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28/3/2020

COVID-19 SOP

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STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE - COVID19 PANDEMIC
PURPOSE:
This document provides an outline for how Empower Construction will respond to the current COVID19 pandemic and how it will comply with government regulations and work with clients to ensure that the workplace remains as safe as possible and put in place stringent measures to halt the spread of the virus on worksite and within the wider community. 


POLICY:
Empower Construction is committed to reducing the spread of the coronavirus COVID19 and will consult with workers and other duty holders to conduct a WHS risk management assessment to:

  • identify workers and work activities at greatest risk of spreading infectious diseases in the event of a pandemic
  • assess the likelihood and consequence of infection to workers and others in the workplace
  • identify suitable control measures to eliminate or minimise risks and work with clients to reduce the WHS risk on job sites
  • put measures in place to ensure that ill workers remain away from work when unwell
  • develop an implementation plan


MITIGATING THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS
Isolating the site:
  • Only essential visitors to the site/ office will be permitted
  • Workers, clients, visitors who has been diagnosed with COVID19 must not attend site until they have been provided with a medical clearance as per state government guidelines
  • Workers, clients and visitors who are unwell and present with symptoms including fever, dry cough, sore throat are not permitted on site or in the office
  • They are advised to stay at home if they are sick – even if the symptoms are mild
  • any unwell workers with compatible symptoms to those of COVID-19 be sent home immediately, and advised to call their General Practitioner, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or visit their local Emergency Department
  • Workers, clients, and visitors who have been overseas must not return to work or enter a site until the end of a full 14 day self isolation period
  • Workers, clients, and visitors who have been in close contact with a person who has been confirmed as having COVID19 must self isolate for a period of 14 days and not return to site unless they show no symptoms of the disease at the end of that period
Isolating Workers through Social Distancing:
  • Site workers will be kept in their work group and work 4m2 away from each other while working on site
  • Empower Construction will work with the head contractor on their site and allow workers to be inducted into COVID19 social distancing measures as guided by the head contractor
  • Where possible, office workers will work from home or if required at work, will work in a space at least 4m2 away from others
  • Empower Construction operates using cloud based job management software and is well placed to do this to avoid business interruption
  • In the office, workstations, hard surfaces and door handles will be wiped down regularly with disinfectant
  • Face to face meetings among workers, clients, suppliers are to be avoided and instead Empower will use the Zoom Meeting platform to continue to conduct business meetings
  • Suppliers will leave goods at the door or they will be handled using the forklift and avoid contact with other individuals keeping a 1.5-2m distance between people at all times


INFECTION PREVENTION THROUGH HYGIENE MEASURES:
Everyone should:
  • frequently wash hands their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand rub;
Empower Construction will:
  • make alcohol-based hand sanitising dispensers as much as practicable are available in prominent places around the office workplace and on utes and ensure they are regularly refilled
  • make sure that staff, contractors and customers have access to facilities where they can wash their hands with soap and water this includes providing a mobile hand washing station on all utes
  • actively promote good hand hygiene in bathroom and kitchen amenities using resources in relation to COVID-19 available from NSW Health and WHO.
Empower Construction recognises that hand sanitisers should not be provided as the only hand hygiene option as there are times when soap and water should be used instead, eg: when hands are visibly dirty or after going to the toilet
Workers must:
Co-operate with their employer in implementing risk control measures and must take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure they don’t do anything that creates or increases a risk to the health and safety of themselves or others.
Everyone should:
  • cover their cough their nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing with tissue or a flexed elbow
  • dispose of tissues immediately, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser after disposing or thoroughly wash hands with soap for 20 seconds
  • avoid contact with others (no shaking hands, touching faces, hugging, and other intimate contact).
Empower Construction will:
  • ensure an adequate supply of paper tissues is available throughout the workplace including on all utes
  • provide closed bins for hygienic disposal of used tissues in the office and ensure client sites have this facility
  • actively promote good respiratory hygiene in prominent places where close customer or worker contact occurs, resources in relation to COVID-19 are available from NSW Health
  • continue to provide PPE including P2 face masks for all workers, protective eye glasses, protective gloves and ear plugs
Empower Construction will seek expert advice that may be required for high risk work environments or tasks and in particular take the lead from the head contractor
Empower Construction will regularly review the control measures being used and update these as required pending government advice.


