We are excited to share that the first meeting of the Frame & Truss National Safety Council (F&T NSC) was a resounding success, marked by energetic discussions and innovative ideas aimed at elevating safety standards throughout the timber frame and truss manufacturing industry.
Our dedicated council members, representing a diverse range of companies and geographical locations, engaged deeply in conversations about pressing safety concerns, with a collective goal of fostering a culture that prioritises safety in our sector.
During the meeting, we established the council’s purpose: to promote safety through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advocacy. The wealth of insights shared regarding key safety priorities highlighted the pressing need for improved communication with authorities and the implementation of best practices across our industry. Notably, the proposed creation of a National Injury Register was just one idea which is a pivotal step toward accountability and learning, enabling us to better address safety challenges faced by fabricators as well as provide advice on solutions.
A wide range of critical safety issues were identified that require our collective attention and action. We value the insights of all FTMA members, and it’s essential we capture a comprehensive overview of safety concerns in our industry. Below is the list of safety issues raised during our discussions:
- Delivery to Top Plate, including delivery issues such as powerlines and housing block sizes
- Traffic control, management, and pedestrian safety
- SWMS and JSA’s being used appropriately
- Safety concerns related to forklifts, especially concerning pedestrians
- Crane trucks, including licensing and operational practices
- Chain of responsibility and a lack of understanding in this area
- Safe usage of nail guns
- Transportation of frames and trusses
- Consistency of advice from relevant authorities
- Hazards associated with powerlines and general site conditions
- The ability to bypass safety sensors on equipment
We invite all members to review this list and let us know if there are additional concerns we may have missed. Please complete the form via the link below to share your top three safety concerns in the timber frame and truss industry, ensuring that together we can address all critical safety issues faced by our sector.
As we move forward, we encourage all FTMA members to actively participate in our initiatives. We will be creating an online Safety Portal on our Members only page of FTMA News, where we will create a wide range of safety resources for members.
In the next few weeks, we have exciting news on the new Chair for the F&T NSC, who will drive changes within the industry, lead the council, and engage with state and territory authorities. I’m so excited about this appointment and can’t wait to share it with everyone over the next couple of weeks.
With ongoing collaboration, we believe we can significantly enhance safety standards and create a safer working environment for everyone in the industry. Together, we are not just building structures; we are building a safer future.
Kersten Gentle
FTMA CEO
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