

• Providing shade and window tinting;

• Scheduling outdoor work tasks outside of peak UV times

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) consisting of sun protective work clothing, sun protective hats, SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and wrap-around close fitting sunglasses.

• Providing education and training for all outdoor personnel so they are aware of how to work safely in the sun, know their own skin; and seek advice from a GP if they have any skin cancer concerns.

SUMMERsafety

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Ways to protect yourself

Introducing Incolink Skin Check Program.

A combination of five sun protection behaviours should be used in the workplace.

1. Slip on sun protective clothing

2. Slop on SPF 30 or higher sunscreen. Apply sunscreen liberally to clean, dry skin at least 20 minutes before you go outside and reapply every two hours.

3. Slap on a hat. A broad-brimmed, legionnaire or bucket-style hat provides good protection for the face, nose, neck and ears. Caps and visors do not provide enough protection.

4. Seek shade

5. Slide on some sunglasses. Sunglasses should be worn outside during daylight hours. Choose close-fitting wrap-around sunglasses that meet the Australian Standard AS 1067.

Sources: cancer.org.au, sunsmart.com.au, “Skin cancer and outdoor work”: A guide for employers

Incolink is excited to announce a partnership with Skin Patrol in order to commence a comprehensive Incolink Skin Checks program for our members. This

is an extension of our more general Incolink Health Checks program which has been very popular with members.

Incolink Skin Checks are now available to be rolled out on site and will be conducted by a General Practitioner. The Incolink Skin Checks program is rolled out over 2 steps on site.

• Step.1 -Skin Cancer Awareness Sessions – the importance of early detection of melanoma

• Step.2 - Skin checks – Full body skin check performed by a GP with full follow up and education about any skin issues.

For more information, go to incolink.org.au/skinchecks or contact David Cronin - Incolink Team Leader, Health Checks & Partnerships on 0418 470 409 or via email davidcr@incolink.org.au

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AWCIV

Tanya Chudasko Executive Officer AWCIV

FEATURE IN AWCIV AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2017

The achievements of the Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries Victoria (AWCIV) over the past year were celebrated in style at the annual Awards of Excellence and Gala Dinner at Leonda by the Yarra on 18 August.

In the long-standing tradition of this event, the evening saw the industry recognise and celebrate the achievements of our highly skilled members on projects including some of Victoria’s most historic buildings such as The Palais Theatre in St Kilda and the Forum Theatre

in the Melbourne CBD.

Each of the category winners highlighted the range of skills and talent employed during 2016 – 2017.

The full list of winners included:

Category Project Winner Company

Decorative The Palais Theatre – St Kilda Old Melbourne Plaster

DecorativeThe Forum Theatre – Melbourne

Vision Ornate Plaster P/L

Commercial 1 Keilor Community Hub JML Interiors P/L

Commercial 2 Kithbrooke Aged Care Molloys Plastering

Domestic 1Project Drumcondra-Modern Contemporary

Geelong Interior Linings

Domestic 2Bogong Avenue – Glen Waverley

Chad Group Australia Pty Ltd

Domestic 2 Bushell House Palmers Plaster

Domestic 3 Albert Park Residence Finger Plastering

Facade 1 Zinnia Apartments Lux Clad

Facade 2 Quarry House WS Images

Specialist LiningsNorth Fitzroy Library & Community Hub

Pro Image Plaster

People’s ChoiceBogong Avenue – Glen Waverley

Chad Group Australia Pty Ltd

HALL OF FAME RECIPIENT – Mark ToyMark Toy who was recognised at the event for his service to the industry and commended for the passion and commitment he demonstrates by elevation to the Industry Hall of Fame.

9 Old Melbourne Plaster The Dome at The Palais Theatre – St Kilda

9 JML Interior Linings Keilor Community Hub for Commercial 1

About AWCIVThe Association of Wall and Ceiling Industries Victoria (AWCIV) is a trade organisation advocating the interests of contractors, suppliers and manufacturers in the wall and ceiling industry. AWCIV connects the industry by linking apprentices, customers, contractors, manufacturers, suppliers and service providers and is the voice of the industry to all bodies within the wall and ceiling and allied industries.

MelbourneICONS

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HALL OF FAME RECIPIENT – Mark Toy

9 Training Achievement Award Winner Mitchell Stevens, AMCA Victorian President Peter Keating and Mark Mitchell, General Manager AG Coombs Pty Ltd

Mark Amos CEO MPA

Master Painters

PRE-APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

A BOOST FOR JOB SEEKERSPre-apprenticeship training has strong backing from the industry because it provides

a genuine pathway to employment for job seekers. Employers are always on the lookout for young people who have completed pre-apprenticeship courses because they have already completed basic training towards an apprenticeship.

With joint participation from representatives of the building and construction industry and registered training organisations, a review of the Certificate II in Building and Construction Pre-apprenticeships has been completed. The newly designed course will commence in 2018 at various TAFE centres around Victoria.

The Master Painters Association fully supports the new course which introduces students to a range of topics to prepare them for a career in the building and construction industry. These include handling equipment and tools, specifics of particular trades, basic skills training and workplace safety practices that are an essential component of working in our industry.