 ENSURING GOOD COMMUNICATION RE WORKPLACE CONTROLS
Empower Construction will provide information and instruction to workers, subcontractors, clients and others:
  • to stay at home if they are sick – even if the symptoms are mild, and
  • that any unwell workers with compatible symptoms to those of COVID-19 be sent home immediately, and advised to call their General Practitioner, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 or visit their local Emergency Department
  • to reinforce and support good personal hygiene, including good hand and respiratory hygiene. Display posters promoting regular hand washing, good respiratory   hygiene, symptoms to look out for and when to stay home (available from NSW Health or the World Health Organization (WHO)), and combine this with other communication measures used in the workplace (e.g. regular briefings;information on the intranet; phone and email contacts for further information etc)
  • to advise of any changes to work arrangements to workers and other businesses our workers are in close contact with
  • Regular briefings will be conducted via email, telephone and Zoom meetings
Workers must co-operate with their employer in implementing risk control measures and must take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure they don’t do anything that creates or increases a risk to the health and safety of themselves or others.
 
MANAGING ILL WORKERS
What to do if someone
  • is a suspected case of COVID-19 awaiting results
  • has been in close contact with a suspected and/or confirmed case of COVID-19
  • becomes ill with COVID-19 symptoms at the workplace (confirmed case)
 
If someone becomes ill at work:
  • preferably only one person and ideally a person with first aid training should have limited contact with the sick person
  • the ill worker will be provided with a disposable P2 face mask (kept on all utes and in the office) to wear to reduce the risk of disease transmission (all workers will be wearing these masks as part of their PPE)
  • They will be advised to go home and immediately call their doctor. (It is essential the mask is worn correctly and disposed of as soon as it becomes moist or after coughing or sneezing. Resources on the correct application, use, removal and disposal of face masks are available from World Health Organization (WHO)
  • Their emergency contact will be called and if they are not well enough to drive themselves will be asked to arrange private transport within their own close contact familial circle or a team member will drive them home before isolating themselves while waiting for the unwell workers test results
  • Any ill workers will be recorded on Employment Hero and the head contractor of any worksite that the employee has been working on for the last 14 days will be notified


Managing a suspected case of COVID-19 awaiting results
  • Empower Construction will advising them to remain self-isolated at home and strictly follow their doctor’s advice
  • if NSW Health confirms that the person has COVID-19, the local Public Health Unit will be in contact with close contacts from the workplace, if any, to advise them on what action to take. If the person was infectious while at work the employer must notify SafeWork NSW.
  • Close contacts/ persons who may be at risk will be supported and as much as practicable their privacy will be maintained and identified cases will not be stigmatised and discrimination in the workplace. 
  • After the person has left the workplace, the person’s workstation, work area and any communal areas they have been in must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.
Workers must co-operate with their employer in implementing risk control measures. They must take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure they don’t do anything that creates or increases a risk to the health and safety of themselves or others.
 
EMPOWER CONSTRUCTION WILL REVIEW ITS PANDEMIC PLAN, IN CONSULTATION WITH WORKERS, AS GOVERNMENT ADVICE CHANGES.
AT THE TIME OF WRITING, NSW IS AT LEVEL 2 RESTRICTIONS
 
Recovery Phase:
In order to return to a normalised post pandemic environment, Empower Construction will:
  • progressively suspend local risk control measures as the pandemic subsides, to be on a schedule that is compatible with advice from NSW Health.
  • consider the need for training for workers re-tasked to priority areas while business activities are transitioning back to normal:
  • ensure workers are consulted about skills, training needs and workloads before they are moved to new work
  • ensure effective communication and consultation with workers both in the workplace and those at home waiting to recommence normal work arrangements
  • ensure access to work-based counselling and support services continue. Workers who are affected by the death of colleagues, friends or family may need extra support.

