Construction ISSC communique: March 2025
The Construction Industry Standing Committee (the Committee) convened on 19 March 2025.
Mr Ryan Alexiou was elected unopposed to act as Chair for the meeting. Members noted that Mr Craig Dearling had resigned from the Committee and the WHS Board (Board). Members noted that the absence of major construction sector stakeholders leaves a significant gap in the Committees coverage. Members recommend that arrangements to fill vacancies on the Committee be commenced as soon as possible.
The Committee discussed the issue of heat stress in the construction sector. Members noted that industry understanding and mitigation of the heat stress hazard is mixed. Members agreed that a heat stress standard would assist in the hazard being appropriately controlled. Members agreed that there is a need for additional information on heat stress and heat stress initiatives, especially proactive heat stress campaign materials.
Members discussed the Managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in construction and manufacturing of construction elements code of practice 2022. Members noted the update provided and requested additional updates, including an expert presentation from the Specialised Health and Safety Services at a future Committee meeting.
Members observed that elevated work platforms (EWPs) remain a key issue for the construction sector noting that scissor lifts had been the cause of multiple fatalities in recent years. Members recommend that guidance material on EWPs be updated.
Members noted that suicide in the construction sector is a growing problem. Members agreed that suicide is impacting work sites and the effect of secondary exposure is considerable. Members noted that the suicide prevention and support program – MATES in Construction (MATES) is seeking Queensland Government commitment for future funding. Members noted the significant impact of the work of MATES and advocated for continued funding. Members agreed to recommend to the Board to advocate for funding for MATES and also agreed to write a letter to the Minister for Industrial Relations providing unanimous Committee support for ongoing MATES funding.
The Committee noted items referred by the Board including member sharing of Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) campaigns to support an increased reach of safety messaging, and identification of sector relevant case studies that could be developed and provided for Health and Safety Representatives (HSR) training.
Members confirmed they are assisting the broadcast of OIR’s campaign messages where the campaign is relevant to their industry and membership, while also observing an improvement in OIR’s messaging.
Members agreed that the HSR Portal was designed to be an effective means of providing HSRs useful information, and that targeted information could be communicated through that channel.
Members considered reports by OIR including:
- Policy and legislative updates
- Heat stress initiatives update
- Strategic Communications update.
- IPaM Services Paper
Members agreed to work together out of session to maximise opportunities to promote the IPaM program.
Members expressed their appreciation for the proof-of-concept data dashboard report for the construction industry developed by OIR.
Members noted concerns regarding the Prequalification (PQC) System – prequalifying for major building and construction projects. Members commented that the register of accredited auditors has limited options to conduct PQC audits, especially in North Queensland.
The next Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 11 June 2025
ISSC secretariat | Email: oirboardsandcommittees@oir.qld.gov.au