FIA Partner Big River provides The Australian Formwork industry with a One Stop Shop for Building Products, Formwork, Flooring, Plywood, MaxiWall and MaxiFloor. Renowned industry experience, technical advice and unbeatable prices for both residential and commercial projects.

Locally manufactured building materials that meet the strictest quality standards, ensuring the long term safety of building structures across Australia.

Armourform – The Future of Formwork

Armourform has been used on most of Australia’s premier building sites for more than 20 years and was used in the construction of Sydney’s Anzac Bridge, Sydney Harbour Tunnel and Lang Park Stadium. Armourform has been exported to New Zealand, England and South-East Asia.

Big River Timbers also manufactures formply for curved formwork applications in 5mm & 9mm. This formply is ideal for curved barriers and comes in 2400x1200mm sheets.

PAA Stamped Plywood

All Big River Timber formply is PAA stamped, manufactured and product certified to the relevant Australian and New Zealand Standards under a JASANZ accredited, third party audited quality control program that is internationally recognised. Plywood made under this system meets all requirements of product certification under the Building Code of Australia.

Download the Big River App and get a quote, by clicking the image below.

It certainly has been a busy and exciting 11 months since publicly listed entity, Acrow Formwork & Construction Services Limited acquired Uni-span Australia Pty Ltd in October 2019.

Now, Acrow Formwork and Scaffolding, Natform and Uni-span represent the Acrow Group of Companies.

Our strategic advantage is simple, yet fundamental to our clients in achieving their required project outcomes. The Acrow Group of Companies has the largest and most versatile range of products, complemented by a customer service focused approach and engineering expertise to meet the most challenging project demands.

Our aim is to be recognised as the leading engineered Formwork and Scaffold sales and hire equipment solutions provider in Australia.

We are expanding our presence online to provide new and existing customer’s a simple and easy to use online store to purchase a select range of products at a time convenient to you; in the office, on site or at home.

Introducing, Acrow Marketplace Online Store.

ACROW MARKETPLACE ADVANTAGES

• User friendly platform that is mobile responsive.
• The online store is open 24 hours a day - purchase anytime, anywhere.
• Click and collect - Orders placed before 10am can be collected on the same day [before 3pm (Monday - Thursday) & before 2:30pm (Friday)]. Orders placed after 10am can be collected within 24 to 48 hours (business hours only).
• You have the option to Sign Up, providing you login credentials for easy check out, as well as the ability to check order history etc. If simply a once off purchase, you can check out as a guest.
• This platform has been designed to save you and your team time, whilst offering a one stop shop for your scaffolding and formwork construction requirements.
• Online chat function available during office hours.
• As part of this online community, you will have the opportunity to take advantage of promotions and specials, by simply signing up to our mailing list.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

You can connect to Acrow Marketplace via www.acrow.com.au or www.uni-span.com.au by clicking on the Acrow Marketplace Online Store icon (home page) or visit the site directly at www.acrowonlinestore.com.

This online platform operates as a "Click and Collect" function only.

PRODUCTS AVAILABLE ONLINE

• Acrow props
• Quickstage Scaffolding & accessories
• Formwork Hardware & consumables
• Containment – Uni-mesh™ FR, shade cloth etc.
• Timber & ply – LVL Timber, Structural Ply, Formply etc.

PRICING & PAYMENT OPTIONS

  

All online prices are inclusive of GST. When checking out, there are two payment options to consider:

1. Pay by Credit Card (Visa or Mastercard)

2. Pay on Account - you must have an active Acrow Trading account to pay on account. You will need to know your account number to transact using this payment method. All online transactions purchased on account will appear as per usual on your Acrow statement. If you don’t have a trading account and wish to open one, please contact us on 1300 138 362 or info@acrow.com.au.

TIME TO GET CLICKING…www.acrowonlinestore.com

There are FAQs that should be able to answer any questions you may have, however, if you have a specific question, require assistance or would like to share any feedback, please email us.

Happy Shopping.

With the initial Job Keeper subsidy coming to an end today - 28 September 2020, businesses will be required to reassess their eligibility for the JobKeeper Extension past this date. FIA Business & Finance Advisory Partner, HLB Mann Judd, provide an update.

To do this, your business needs to apply the “Basic Turnover Test” which requires you to compare the turnover for the September 2020 quarter against the turnover for the September 2019 quarter. Your business will be eligible if the turnover for the September 2020 quarter has decreased by 30% or more.

The ATO have also updated their guidance in relation to applying the “Alternative Turnover Test” measures. These tests will apply to those businesses where, for various reasons, the “Basic Turnover Test” may not be appropriate or even possible to apply (e.g. your business commenced after 30 September 2019). 