    Empower Construction - COVID19 Standard Operating Procedure_230320


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4/3/2020

meeting standards without compromising on style: A CASE STUDY - AEROSTONE MOULDS

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MEETING STANDARDS WITHOUT COMPRoMISING ON STYLE: A CASE STUDY - AEROSTONE MOULDS

The new National Construction Code Vol 2 fire safety performance requirements came into effect after a 12 months transition period on the 1st May 2020.
This made Aerostone the perfect choice in architectural mouldings for this builder when they were planning their new townhouse development at Truganina in Melbourne’s west.
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Due to the proximity of the decorative (and practical) hoods to the boundary line, these lightweight concrete mouldings comply where combustible materials are not permitted. Refer to NCC Vol 2 Part 3.7.1 and 3.7.2 for individual circumstances on Class 1 and 2 buildings for external walls.
Painted with Dulux Acrasand, these features give a warm, natural stone finish that enhance the look of any brick or rendered home.
Empower Construction exclusively supplies and installs Aerostone on the east coast of Australia and our teams have been trained by the Perth based manufacturer to instal their products made from CSR Hebel blocks.
The easy to manipulate 600mm lengths are either cemented to the wall with a proprietary adhesive or they are mounted on steel backing rods (as these hoods have been). The product can be shaved down or built up as required. While the bandings and hood styles in this project are elegantly simple there is a full decorative range so individual builders can create their own moulding signature on their unique range of homes.

Get in touch and see how you can benefit from partnering with Empower on your projects. Call us on 1300 268 041 or send us an email via sales@empowerconstruction.com.au 

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18/2/2020

bring on the chippies!

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BRING ON THE CHIPPIES!

We are expanding our carpentry division and offer a service encompassing standing timber and steel frames, installation of FC cladding, architectural mouldings, eaves and soffits as well as internal carpentry works as required. 

Team Leaders, Matt Peterson, Grant James and Paul Hynes work with their own crews as well as supervise the work done by any of our subcontractors on larger projects so you can be confident of a reliable, well managed, competent workforce that can expand and contract according to your site needs.
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Our Team Leaders are overseen by Area Supervisors in the Hunter, North and South Greater Sydney and Illawarra and Melbourne metro. We offer a supply and installation solution and can offer you a total package or you choose elements of the job you would like us to competitively quote.

We work directly with material suppliers and our highly experienced estimators offer an advisory service around suggesting cost effective products most appropriate to your needs.

​For all your carpentry needs call us now - Empower Construction: 1300 268 041
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12/2/2020

Introducing Aerostone moulds

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INTRODUCING AEROSTONE MOULDS

Servicing NSW, VIC and QLD, Empower Construction now offers a supply and installation solution of a range of architectural features that have been manufactured in Australia by Aerostone for over 20 years.

Made from CSR Hebel’s lightweight autoclaved aerated concrete block these professionally installed, non-combustible mouldings add character and strength to any home.
​
Here are some of the benefits of using Aerosone products:
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  • Machine made for consistency of product
  • Hand finished for that artisan look Natural, stonelike textured appearance
  • Durable, solid, product made from aerated concrete
  • Non-combustible, withstands high temperatures, bushfires and storms
  • 20% the weight of concrete or brick but feels just as strong 100%
  • Australian made to Australian standards
  • Quick turn around on product and installation
  • Huge range of profiles, banding, arches and curves, keystones, window sills and surrounds, pier caps, parapet moulds, quoining, columns
  • Customisable to your design specifications
  • Resolve rendered returns on windows
  • Match heritage architectural features for a fraction of the cost

Get in touch and see how you can benefit from partnering with Empower on your projects. Call us on 1300 268 041 or send us an email via sales@empowerconstruction.com.au

