New PlaceMakers seminars under way now!

To support its customers in navigating the industry’s changes, PlaceMakers continues to offer opportunities for upskilling.

Here’s an overview of what you can expect by attending your local session.

Health and safety focus – how are others handling it?

Presenter John Tait will relay information from WorkSafe’s most recent guidance on ‘working at height’, ‘working on roofs’ and ‘safe use of safety nets’. He will highlight the areas where good planning and monitoring can make all the difference. 

The seminars will shed light on some of the common myths that have surfaced since the new health and safety reform became law – from ladders being outlawed to scaffolding being mandatory.

John also shares some insights arising from a case study conducted by WorkSafe, with some key messages around worker participation.

LBP update

There will be useful information from the LBP registrar’s on the most common themes relating to LBP complaints, as well as other observations.

One of the most common LBP complaints is centered round “poor understanding and application of site supervision”, which recently prompted the Building Practitioners Board to clarify the definition of supervision for LBPs. The Registrar draws attention to factors the Board took into account in a recent decision about negligent or incompetent supervision.

Regulatory updates

The seminars will include reminders about recent regulatory changes, such as the Construction Contracts Act, Residential Tenancy Act changes, the recent ban on retrofitting foil
insulation and more.

John will also provide advice on how to avoid inspection failures. Having spoken to team leaders at several councils around the country, he will cover a few non-compliance issues which often lead to a failed inspection.

Additionally, attendees can learn more about a recent MBIE determination that could have far-reaching implications.

“Builders will be surprised when they hear about this one,” says John. “It highlights the importance of establishing for sure and in advance whether a change is considered minor, or requires an amendment to the consent.”