Construction ISSC communique: November 2024
The Construction Industry Standing Committee (the Committee) convened on 6 November 2024.
Mr Craig Dearling offered to act as chair for the meeting and was elected unopposed.
A senior OIR officer presented to the Committee on the Managing the risk of psychosocial hazards at work Code of Practice 2022.
Members discussed issues including: the nature of the construction sector being an aggravating factor due to conditions such as high job demand, the need for psychosocial hazard resources (especially for cumulative hazards), the need for industry specific data and psychosocial hazard compliance.
The Acting Chair facilitated discussion on ‘Building enhanced and sustained compliance through improved information and its use’ – a matter referred by the Work Health and Safety Board (WHS Board). The Committee provided the WHS Board with feedback including the value of industry specific case studies, and the opportunity for increased industry collaboration to disseminate safety information.
The Acting Chair facilitated a discussion on Appendix 4 of the Managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in construction and manufacturing of construction elements code of practice 2022. Members observed the issues relating to Appendix 4 require specialist knowledge and noted that the critical issues are raised by the Property Risk Australia Report. The Acting Chair offered to analyse both documents, highlight areas requiring attention and consult members out of session via a circular resolution. Members agreed with this approach.
Members discussed contemporary industry issues. Two major issues discussed included the impact of elevating work platforms, noting that this piece of plant continues to cause serious incidents and the impact of the coming summer season on workers. Members requested that the Office of Industrial Relations consider running an awareness and/or a compliance campaign for summer climatic conditions.
The next Committee meeting is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, 19 March 2025.
ISSC secretariat | Email: oirboardsandcommittees@oir.qld.gov.au