National suicide prevention charity R U OK? is urging Australians to ‘Trust the signs’ and their gut instincts and ask anyone that may be struggling with life’s ups and downs: “Are you OK?” this 12 September ‘R U OK?Day’.   According to the charity, “‘R U OK? Day’ is a national day of action and a reminder that every day is the right day to meaningfully connect with those around us” — including workers and colleagues — “and ask a question that could change a life,   'Are you OK?’”
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For employers, asking a worker if they are OK when someone notices they are becoming stressed can be part of maintaining a mentally safe and healthy workplace.   However, research commissioned by R U OK? found that nearly two-thirds of Australians are not confident they know the signs that someone may be struggling with life and 41% had not asked someone if they were OK because they were not sure they knew the signs. Fortunately, 49% said they would be more confident starting a conversation if they did know the signs.

Home owners will be better protected following the appointment of building and construction expert David Chandler OAM as NSW Building Commissioner.

​The Building Commissioner will be responsible for:

• the investigation and disciplinary action for misconduct in the building industry
• overseeing the end-to-end licensing and auditing across the building industry and
• driving legislative reforms of the building industry, including consultation with industry.

 SAFEWORK NSW.   HAVE YOUR SAY BY 5pm, Tuesday 17th September 2019
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What is this about?More than 6000 people work in the concrete construction services industry and, in this industry, formworkers (and other structural trade workers) are twice as likely to have an injury resulting in more than six months off work.
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Falling from a height is the number one cause of death and permanent disability in the formwork industry. Formworkers are susceptible to falls from heights, as well as being hit by falling objects and muscular stress.
The draft code aims to provide practical guidance for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) and demonstrate how to manage work health and safety risks related to formwork and falsework.

R U OK?Day is our national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone to ask, “Are you OK?” and to remember every day of the year to support people who may be struggling with life’s ups and downs.
 
This year in the build-up to R U OK?Day we’re encouraging everyone to Trust the Signs, Trust your Gut & Ask R U OK?
 
We want everyone to feel confident they know the signs someone might need support by listening to what they’re saying, seeing what they’re doing or knowing what’s going on in their life. Whenever you notice a change, no matter how small, we want you to trust your gut and start an R U OK? conversation. More information: https://www.ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day
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September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia is asking Australia to get involved and help create awareness and raise the much needed funds to help in the fight against prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australia with 20,000 men diagnosed and close to 3,300 deaths each year.
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
Big Aussie Barbie

On Thursday 12 September, construction, mining and energy sites around Australia will be flying the flag for suicide prevention and will be asking their mates R U OK? Flying the MATES flag shows your support and raises awareness of suicide prevention in the industry. It is a display to the broader community that the construction, mining and energy industries are actively involved in the prevention of suicide.
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Together, today and every other day, we stand to stop, look around and listen to our mates to prevent suicide in the industry. To learn more and to register go to http://matesinconstruction.org.au/mates-fly-the-flag/

Recently our SafeWork SA Inspectors attended a worksite where a worker fell more than five metres through the ceiling during a roof installation process. The worker sustained a cracked rib and two broken bones in his back. The worker remains off work for several weeks whilst he recovers.
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We remind all workers in the housing industry of the greater risk whilst working at heights and that suitable systems of work need to be appropriately considered to prevent falls. Whilst edge protection is commonly used on roof work, it does not prevent falls through roofing structures to levels below. Other forms of fall prevention must be considered, such as catch platforms, scaffolding and the use of safety harnesses. SafeWork Australia has a model code of practice entitled “Managing the risk of falls in housing construction” to address different methods of preventing falls and workers are encouraged to refer to this guide.