Steel Rod Pierced Worker’s Skull on Construction Site

Source: Pixabay.com

A construction worker from Central India has managed to survive a horrific workplace incident after being impaled in the skull and undergoing emergency surgery.

The 21 year tradie fell into a well at a worksite and an iron rod passed through his skull from the right temporal region of his brain to the left frontal region.

The man was rushed to hospital and underwent a 90 minute surgery.

The man is lucky to be alive but this incident is an example of the consequences of a lack of fall protection.

Source: https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/at-work/construction-worker-miraculously-survives-after-skull-pierced-by-iron-rod/news-story/ad83d1b992e431ed877533e5ce333592

Demand for Construction Continues to Soar

Source: Pixabay.com

The gap between construction skills and demand is growing, according to the latest Hays report.

The report highlights worker shortages across several areas in the construction sector but in particular project managers, construction managers and contract administrators are in the highest demand.

Skilled construction professionals are in massive demand as building activity reaches record high levels.

Earlier this year, ABS data indicated the number of people employed throughout the construction sector was close to 1.168million, seasonally adjusted. This is an addition of 100,000 workers over the past 12 months.

The 2017 Hays Global Skills Index shows, the skills jobseekers’ possess and those that employers need, are mismatched with the gap growing wider over the past year.  Find out more https://sourceable.net/australian-construction-workers-in-massive-demand/

Tradesman Returns from Disaster Relief Efforts

concrete
Source: www.concretenetwork.com

Tradespeople are getting a chance to give back and help those in need with their skills.

I just read about a Katoomba tradie who returned from a humanitarian trip to earthquake affected Nepal earlier this year. The tradie speaks candidly about his experience rebuilding a school destroyed by the earthquake, describing the ‘tough’ conditions working in the remote village of Maidi, 160km west of Kathmandu.

Some of the hardships included extremely high temperatures and the lack of basic equipment that we would ordinarily make construction work alot easier.

The expedition was linked to the Rotary Club and another one is expected to return to the area in March. If you’re interested, email [email protected]igpond.com or contact 0412 396 202.

Source: http://www.bluemountainsgazette.com.au/story/3545797/tradie-back-from-disaster/

 

Tradie Shortage Made Worse By Slowing Migration

construction worker
Source: www.amarolawfirm.com

There has been a growing shortage of tradespeople for the construction industry, a shortage made worse by declining immigration and population growth numbers.

Population growth in Australia is apparently at its slowest in 10 years. This coupled with slowing migration rates could be of concern for the construction industry as the demand for new housing slows and current shortages which foreign workers would ordinary help fill, remain vacant.

According to new data from The Australian Bureau of Statistics there has been a drop of 16 per cent in migration levels. The pace of population growth is also at its slowest in a decade, which could spell danger for the construction industry.

Read more at https://sourceable.net/slowing-migration-bad-news-construction/#

Useful Tips for Beginner Welders

weld
Source: www.examiner.com

Welders are in high demand especially now with construction booming and a looming skills shortage.  But safety must always be the main priority.  WeldmyWorld.com highlighted some important tips for welders particularly those just starting out.

The golden rules for welding are:

  1. Always Wear Your Safety Gear
  2. Work In A Well Ventilated Area
  3. Properly Ground Your Welding Equipment
  4. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
  5. Keep It Dry to Minimise the risk of electrocution while welding

For more guidance on welding, click here.

Advice from Queensland Building and Construction

qbcc
Source: Qbcc.qld.gov.au

The QBCC is giving contractors some advice when it comes to problematic building sites.

Building Inspectors have been noticing problems with steel screw piers prompting the QBCC to post some advice on its website.

On their website, the QBCC said screw piers (also known as screw piles) can be used as a piling and anchoring system to support slabs in questionable soil types when foundations are being built but they need to be used correctly and in accordance to engineering requirements.

Click here to read the QBCC’s advice.