Dust control in construction in Australia

Dust is perhaps the most significant threat that workers face on a construction site. SafeWork Australia reports that 69 per cent of reported hazards are airborne irritants and well over half of these reports are directly related to dust. The dangers of dust may not be immediately apparent but after long-term exposure it can have serious negative impacts on health.

FIA Partner Hilti, have designed this resource to help construction professionals like you understand the risks of dust exposure, what the limits are and some of the ways in which you can significantly reduce dust emission from drilling, breaking, grinding, chasing and cutting tasks. They also have some alternative fastening systems to eliminate dust at source.

      

Welcome to the first edition of The Bottom Line, FIA Business Advisory Partner, HLB Mann Judd's quarterly newsletter that aims to keep you in the loop with all the latest accounting and financial reporting developments, and the potential impact they may have on your business.

In this edition, they focus on specific issues relating to the new financial instruments and revenue standards. They also provide a high-level overview of AASB 16 Leases and its potential impact on businesses, consider the recent clarifications regarding the treatment of uncertain tax positions and explain what is currently going on with respect to special purpose financial statements. They end off with recent accounting developments, both globally and locally.

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The last twelve months have been very successful for the construction industry across APAC, which continues to represent the largest market worldwide. Nonetheless, construction businesses’ success in 2018 was limited by significant productivity challenges.

In Australia and New Zealand, firms lost a third of all working hours to unproductive activities – at a total cost of $36.5 billion. Crucially, businesses are missing the chance to leverage the advances of digital technologies, creating serious disconnections in the industry.

However, as we enter 2019, the future of construction looks bright. Output in the industry is set to grow by 7.1% in Australia alone. Importantly, there are opportunities for businesses to realise significant performance improvements, if they can adopt technology and make full use of digital tools on the jobsite.

Here FIA Partner, PlanGrid’s Tomy Praveen, APAC General Manager of PlanGrid - five predictions for the construction sector and advice on how businesses can thrive in 2019.

1) The $8.4bn cost of data loss drives greater digital adoption

Data loss represents a significant financial impact for construction organisations. Failing to accurately capture and transfer data between construction phases, from the design to the build to the handover, can cause significant delays and expensive mistakes. In Australia and New Zealand alone, rework caused by inaccurate data and communication cost businesses $8.4bn in 2018.

In 2019, this data loss will become a critical commercial driving factor for firms to embrace digital technology throughout the construction process. Businesses will be able to adopt new tools faster than ever before, thanks to a new generation of employees who are more comfortable adapting to new technology.

Construction firms who can successfully introduce new technology will not only realise significant operational efficiencies but will be able to access a greater quantity of data to inform their overarching business strategy – and secure success in the months ahead.

2) Adopting mobile technology, the focus for boosting jobsite performance

Construction firms have frequently suffered from a gulf between technology and the jobsite. Only 44% of businesses give project managers mobile devices to use on-site – and worse, just 8% regularly use devices to access data and collaborate. This is a serious limitation and contributes to the 4.9 hours that every employee spends looking for information each week.

This year, jobsite productivity will become a key competitive differentiator. Successful firms will increasingly recognise the productivity gap on jobsite and invest in mobile devices to support their employees in the field. The businesses that make full use of mobile technology will benefit from increased efficiency, a reduction in rework, more impactful visual defect lists, better collaboration – and improvements in employee engagement.

3) Shared digital platforms enhance collaboration between contractors and subcontractors

Collaboration is becoming more important to businesses’ success than ever before. The rise of innovative construction methodologies like modular construction and the drive towards newer, more sustainable building materials is leading to greater specialisation amongst businesses.

But at present, the industry suffers from collaboration challenges. Contractors and building professionals often work in silos, without easy access to shared information. The most common reason for projects taking longer than expected is poor communication between stakeholders, while the average employee loses 3.4 hours a week to conflict resolution.

In the next 12 months, contractors will seek to tackle this issue using mobile technology. Project leaders will have a greater mandate than ever before to push subcontractors to use the same mobile digital platforms. This will improve operations on the jobsite through real-time updates to drawings, clear assignment of responsibilities and accessible defect lists; meanwhile, management teams will have more accurate information to drive project success. Adopting software that’s easy for everyone to use – and well-suited to the jobsite – will be a critical advantage for close collaboration.

