By Natasha Jager, National Manager Workplace Services, Alcohol and Drug Foundation Alcohol and drug misuse accounts for 11.5 million ‘sick’ days every year in Australia. The ‘presenteeism’ effect, where you are experiencing the effects of a hangover or coming down from a drug (feeling fatigued or not thinking clearly), is costing businesses a lot more. […]

During 2016/17, the Premium Compliance branch of WorkSafe Victoria commenced a project focussed on ensuring that employers in the housing construction industry were correctly determining whether the contractors they engaged were independent contractors, or whether they should be treated as workers of the employer for the purposes of WorkCover premium. WorkSafe selected the bricklaying, plastering […]

Members are urged to be proactive in managing this cyclical safety issue by planning for the summer months ahead. Guidance on working in heat is available from the WorkSafe website. The Master Builders OHS Unit can also provide assistance on the development and implementation of working in heat policies. Members should note that under both […]

The VBA has issued the following advisory message outlining responsibilities for protecting adjacent properties if they are under threat of damage from building works. Questions and clarification queries should be directed to the VBA at www.vba.vic.gov.au or (03) 9618 9316, or the BAB website at www.buildingappeals.vic.gov.au. ________ With a strong residential building market, the Victorian […]

Our new logo, premiering February 2018, marks a major move forward for our association and members. As Master Builders embarks on a new chapter, we’re excited to unveil a modern logo to represent our way forward. Adopting the progressive look and feel of the national logo will enhance the strength and power of the Master […]