Category twelve - Best response to the COVID-19 pandemic in work health and safety
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is Australia’s only national industry association representing 60,000 residential building industry participants across Australia, including around 6,000 in Queensland. In Queensland the residential building industry is one of the most dynamic, innovative and efficient service industries. HIA operates from five different locations in Queensland (Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and Townsville).
HIA recognised the need to ensure that the house industry continued and kept Queenslanders safe during the pandemic. HIA kept their workers safe during this period and provided information to other industries about their obligations to their works, contractors and the public in line with constantly changing directives.
Their primary role was to research, create and distribute simple to understand, industry-specific information that focused on how businesses could continue to operate safety and follow the directives. HIA made all COVID-19 related information available for free to members and non-members. Their Brisbane office provided timely, accurate and reliable advice and widely promoted and distributed it within industry at no cost.
HIA developed guidelines following consultation with members, outlining the various requirements to be followed in the housing industry. They have made these guidelines available to everyone: employers, employees, unions and other industries. HIA’s primary communication channels are their website and member email alerts which launched in 2020. This allows people to easily access information, guidelines or updates regarding directives and restrictions around COVID-19.
HIA have moved from a reactive to proactive approach when delivering information to industry in a timely manner.