4) Start-ups will bring new technology advance to construction

Construction software is growing fast, and the last 14 months have seen a number of high-profile acquisitions. In 2019, the industry’s growing digital maturity and the success of homegrown software technology will encourage even more ‘con-tech’ start-ups to the APAC region.

Positively, this will create more choice for construction businesses to select software that’s exactly tailored to their needs. Some start-ups will also enable the early adoption of emerging technologies like 3D printing, which is an exciting prospect for the region. But in turn, ensuring that different software platforms can work together will become increasingly important for individual construction organisations.

Interoperability is critical to the success of new digital tools. Where new software fails to meet expectations, it’s often because it’s a poor fit with existing systems. Being able to access rich and meaningful data on the construction project also depends on the integration on every platform. For firms to realise the full benefit of their technology investment in 2019, it will be important to look closely at integration features like APIs and ensure that new technology can integrate well into existing software platforms.

5) Blockchain and BIM gather momentum

Accountability across every area of construction will become more and more important for businesses in 2019. The industry will see a push for greater transparency in the supply chain, the clear division of responsibilities between contractors and subcontractors and stringent quality assurance during the closing phases of construction projects.

Businesses will consequently be keen to explore the potential of blockchain as a means of recording and auditing critical information. In the next twelve months, larger companies will investigate and realise the benefits, following initial steps from pre-build specialists into this space. Ultimately, blockchain has the potential to create a whole of transparency in construction.

In 2019, more firms – from large contractors to smaller specialists – will also be able to realise the benefits of Building Information Modelling (BIM) on the jobsite. This technology will become easier to use on the jobsite, prompting wider adoption and aiding the whole building project lifecycle.

The future outlook is very bright for construction in the APAC region throughout 2019. But to take full advantage of this opportunity – and to secure their place in a very competitive landscape – it will be critical for businesses to make real performance improvements by leveraging the productivity benefits of construction technology.

Firms should use the present time of growth to invest in their own performance. Digital tools can improve output on the jobsite, prevent data loss, significantly enhance collaboration and track important data from the beginning to end of the construction project. With the right technology strategy, construction firms can use 2019 to accelerate their digital journey and build more efficiently into the future. Download the Construction Disconnected report for more insights into how technology can improve productivity during 2019.

The safety of workers across Australia’s construction industry has significantly improved with Big River’s ArmourGrip® Anti-Slip Plywood. This innovative Australian- made solution has been designed for construction sites and building areas with a highly slip resistant coating to protect against injury on both indoor and outdoor workplace platforms, ramps, walkways and floors.

ArmourGrip® features a textured paint finish with crushed glass for maximum wear and slip resistance. The reverse side of the panel has a phenolic film for moisture protection in damp, wet and external areas. ArmourGrip® has been tested for slip- resistance in both wet and dry scenarios, both tests delivered at the highest slip resistance classification.

Until now many sites that required anti slip surfaces in the work place have been relying on plywood materials that are only stress graded to F11 and F14, or paint coating finishes that offer non-slip properties when applied to walkways and floors. The lifespan of many paint applications can be limited before a reapplication process needs to occur that can potentially increase maintenance costs.

ArmourGrip® is manufactured locally in Grafton, NSW and has a high strength F17 structural plywood certification to Australian standard AS2266 together with a maximum rating of P5 (V) classification in the slip resistance testing of pedestrian surfaces in wet conditions and D1 in dry conditions.

ArmourGrip® is available in a range of sizes and thickness, as well as in custom-made size panels. It is available in three standard colours: safety yellow, black and grey. Based on volume, customised colours can also be specifically created to compliment any décor and ensure that safety enhancements are seamlessly integrated into any unique interior environment.

Structural qualities of ArmourGrip® include:

• Textured paint finish with crushed glass for maximum wear and slip resistance
• Phenolic film on reverse side for moisture protection in wet or damp areas
• High strength F17 structural plywood certified to AS269
• Achieves maximum rating of P5 (V) classification in slip resistance testing of pedestrian surfaces in wet conditions and D1 in dry conditions
• Pressure cleanable
• Locally manufactured in Regional NSW
• Colours and sizes can be customised depending on volume Chain of custody AFS/PEFC certified.