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5/2/2020

INTERTENANCY & PARTY WALLS

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INTERTENANCY & PARTY WALLS

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​Servicing NSW, VIC and QLD, Empower Construction now offers a supply and installation solution of a range of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete intertenancy and party walls.
Options inlcude CSR Hebel’s lightweight power panel system, available in various heights, efficiently installed in record time using the Hebel Hoist method. 
This systems means that wall widths start from as little as 230mm wide, maximising floor space with only a 70mm separation between stud and frame across all wall systems. ​​Fast and easy to install with simple system components, these Party Walls meet national fire rating requirements and eliminate the need for fire-rated plasterboard.
Here are some more benefits of using AAC Party Wall Systems:
  • Strong, solid system
  • Proven acoustic performance
  • Fire compliance
  • No need for fire-rated plasterboard between floor levels at joists and in roof space
  • Speed of construction
  • Simple system componentry​
  • Streamlined workflow with Hebel Hoist option
  • Installation not limited by wet weather
  • Design integration with adjoining walls Made to length panel options
  • Minimal onsite waste
  • Environmentally responsible building material
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Image reference - https://hebel.com.au/installing-hebel-multi-residential-developments/  
CONTACT US 
Get in touch and see how you can benefit from partnering with Empower on your projects. Call us on 1300 268 041 or send us an email via sales@empowerconstruction.com.au

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5/2/2020

Zara is one!

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ZARA IS ONE!

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The littlest member of the Empower Team, Zara Elizabeth Steyn is ONE!

Our founder, Ryan Steyn's daughter was born on the 23rd of January 2019.

She has brought much joy to Ryan, his family and the team at Empower who have enjoyed watching her grow into a friendly, vivacious young toddler over this passed year.

We wish her a very happy first birthday, and many more wonderful years ahead!

Here are a few happy snaps of the Birthday girl (courtesy of Nat Knight Photography)

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14/6/2019

​MELBOURNE EXPANSION

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​MELBOURNE EXPANSION

Jordan Young, an experienced supervisor and stonemason by trade, recently jumped at the opportunity to replicate our award winning offering in Melbourne and we are delighted that he has already received many compliments from our clients about his work ethic and can do attitude. Jordan Young is an Empower man through and through and he embodies our core values of dedication,integrity, adaptability, teamwork and faith. Paul Hynes has joined Jordan as a valuable leading hand carpenter and he has over 10 years experience with eaves, lightweight cladding and frame and truss work. Let Jordan and Paul take away the pain of dealing with multiple trades on facades by being your one trusted point of contact.
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14/6/2019

​5-STAR CUSTOMER SERVICE

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​5-STAR CUSTOMER SERVICE

Empower regularly audits live jobs to gauge client supervisor satisfaction and we are striving for a weekly 5/5 statistic. Michelle Sampo is invaluable in the office as our Customer Service/ Contracts Administration Manager. Michelle is ably supported in the office by Cassie and Liam who process quotes and received POs to ensure that your expectations are seamlessly conveyed to our Area Supervisors and leading hands. Cassandra Mobbs started at Empower earlier this year. Cassie has previously held management roles in sales and in the design studio at Kurmond Homes and Wisdom Homes and is enjoying her new flexible working hours around her busy family life.
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14/6/2019

​SPEEDY INTER-TENANCY WALLS

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​SPEEDY INTER-TENANCY WALLS

Never has it been so quick and easy to install inter-tenancy walls in the multi-res and duplex space. Empower Construction's use of the CSR zero boundary wall panel and hoist system is working to save time and money for builders by allowing the build to continue uninterrupted by installing the entire frame first, then seamlessly installing the dividing wall. This mitigates the need for a stop start arrangement, any weather protection of the dividing wall product, or any use of the heavy duty scaffold.

Contact Brendan, Todd, Michelle, Liam or Cassie on sales@empowerconstruction.com.au or call our office on 1300 268 041. We'd love to hear about your business and discuss your needs. 
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14/6/2019

​RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION PROBLEM SOLVERS

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​​RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION PROBLEM SOLVERS

Todd Regner has recently joined our sales team and he and Brendan Corbett are ready and willing to provide solutions for your complete external facade work. Todd and Brendan specialise with resolving installation issues before they happen and often work with builders at the design stage to ensure ultimate savings by recommending a suite of alternate products best suited to build conditions.

Todd is a very experienced carpenter by trade and well known to many in the industry from his most recent sales role with CSR Cemintel. Todd and Brendan are jointly across the Sydney market with Todd also focusing on Hunter and Central Coast regions and Brendan making regular visits to Melbourne to build our growing client list.
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​If you’re a builder and would like to discuss your upcoming projects and designs with our team, contact us via email: sales@empowerconstruction.com.au ​​

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