Two tables are published conveying data about the OHS performance of AMCA members across the country.

• Headline data showing the incident rate per 100,000 labour hours under the headings of --

· Medical treatment injuries.

· Lost time injuries

• First aid injuries. There are 15 categories under which these injuries are collected.

Click Here to view or download the OHS Statistics January 2007 to March 2008.

Over the course of the collection period the incident rate for medical treatment injuries has increased slightly.

Over the same period, lost time injuries have marginally dropped.

Injuries requiring first aid have been stable. The highest incident rates are in --

• Minor cuts.
• Sprains and strains.

As more data is collected over time the association will be in a position to identify work areas that require attention and develop appropriate strategies

One-Steel has provided AMCA with some background information on the steel market both nationally and internationally.

This information may help you in your negotiations with head contractors and clients to protect your business in these uncertain times.

Further, AMCA has asked our legal advisers to prepare advice and importantly some appropriate clauses that members can try and have inserted into contracts they are negotiating.

The Steel Market Review can be downloaded or viewed by clicking the link.

AMCA is part of the International Alliance of Mechanical Contracting Associations (Alliance).  MCA of Toronto is one of the International parties participating in the alliance.

The alliance group regularly exchanges information on key issues facing mechanical contractors.  As a group we have been talking about training programs and the need to develop skilled labour in our industry.

The MCA of Toronto under the guidance of its executive director, Brian McCabe, has developed a comprehensive two level training program for estimators.  This program has been successfully conducted for several years.

AMCA executive director David Eynon, said that the MCA of Toronto were very generous in the way they are prepared to share training information.

The full training program comprises instructor and student notes.  David Eynon said the documentation will need to be reviewed by experienced practitioners in Australia to make sure that the notes reflect local practices and regulations.  He added that the principles are the same wherever mechanical services work is to be estimated.

Brian McCabe said that he is people were available to offer any further assistance or clarification that might be needed to have the program fully implemented in Australia.

David Eynon said that once the training materials are reviewed they will be passed on to all AMCA states for them to commence delivery of training program.

Presently there are no formal training programs available for estimators. David Eynon said the introduction of this initiative will go a long way towards helping this gap.

Andrew O'Connor spoke about the importance of international meetings to exchange ideas and developments with industry colleagues from different countries.

“Through attendance at the MCAA convention, AMCA National Presidents have developed a network of excellent contacts from Canada, USA, and UK”, Andrew O'Connor said.

In his address Andrew spoke about 4 major developments in Australia.

• The ongoing success of the project management course and the need to develop highly skilled project managers.
• The impending change to workplace laws and the potential impact on the productivity of the industry.
• After eight years of strong economic growth the strategies the Association is put into place to address the skilled labour shortages in the occupations of drafting and project management.
• The demands by clients to achieve "green" and energy efficient outcomes.

Andrew O'Connor concluded by thanking MCAA president, Dave Kruse, for the invitation to attend the convention.

Handbooks are now being distributed to all AMCA State offices and will be available by contacting your local office directly.

Managing for Profit

The first residential week of the 2008 Project Management Course “Managing for Profit” will commence in Melbourne on Sunday 6 July and the second week on Sunday 26 October.

Details of the course can be found on the 'Managing for Profit' link of this website.

Leadership Program

The 2008 Leadership Program will be held in Melbourne commencing Friday 15 August to Monday 18 August.

Details of the course can be found on the “Leadership Program” link of this website.

Managing Finances Program

The 2008 Managing Finances Program will be held in Melbourne commencing Friday 27 June to Monday 30 June.

Details of the course can be found on the “Managing Resources” link of this website.

AMCA Australia has made a donation of $10,000 to the Epilepsy Foundation to help them in their important work in the community.

At these meetings the ABCC is able to keep industry representatives informed about the actions being undertaken by the ABCC under its legislation.

Industry representatives and employers through their associations are able to raise specific matters with the ABCC that are of interest and concern at the time.

The NES will cover the key minimum entitlements for all Australian employees, to apply from 1 January 2010. These entitlements will be guaranteed in legislation so that they cannot be excluded or modified in a way that undermines the safety net.

The Government is inviting employers, employees and the community to provide feedback on the proposed NES.

The Government welcomes responses to the issues raised in the discussion paper by 4 April 2008. An electronic version of the discussion paper can be accessed from the following address.

http://www.workplace.gov.au/workplace/Publications/WorkplaceRelations/DiscussionpaperonNationalEmploymentStandards.htm

Submissions can be provided electronically to the following email address:
NES_comment@deewr.gov.au.