Informa Connect Academy is offering a range of courses in Human Factor Safety over the coming year (see dates below). Courses are designed to explain worksite risks associated with human behaviours, and present methods and techniques for enhancing safety. Human Factors Analysis for Incident Investigation Understand the relationship between human factors and human reliability. Understand human variability and non-compliance in the context of event investigations within large and complex socio-technical systems. Recognise the human factors contribution to incidents in complex circumstance ..read more

US maker of small-duct central heating and air conditioning systems, will make its second appearance at the Air Conditioning Refrigeration & Building Services (ARBS) exhibition in Sydney in late May 2024 with a working Unico System and attendance by one of the manufacturer’s owners. Established in 1985, The Unico System is a small-duct central HVAC technology for residential and light commercial central heating, ventilation, and cooling. Well-known throughout North America for its ability to provide superior, energy efficient indoor air quality where other systems can’t, the Unico System ..read more

In response to widespread demand and feedback from the field, AGA proudly presents Plumbers Community. This is a new platform dedicated to advancing the careers and capabilities of plumbing professionals across Australia. This initiative enhances industry standards and prioritises safety in line with AGA’s not for profit mission. What Is Plumbers Community? Plumbers Community caters specifically to professionals in water and gas plumbing, offering a suite of resources designed to keep members at the forefront of the industry. Plumbers Community members gain exclusive access to essential tools ..read more

Phase three of the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme was launched on 19 April 2024, which marks an expansion of the Scheme to more areas across Queensland. The expansion aims to continue raising awareness, educating, and inspiring action on how organisations can reduce waste going to landfill by recycling PVC off-cuts. Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) and Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia (PIPA) launched phase three in time for World Earth Day 2024, celebrated on 22 April. (See top image: MPAQ President Kent Vickers (rightmost) with MPAQ Trustee Bill Watson ..read more

Building and Energy is advising homeowners affected by the liquidation of Start Right Homes Pty Ltd (BC14559) to contact QBE to discuss their home indemnity insurance. The Osborne Park, WA, building company, which mainly constructed single-storey houses, appointed liquidators on 7 April 2024. Building and Energy understands the company is yet to complete 24 projects. Building and Energy Executive Director Peter Stewart said homeowners with incomplete or defective building work by Start Right Homes should contact QBE on 1300 790 723 to discuss their home indemnity ..read more

“The prospect of a pick-up in home building activity in 2024 is not likely given the low volume of new homes sales in the first three months of 2024,” stated HIA Senior Economist, Tom Devitt. The HIA New Home Sales report is a monthly survey of the largest volume home builders in the five largest states and is a leading indicator of future detached home construction. “New home sales increased by 4.9 per cent in March compared to the previous month. This increase kept sales flat in the first three months of 2024 compared to the previous quarter,” added Mr Devitt. “Concerningly, sales in the fi ..read more

Aussie Pumps, the leading Australian designer and manufacturer of Jetter equipment, has launched a free online safety-training course called “Safe Jetting”. The Aussie Pumps Safe Jetting course is aimed at all plumbers using the Jetters to clear out blocked drains. The course promotes safety awareness, explains high pressure water technology, covers simple machine maintenance, and aims to prevent misuse of the equipment and operator injuries. It takes less than half an hour and when completed participants can apply for an Aussie Pumps Certificate of Completion. Mark Brown, Training Facilities ..read more

The Master Plumbers Association of NSW (MPA NSW), under the leadership of CEO Nathaniel Smith, is calling on the Federal Government to take decisive action to protect the livelihoods of Aussie tradies and safeguard their indispensable work vehicles. In NSW, thousands of tradies rely on their utility vehicles, commonly known as utes, to carry out essential tasks. Whether it’s a sole proprietor with a single ute or a larger company with a fleet of a hundred, these vehicles are the lifeblood of their operations. However, the recent onslaught of stringent emission regulations has plunged tradies ..read more

“The size of a typical bathroom has fallen as home renovators and builders scale back their renovation ambitions,” stated HIA Chief Economist, Tim Reardon. Speaking at the launch of the HIA Kitchen and Bathroom Report, Mr Reardon said: “Shrinkflation is evident across the economy as households bear the cost of higher mortgage repayments, and home renovations are no exception. The HIA Kitchens and Bathroom Report provides comprehensive forecasts and unique insights into this important sector of Australia’s residential construction industry and wider economy. “Affordability and value have ..read more

Victorian regulators and agencies have joined forces to improve compliance of heat pump hot water systems installations across the state, in line with industry and safety standards. This follows the rapid growth in heat pump hot water system installations across Victoria under the Solar Homes and Victorian Energy Upgrades programs, which offer incentives to install energy efficient products in Victorian homes and businesses. In the coming months, Solar Victoria, the Essential Services Commission, the Victorian Building Authority, Energy Safe Victoria and WorkSafe Victoria will increase site i ..read more