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Construction Productivity 101: A Practical Guide to Increase Productivity in 7 Easy Steps from FIA Partner PlanGrid.

Whilst many factors contribute to construction project cost overruns, the primary factor is low productivity. In fact, construction is one of the few industries that is less productive now than it was 60 years ago. Low construction productivity costs the global economy $1.6 trillion a year.

As costs from inefficiencies continue to soar, the construction industry must make productivity a priority. Download this ebook to learn the seven best ways to complete projects faster, reduce costs, win more bids, and increase profits.

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An alternative to traditional formwork, Dincel simplifies the task of building structural walls and delivers a range of benefits to construction sites. Not only is it faster and less expensive than conventional methods, but it also reduces labour costs and reliance on cranes and does not require additional waterproof membranes at the wall surface.

On top of this, Dincel also minimises the clearance required between the ditch and the wall, and therefore makes the job of backfilling safer.

On sites where conventional construction techniques such as precast concrete panels are used, backfilling is a resource heavy job that requires careful consideration. It involves heavy equipment as well as attention to factors like the condition of the soil. As it stands, therefore, it is not uncommon to wait for anything from four to as much as 12 weeks for it to be completed.

In other words, large gaping trenches alongside structural walls are left un-filled for months at a time, which increases the possibility of things like water inrush from rain events or wet weather seepage. The longer the wait, the greater the chances of these two problems occurring.

Traditional structural wall construction techniques, like in situ concreting or precast concrete panels, require extensive works within the excavated area—installing props and additional waterproofing works across the entire wall surface. This, in turn, requires working in confined spaces, which raises safety concerns such as the possibility of trench or wall collapse.

On top of that, the presence of open trenches on site increases the chance of injuries from falls. Similarly, the need to hoist and winch materials raises a risk of being hit and injured by falling objects.

Another safety risk faced by all construction site is the possibility of finding asbestos or other contaminants. The extensive excavations that traditional structural wall construction techniques require only increase these risks.

Dincel effectively reduces all these safety risks.

One of the key benefits of this sustainable building material is that, unlike other methods like precast concrete panels, it dramatically reduces waterproofing requirements and completely eliminates the need for wet trades.

This is because the system’s surface and panel joints are completely waterproof. Therefore, there is no need to apply a waterproofing membrane on the wall surfaces. The only place that does require waterproofing is the junction of the footing and the slab. This acts as a further safety measure in the case of soil wall or trench collapse. Watch the video detailing Dincel’s in house backfill test here.

In projects where Dincel is used, the time between wall construction and backfilling can be dramatically reduced. In fact, it is possible to complete an uncompacted backfill as soon as the Dincel panels are put in place (i.e. before the concrete pour).

Alternatively, Dincel 275 already filled with concrete (min. 25 MPA) can be backfilled with compacted filling only 24 hours after the pour.

In turn, by cutting the time to complete backfill, Dincel reduces the costs associated with things like guard rails or covers, landing platforms, scaffold towers in deep trenches, pedestrian detours provision of access and egress points to the excavation, as well as fall protection and ground support measures.

It allows you to expand your business opportunities and take on more complex, tight sites by not having to rely on traditional backfill methods areas previously inaccessible by ground level equipment.

From 08 to 14 April 2019, bauma, the world's largest construction machinery equipment trade fair will once again be opening its doors. Under the heading "Our contribution to increase productivity on the construction site", the Doka Campus will be presenting the most recent products, services and innovations from the world of formwork on a 4,700 m² booth. In the open-air area north/west at the booth FN.420, is the location where visitors can experience all the new features and solutions of productivity increase in every aspect of formwork engineering.

The bauma breaks already the first record three months before the official start on April 8th.