Below is a summary and links to the "Alternative" turnover test measures: 

• Business that started after the comparison period started but before 1 March 2020
• Business acquisition or disposal that changes the entity's turnover
• Business restructure that changed the entity’s turnover
• Business that has had a substantial increase in turnover
• Business affected by drought or natural disaster
• Business that has an irregular turnover
• Sole trader or small partnership with sickness, injury or leave

Please note, your business only has to satisfy one of the alternative tests to be eligible. 

IMPORTANT - if your business is not eligible for the JobKeeper Extension, please ensure that any payroll payments to staff are adjusted appropriately (i.e. top-up payments are no longer required to be paid to staff if your business is no longer receiving JobKeeper payments from the Government moving forward).

For more information on any of these tests please refer to this ATO link.

If you are unable to assess your own eligibility or require assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

For further updates and other resources, visit HLB Mann Judd’s COVID-19 Resource Centre.

We will continue to keep you updated with further information as it becomes available.

The FIA Board recently met to discuss the current economic climate and how it can assist its members during these tough times. Whilst we have seen a number of Formwork businesses struggle in the current climate, the FIA board believe that together we can work to strengthen our members knowledge, develop ideas and offer further membership benefits to advocate for changes to the Formwork Industry that benefit our members.

The FIA is already advocating on a number of issues affecting the industry and we plan to strengthen the FIA's position and relations with government entities and improve member engagement through a number of committees. 

The objective of these committees is to source fair, efficient, transparent and equitable outcomes for industry. Each committee will meet six times a year to collaborate and formulate policies, position papers and strategies that align with industry values and principles. Each committee will be made up of a Board member and various members and partners, with attention being paid to the skills and area of expertise each member brings.

Committees will be presented with the opportunity to contribute to documentation containing suggestions, advocacy and promotion of industry requisites prior to their submission to the relevant government minister, department or key industry stakeholders and released to industry.

On occasion, guest speakers will be invited to committee meetings and especially scheduled events to explain new and updated procedures and regulations and outline any changes that potentially affect Formwork business operations.

Volunteering to become an FIA committee member is a valuable opportunity to collaborate and network with industry colleagues, remain ahead of current events, have your say on important topics and acquire new ideas to apply to your business. Most of all, it is a great way to be a direct participant in advocating industry necessities to government for policy change.

The FIA will launch the following committees:

1. Formwork Technical Committee
   This committee will provide access for government/external agencies to understand industry issues and what is best practice. It will look at new technology, improvements, policies, manuals and the provision of technical notes to assist Formwork companies across Australia.
   
   
2. WHS/IR/HR Committee
   This committee will address the safety issues and training within the industry, work closely with government departments on legislation, WHS, standards, Compliance, changes to law, recent cases and the impact on Formwork business. FIA's current work on the NSW Code of Practice and work with SafeWork Australia and the NSW Building Commissioner's office will continue here.
   
   
3. Business Advisory Committee
   This committee will provide information for Formwork business owners on how to run an efficient Formwork business, financial and business advisory services, contract negotiation, tender and procurement processes, insurance and Workers compensation advice.

Further details will be posted on the FIA website in October, SafeWork month and any member wanting to join a committee should contact our General Manager, Michael Sugg with their expression of interest.

Our members are experiencing many challenges to their businesses and the Formwork industry. Many changes and more challenges are yet to come with the increase in legislative cases, financial challenges in a COVID-19 and post COVID-19 economy and with changes to the education of formworkers and access to training. The FIA is here as your industry association to represent you and to advocate for change - change for the better that benefits you. Together We Are Stronger.

The full press release is here: Treasury Statement 14 September 2020.

This extension delays the potential winding up of businesses by unpaid creditors and failure of several businesses probably until February/March 2021. As distressed businesses continue to operate for the next five months, further debt may be incurred that cannot be paid with the Directors not being personally liable for those debts whether they have acted with best or nefarious intentions.

Without personal liability exposure for insolvent trading to ensure the conduct of Directors within obligations, how can suppliers be confident of getting paid?

Full industry comments and consideration of the reasons for Government approach is available here, but it appears that the extension aims to delay a potential large unemployment event in late 2020 until 2021 by reducing pressure on Directors from insolvent trading concerns – hoping that the economy is in more stable and potentially showing signs of recovery at that time.

The extension is not a solution but a postponement.

What does this mean?

Trading wise -balance protection and profit
Businesses need to attempt to avoid damage from distressed businesses using the goods or services supplied (but not paid for) to:

·         punt on a recovery that may not be possible; and/or

·         to generate and liberate cash for themselves (or repay personally guaranteed/secured debts) before folding the business leaving suppliers with the shortfall.

