How to Handle the Company Christmas Party
Festive season functions are great for team-building and rewarding staff. However, when staff let their hair down in the spirit of the season - especially when alcohol is added to the mix, anything can happen - and unfortunately sometimes does!

From Friday 16 October 2015, the new fitness for work amendments to the Building Code 2013 commenced for all building contractors covered by the Building Code. FWBC is responsible for monitoring compliance with the Building Code and will have a three stage approach to auditing the drug and alcohol testing requirements.
Initially, FWBC will focus on assisting industry through education, providing information and helping contractors to understand the implications of the policy. In the second stage, FWBC will conduct audits with a view to providing feedback on their compliance with the requirements and assisting them with voluntary rectification to achieve compliance. In the third stage, FWBC will conduct audits and if, compliance and rectification are not achieved, undertake the usual processes to give consideration to taking further action under the Code.

  WorkCover have announced the most significant changes, to how Workers Compensation premiums are calculated, since in 1987. Although the premium formula has had some variations over the years, the new premium calculator will be completely different.  The emphasis will be on return to work, and will focus on what employers can influence and control rather than other costs that an employer cannot change.  The objective is for a fairer, more stable and easier to understand premium system that compares an employer to how they are performing against the scheme average. The focus is on an early return to work and prevention of injuries in the workplace to reward the employers financially. The two key changes to the premium calculation are:

• To shift from total cost of claims to focus on the wages paid
• A calculation of paid costs rather than estimated costs
  

August 2014

Over a period of 6 months, Brookfield Multiplex and their subcontractors have  upgraded 17 bathrooms at no cost to Warrah.  The result has been modern designs that improve independence and enhance the privacy for the many residents living within the homes.

The extensive pre-planning and design phase which involved many people and services – all contributed free of charge.  Those involved include Fiona Curdie-Evans an Occupational Therapist from Mend Services who viewed the designs ensuring they were fit for purpose.    Ongoing advice was provided throughout  the project to ensure the modification facilitated independence, were suitable for the residents and meet Australian Standards.

Warrah was formed in 1965 by Karl and Hannelor Kaltenbach when they worked with a small group of intellectually disabled teenagers to clear land in Dural for an organic vegetable garden. It has since grown to a charity that employs 140 staff and supports a community of over 100 families and extended families through a range of services.    
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