More than 3500 exhibitors from 55 countries have registered - almost 100 more exhibitors than in 2016 at the last show. The trade fair site in eastern Munich has expanded to 614,000 square metres and the number of exhibition halls has increased to 18. The same way bauma has expanded, Doka has also added two new sectors to its presence this year. On the 4,700 m² Campus will be presenting the full range of products and services from Doka, Form-on's formwork trade and, for the first time, the Umdasch Group Ventures will present its innovative projects.

The Umdasch Group is an umbrella organisation with three operational companies Doka, Umdasch Group Ventures and umdasch The Store Makers.

Doka’s sister company Umdasch Group Ventures deals with future trends and new technologies in the construction field and focuses exclusively on the development of groundbreaking potentially disruptive innovations. In 2019, the Umdasch Group’s innovation hub will present three new solutions: Contour Crafting (3D printing in construction), Neulandt (mobile precasting plant primarily for affordable housing) and Contakt (jobsite digitisation).

Form-on is a Doka subsidiary that supplies worldwide new and used formwork components. Form-on has two divisions, the first is the COMPONENTS division, which supplies the dealers and formwork manufacturers with brand-new formwork components such as sheets, beams, props and plywood. The second division is USED, which buys and sells a variety of quality of used formwork of different manufacturers.

The Doka Campus conception is a meeting place, oriented toward dialogue and communication with the fair visitors. The bauma tradeshow is the unique opportunity of presenting Doka world with all its aspects and, most importantly of all, of displaying Doka’s contribution to productivity on construction site, including products, services and digital solutions.

“Every day, our clients are performing exceptionally. Doka assists them in this and wants to be remembered as a construction-industry partner who today already has tomorrow's solutions for boosting productivity on jobsite and who is also looking even further forward into the future. Our most important messages at bauma 2019 are an extended portfolio of our products and services, and especially new ideas for boosting productivity on construction site in every aspect of formwork and in-situ concreting”, states Harald Ziebula, Chairman of the Executive Board, Doka.

As it was at bauma 2016, live product demonstrations with the current world champions and vice world champions in concrete construction (WorldSkills 2017) will be among the special highlights this year. What is new here is that the DokaXlight formwork system will be used in this year's performance.

The latest FIA Partner event at Doka was an outstanding success and we hope all that attended enjoyed it as much as we at the FIA and the Doka team did.

A highlight was the launch of new products such as Concremote and Eco Screens with a member of the Doka Global Excellence Centre providing informative and educational demonstrations. The panel discussion covered various safety aspects and how Doka have invested heavily in working with the industry to develop products that really improve site safety and financial efficiencies.

The Doka Customer Experience centre is open to Doka Customers to visit and experience Doka products first hand. So give them a call if you missed the Open Day and experience Doka's new technology first hand.

We'll be covering more information on the new concremote technology in upcoming news as well as sharing more developments on Doka's virtual experience product that we test drove on the day. An Awesome experience!

 
demonstrating the new concremote technology

 

The new Doka safety screens

   

#dokaaustralia #dokaeap #concremote #formwork #concrete

The FIA are delighted to welcome new FIA Insurance Partner Coverforce to assist our members with their insurance needs.

Coverforce have been protecting some of the largest and most reputable building, development, civil and formwork contracting businesses for more than 20 years.

That’s why FIA members can depend on us to provide sound risk advice and a quality, cost effective insurance program that won’t let you down when it’s time to claim.

Want to find out more?

Contact Coverforce

#construction #industry #project #business #risk #insurance

AASB 16 Leases became mandatorily effective for annual reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019 and brings significant change to lease accounting for lessees as most leases will now need to be recognised on a lessee’s balance sheet.

Ascertaining whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease is therefore a critical assessment that entities will have to complete and document.

In many cases this assessment will be straightforward and an arrangement that is a lease under the superseded AASB 117 Leases and IFRIC 4 Determining Whether an Arrangement Contains a Lease, will be a lease under the new standard. In other cases, the assessment may be more complex and require the application of judgement.

FIA Business Advisory Partner, HLB Mann Judd, share their insights into this subject in the following article. This is the first instalment of a series of publications aimed at breaking down the new leases standard which is detailed and complex. Each instalment will focus on a key element of AASB 16, with this first instalment being all about assessing whether an arrangement is, or contains, a lease.

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