Business confidence and economic growth – more uncertainty before confidence returns across the board
Until the unfortunate process of unviable, unsustainable businesses being sold/closed or another solution reached, it is unlikely that the real confidence and recovery of the economy will occur, meaning further debt will be incurred by governments and businesses that will take years to recover or repay.

What actions should business owners consider?

Business protection actions will be relevant for each business, supply arrangements/relationships, industry, contracts etc; however, it should include:

1. Review of customer base to identify any clients that may be distressed, engage with customers on supply terms, consider tightening and upgrade of supply terms to reduce exposure including PPSR registrations, debtor insurance and credit card/pre-payment arrangements for large or new customer orders/contracts/services;
2. Secure any related party funding being provided via a secured facility using legal documentation or a product like KRODOK; and
3. Consideration of proactive review of issues facing the business and options available to make the business easier to operate, manage and make decisions; manage cash & get the right facilities to reduce interest & costs and manage strategy for value creation.

Overall, focus on the basic business cycle during the period of uncertainty.

Delivery of value to customers and make sure you get paid for it.

More detail around supply protection and proactive actions is available here.

Businesses should be reviewing key functions such as funding models and service delivery in determining their longer-term viability in a post COVID-19 recovery environment.

FIA Business Advisory and Finance Partner, HLB Mann Judd offer some advice on business plans in a changing economy and economic environment.

With Victoria in particular having entered Stage Four lockdown, business owners should be utilising any cessation of trading to reassess funding options and consider how they are going to operate and cover expenses when restrictions are lifted and normal trading resumes. A wholesale business, for example, will have stock to sell and, while they could pay wages, there’s a timing issue between selling the stock and receiving the cash.

While the extension of the Federal Government’s JobKeeper program may go some way in keeping businesses afloat, there will be a number of business that will not be eligible for JobKeeper 2.0 but need to change operations and reduce costs to remain viable. For all impacted businesses and owners, a formal business-led recovery plan should be a key priority.

The plan should demonstrate funding requirements and strategy options and can be used to explain the business’ position to the ATO, banks and other lenders, landlords, key suppliers and investors.

Once businesses understand their financial position, an independent business review can be conducted, which includes the review of the business plan. For any businesses showing signs of distress, this may be in the form of an independent Safe Harbour review undertaken by an independent third-party, typically an insolvency expert, that can include assessment of the plan, forecasts (including reasonableness of revenue and costs), possible options, and the value of the business.

Further, the plan may be useful for dealing with going concern requirements for companies subject to audit this year which are likely to be more extensive, with businesses needing to review forecasts diligently. All listed entities have disclosure requirements, which are intended to help manage the expectations of investors and require them to report any material risks. If businesses are prepared to report Coronavirus hasn’t been material, they will then be required to justify it.

The recession has and will lead to a restructure of large sections of the economy with many sectors – particularly those receiving JobKeeper 2.0, like travel and education – having to adjust business models, reassess forecasts and consider business viability. There is likely to be economic uncertainty for be some years before there is a return to pre-COVID operating volumes.

We are here to help. Go to our COVID-19 Resource Centre for further insights to help you and your business during this challenging time.

If you have any questions contact Kim Kelloway, Head of Clients & Markets on 02 9020 4285 or kkelloway@hlbnsw.com.au.

Author - Todd Gammel – Partner Restructuring & Risk Advisory, HLB Mann Judd

AUSWOOD is dedicated to the manufacture and supply of highly valued building products. The team at AUSWOOD collectively boasts over 90 years of experience in the building industry, providing in-depth knowledge and a down to earth attitude.

The AUSWOOD product range includes but is not limited to:

FORMPLY

AUSWOOD has been manufacturing patent design formply for over 15 years.

The primary benefit of AUSWOOD’s Formply is that it helps clients achieve a higher-class off-form concrete finish and may be re-used more often.

 

TIMBER LVL

AUSWOOD is the premier distributor of Ultralam LVL formwork beams. The LVL is produced from the strongest slow-growing softwood lumber of North-West of Russia with Finnish E0 phenolic glue and high-tech American water resistant orange coating is certified and 3rd party audited by Australian SAI Global according to AS/NZS 4357.

PVC STRUCTURAL WALL PANELS

AUSWOOD is the premier distributor of Permaform which is the only PVC walling on the market allowing 8m high wall concrete pouring on the same day, delivering high efficiency and less concrete joints.

  

FORMWORK MATERIALS

• Steel props
• H20 Beams
• Fabrication service

  

FORMWORK ACCESSORIES

• Nails
• Timber fillets
• Plastic fillets
• Soffit spacers
• Coil ties

The team at AUSWOOD works closely with our customers and strives to supply the highest quality building materials for all their construction needs.