9 Industry Standard Surface Coating Industry

Sumit Oberoi Executive Director AMCA

AMCA honours trainees and apprentices

In a valuable community initiative, each finalist in the 2017 Air Conditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association (AMCA)

Training Achievement Awards nominated a charity to receive a donation equal to the prize money.

AMCA, as Australia’s leading employer and industry association in the air conditioning industry, presented its training awards on 12 August at a gala dinner at Sofitel on Collins Hotel. The event brought the industry together to honour its young trainees and apprentices.

The prestigious Training Achievement Award was won by Mitchell Stevens of AG Coombs P/L.

As the AMCA Executive Director, I would like to praise the calibre of the previous winners of the Training Achievement Award as they have gone on to make a great contribution to the industry. Mitchell Stevens was selected from a strong field of trainees and apprentices, including the following finalists:

• Leslie Bowe, mechanical draftsman, Ellis Airconditioning P/L

• Jarryd Caruana, mechanical draftsman, D & E Airconditioning P/L

• Jay Purdie, mechanical plumber, BSA | Allstaff; and

• Aaron Darragh, mechanical plumber, AG Coombs P/L

The AMCA would like to acknowledge the ongoing support of the event partners, without whom this event would not be possible.

• Incolink

• Victorian Building Authority

• Holmesglen Institute

• Box Hill Institute

• Windsor Management Insurance

• Milwaukee Tools

• Reece HVAC-R; and

• A2K Technologies

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Ken Gardner CEO Master Plumbers

Master Plumbers

Plumbing and Fire Industry Awards night

SENSATIONAL SUCCESS

The sold out event, now in its third year, is a collaborative event presented by the Master Plumbers, the

Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre, the Plumbing and Pipe Trades Employees Union, the National Fire Industry Association, and for the first time this year, the Association of Hydraulic Services Consultants

Australia, who has joined forces with the other stakeholders as a fifth presenting partner.

With the nominees and guests eager to find out who this year’s winners were, the first set of awards were announced recognising indigenous and female industry professionals, excellence in OHS, education and sustainability, and outstanding

contributions from the fire protection industry. Next up was the AHSCA suite of awards, followed by those presented to the plumbing industry’s top apprentices.

The feature act for the night was well known to nearly everyone in the room – The Black Sorrows and MC Tim Campbell put on a great show.

Energy levels were high and the room buzzed with anticipation as the final three premier awards were announced. Project of the Year was presented to Cooke & Dowsett for their impeccable work on Simonds Stadium, Mark Pasini was presented with the plumbing industry’s most prestigious Award, the Andrew Letten Gold Medal, and finally, Fire Industry legend Lou Maglio took out the William P. Hite Leadership Excellence Award.

A massive congratulations to all of the award nominees and winners and a huge thank you to their family, friends, colleagues and peers who attended the event, making it a huge success.

In the deco inspired surrounds of the luxurious Grand Hyatt Melbourne, an enthusiastic crowd of 500 celebrated the achievements of their peers at the Plumbing and Fire Industry Awards on Saturday 5 August.

9 Rose Curtis Award winners - Tahley Houghton, Sponsor Tessa Williams and Kelsey Houghton.

9 Mark Pasini winner of the plumbing industry’s most prestigious Award, the Andrew Letten Gold Medal and his partner.

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9 Dr Gerry Ayers CFMEU OHS Unit Manager

9 Crystalline Silica has been classified a Group 1 Carcinogenic.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has now classified crystalline silica as a Group

1 Carcinogen. Global studies have shown an increased risk of lung cancer among workers exposed to silica dust. Evidence is also emerging that it may cause kidney disease.

Low levels of exposure may not cause obvious symptoms of silicosis, a type of lung disease, but can still cause chronic bronchitis and other airway obstruction diseases.

Jobs that can create dangerous levels of silica dust include:

• concrete and brick cutting, drilling and angle grinding

• jack hammering and chiselling of concrete, masonry, sandstone, etc.

• scabling

• ceramic tile cutting

• excavation

• cleaning up of dust and debris created by the above activities

The Hazardous Substances

Regulations (OHS Regs 2017 Reg 169) states that employers must

The real dangers of silica dust

HELP AROUND THE CLOCKBuilding and construction is

a tough industry and talking to others about how we feel doesn’t come easy. So

how do you know you or a mate are not travelling that well? Does this list sound familiar?

1. You haven’t had a good sleep in ages – or you are drinking a little too much hoping that will knock you out.

2. You don’t have time to eat so when you do junk food is the only thing on the menu.

3. You haven’t been spending time doing things you like to do: like going out with mates or playing sport.

4. You and your partner aren’t getting on but you find it hard to deal with right now.

5. You won’t talk to anyone about what is happening – you think it might just all go away.

If this sounds like you or a mate then talking to someone can help.

No matter what is happening there is always someone willing to help you or your mate. It might be your GP

or a friend or you can call Incolink on 1300 000 129, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to talk to an experienced counsellor.

1300 000 129

CFMEU OH&S

ensure health surveillance is provided to workers who are exposed to crystalline silica. This includes chest x-rays, respiratory function tests and records of personal exposure. For more information go to ohsrep.org.au/hazards/chemicals/silica

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1 Pelham Street, Carlton VIC 3053 Ph: (03) 9668 3061 | 1800 337 789

incolink.org.au

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