Victoria Report - October 2010

CCF business topics for national conference

An overview of the business sessions for this year’s National Conference in Canberra (October 20-24) reveals some exciting topics.

Included are sessions on surviving the economic recovery, an interactive OH&S session, a seminar from the NSW Police about reducing plant theft from work sites, talks on using recycled materials and also an insight into the future of hybrid machinery.

We remind you that delegate places are going quickly so now is the time to act to ensure you don’t miss out on this valuable industry discussion and networking/marketing opportunity.

Book accommodation as soon as possible too, because the dates coincide with the first week in Parliament for the newly elected Government.
It’s going to be a busy time in Canberra! To find out more or register, go to: www.civilcontractors.com/nationalconference

Coinvest contributions: weekend work
Members are advised that an issue has arisen in relation to Coinvest’s interpretation of what constitutes normal hours for the purpose of calculation of Conivest contributions.

The case in question involves a labour hire worker who worked with one employer on Monday to Friday and another employer on Saturday and Sunday.

The employees receive Coinvest accruals for the first employer but not for the second as the weekend hours are outside the scope of ordinary hours in the agreement covering that second employer.

Coinvest is saying that because Saturday and Sunday are the only days that these employees work for the second employer, they are their normal hours for that employer and therefore subject to Coinvest accruals.

CCF does not agree with this interpretation and is making representations on the matter in conjunction with other industry associations. Coinvest's interpretation could be an issue if any member has employees who work only or mainly on weekends. Any member who has a concern should contact our workplace relations advisors on 9819 5170.

VicRoads TSS escort charges increase
VicRoads has advised that from October 1st 2010, new fees apply for the provision of over dimensional load escort services provided by the VicRoads TSS Group.
If you have concerns please email jstewart@civilcontractors.com to enable us to raise the issues with VicRoads.

Read and interpret plans
With the variety of plans, specifications and drawing details that contractors are required to deliver on across the industry, the ability to read and interpret plans, drawings and specifications relevant to civil construction operations has become increasingly important across all levels of personnel.

Are your staff confident in reading and interpreting plans? Using actual civil construction plans, this dynamic, practical one day program covers the basics providing immediately applicable skills and knowledge important for everyday work.
This course is suitable for all levels of construction personnel requiring an understanding of plan reading aspects of construction.

CCF will hold a 1 day read & interpret plans course in two locations: Thu 11 November (Morwell), Thu 18 November (Ballarat) from 8.30am – 4.30pm and will cost $195+ GST for members and $240 + GST for non-members.

Complete and fax the registration form to 9819 6098 or phone Marie on 9819 5170 to book.

To gain a full ESV spotter ticket
Must attend 1 day spotter training and supply current Level 2 First Aid with CPR (see ESV Spotters requirement document). Upcoming Spotters courses in Hawthorn on Mon 25 October.
Contact Marie on 9819 5170 or complete and fax the registration form to fax 9819 6098 for course bookings.

Integrated management system development
This course provides contractors with instruction and guidance to fully develop implement their CCF-IMS. This interactive training course aids in the understanding of the system’s software and system’s documents in order to optimize the functionality of their business and their clients’ requirements in this key compliance area.
The CCF-IMS course provides strategies to effectively use and understand the system methodology to encompass throughout the business for the benefit of best practice operation. This includes expanding and enhancing an understanding of the management system in relation to specific business activities.
After completion of the 1 day CCF course, participants will have gained strategies on how to further develop their system’s capabilities in order to meet client and industry expectations. Participants will have a greater recognition of factors associated with meeting legislative, community and commercial obligations and be provided with strategies to meet audit requirements.

Upcoming training courses 2010
The 2010 Training Course Guide and Wall Calendar are available for download from our website. We can send a trainer to you and most courses are available for flexible on-site delivery at a venue and date of your choice. Phone 9819 5170 to discuss.

To book courses phone Marie on 9819 5170, download registration forms from the 2010 Training Calendar and fax to 9819 6098 or civiltrainvic@civilcontractors.com.
Construction OH&S Induction, Hawthorn: Tue 26 October.
Traffic Management Refresher, Hawthorn:Tue 9 November. Pre-requisite: Course participants must hold Traffic Management tickets issued from January 2005 onwards.
Spotters, Hawthorn: Mon 25 October. Pre-requisite: First Aid Level 2 inc. current CPR, plant operator tickets.
Safety Representatives (5 weekdays), Hawthorn: Thu 14, Fri 15, Mon 18, Tue 19 and Wed 20 October.
Introduction to SWMS, Hawthorn: Wed 27 October.
Supervision and Leadership Skills, Hawthorn: Thu 28 October.
Please note: Prepayment is required in full at time of booking or within 5 days thereafter to secure your booking. View CCF’s booking terms.