Exclusive to FIA members and for a limited time, AUSWOOD is offering free formworker gloves, valued at $200 with every order over $2,000. Just mention this article and quote Promo Code “Association Member” when placing your order. Offer ends 30th October 2020.

The system has been quickly taken up by Whitehouse Construction. This Perth contractor is forming each 100m2 core, featuring 3.9m high walls, with only 2 men x 1 day of labour, all with NO CRANE!

SteelPly Cores are versatile. The same basic system was on display for a crane lifted core in Melbourne. On this occasion, the formwork contractor opted to shrink the core using retractable corners, with the internal box automatically locking into pockets in each level when lifted. The same system supports trailing decks.

It’s just formwork, so no compromises with reo design and fixing, or fire ratings. Available to either hire or buy.

Symons – since 1901

 

 

  

On the spot fines of up to $3,600 for businesses and $720 for individuals apply for putting workers lives at risk when working at heights.

So far this year there have been 3 fatal and 25 serious falls reported to SafeWork NSW in the construction industry alone, 8 of which were falls through fragile or brittle roofs including skylights.

SafeWork inspectors continue to see unacceptable compliance levels when it comes to working at heights on construction sites, with Sydney sites being the worst offenders.

During the blitz, inspectors will focus on work near voids and edges, and on roofs. Inspectors will take a zero-tolerance approach to those putting workers lives at risk when it comes to working at heights.

What you can do:

Here are some things you can do to protect workers:

• Eliminate the need to work from heights where possible
• Assess roofs for fragile and brittle materials and ensure controls are in place to prevent persons falling through the roof
• Provide adequate edge protection by using jump screens, scaffolding or guardrails - ensuring ALL components are in place
• Securely cover and visibly mark, or edge protect, all open voids/penetrations in formwork or concrete slabs
• Ensure scaffolds are installed, regularly inspected and maintained by a competent person, and that a handover certificate is provided prior to use
• Use a suitable working platform such as scaffolding, boom lifts or scissor lifts
• Provide workers with safe means of access and egress to work areas
• Only use fall restraint or fall arrest systems when edge protection or work platforms are not reasonably practicable
• Many falls take place when people are using ladders. You should consider whether an elevating work platform or scaffolding would be safer and more efficient.

For practical tips on how to work safely at heights in construction, SafeWork has developed a simple checklist for principal contractors and site supervisors. 

results from last years’ blitz

For more information see the SafeWork NSW website working at heights web page, or call 13 10 50.

WorkSafe Victoria recently issued a safety alert following an incident in which a worker slipped off a roof and fell through the guardrail system on a catch platform at a housing construction site.

A young worker has been critically injured from a fall that occurred while he was performing metal roof installation works on a double-storey house under construction.

The worker slipped, then slid down the metal roof sheeting off the roof, through the guard rails that were on the perimeter scaffold, and fell approximately 6 metres to the ground.

Falls are a leading cause of serious and fatal incidents in construction. In recent months, the Victorian construction industry has seen a number of serious and fatal fall incidents where risk control measures are not in place or not adequately controlling the risk of a fall.

In the housing construction sector, scaffolds and proprietary catch platform systems are often set up before the high-risk construction work commences and are in place for the duration of the works.

The alert suggested a number of recommended ways to control risks.

Where the roof pitch is no greater than 26 degrees, the catch platform should be positioned as close to the underside of the roof as possible, and never more than 1 metre below the roof edge.

Where the roof pitch is greater than 26 degrees or roofing materials are slippery (regardless of roof pitch), the catch platform should be positioned as close to the underside of the roof as possible, and never more than 300mm below the roof edge.

Where the slope of a roof exceeds 35 degrees, the roof is an inappropriate surface to stand on even with guard-railing or a catch platform.

A summary of catch platform positioning requirements is below:

• Roof pitch 26 degrees or less: As close as feasible to the underside of the roof and not exceeding 1 metre below.
• Roof pitch greater than 26 degrees: As close as feasible to the underside of the roof and not exceeding 300mm below.
• Slippery roofing materials, regardless of pitch: As close as feasible to the underside of the roof and not exceeding 300mm below.

Construction work involving a risk of a fall from more than 2 metres is high-risk construction work, and the alert said an employer or self-employed person must prepare an SWMS for high-risk construction work before the work commences.

The work must be performed in accordance with the SWMS, and if the high-risk construction work changes or if there is an indication that control measures are not adequately controlling the risks, the SWMS must be reviewed and, if necessary, revised.

This article is by the Australian Institute of Health & Safety.