Following on from its consultation earlier this year which invited responses from "persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs), employer and worker representatives, WHS professionals, medical professionals, academics, government agencies, industry and peak bodies", Safe Work Australia has published its Decision Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) concerning the fabrication and use of engineered stone.

A final decision is due later this year but the report from the Australian Government statutory agency highlights several options:

Option 1: Prohibition on the use of all engineered stone
Option 2: Prohibition on the use of engineered stone containing 40% or more crystalline silica
Option 3: As for option 2, with an accompanying licensing scheme for PCBUs working with engineered stone containing less than 40% crystalline silica.

The report goes on to say that: "Consultation on the proposed options showed clear stakeholder support for some form of prohibition (rather than maintaining the status quo), with preferences split across the options proposed. Only 16 of the 114 submissions did not support any of the proposed options. Unions, professional organisations and peak health bodies supported Option 1 (a prohibition on the use of all engineered stone). Industry groups, while not necessarily supportive of a prohibition of engineered stone, acknowledged there is an issue with silicosis in engineered stone workers. They consider it can be addressed through regulation of high risk crystalline silica processes previously agreed by WHS ministers (Option 5a in the Silica Decision RIS). The majority of stakeholders acknowledged there is not currently enough evidence to determine a threshold crystalline silica content at which engineered stone could be worked with without risk (for example, the 40% threshold proposed in Options 2 and 3). Around half of PCBUs working with or supplying engineered stone supported Option 3, commenting that a licensing scheme would enhance compliance in the sector."

For more information and to read the full statement, visit the Safe Work Australia website
 

Zoopla has released its housing market predictions and says that UK house prices are expected to fall 2% over 2024. The number of homes on the market has reached a five year high and in turn, led sellers to think more competitively about asking prices. If house prices continue to fall and incomes increase or if mortgage rates fall back, Zoopla forecasters believe that homes will become more affordable for those in the market to buy. 

The report revealed that 4 in 5 housing markets are registering annual price falls, up from less than 1 in 20 just six months ago however the scale of these price falls is believed to be modest with no markets currently registering annual price falls of more than 5%. In 2024, Zoopla suggests that there will be an increase in markets registering 5% falls with sellers needing to adjust asking prices to counter weaker buying power.

On the whole, the report highlights that the risk of a major price collapse is becoming 'less of a concern, and an improvement in sales hinges more on buyers’ financial ability to move when mortgage rates are in the 4-5% range'. 

The National Federation of Builders has announced two free half-day workshops to complement its Top 100 Most Influential Women in Construction Awards. The workshops aimed at women and allies will feature a range of expert speakers, activities and the chance to meet others and share experiences. It is hoped that these events will help to build confidence and create positive change in a largely male-dominated industry. 

The first will take place on 15 November at Gloucester Rugby Club and the second on 21 November at the Royal Station Hotel in Newcastle.

To register, head to the following link.

The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) is inviting small and micro-sized businesses to apply for its Skills and Training fund to help equip workforces for the future. Eligible businesses could be awarded from £2,500 to £10,000 depending on number of employees and are now are able to apply twice a year – previously CITB were only able to accept one application in a 12 month period.

To be eligible, you must: have up to 99 directly employed staff (including yourself); be a CITB-registered employer and up to date with your Levy Returns and if you've had any previous money from the Skills and Training fund, these projects must be complete.

Funding options are divided into four tiers:

• Employers with CIS only (no PAYE) can receive up to £2,500
• Employers with 1 to 49 directly-employed staff can receive up to £5,000
• Employers with 50 to 74 directly-employed staff can receive up to £7,500
• Employers with 75 to 99 directly-employed staff can receive up to £10,000.

For further information and to apply, please visit CITB online.

Edward Smith has been announced as the new managing director for Caesarstone UK and ROI. Smith joins from Jewson where he worked for nearly 30 years, latterly as the programme director. He was also the managing director of ironmongery, security and fire door safety business, George Boyd and will now be leading Caesarstone's strategic vision.

On his appointment, Smith said: “I’m thrilled to be part of such a respected innovative global brand. I’ve enjoyed watching Caesarstone’s extraordinary growth since it launched in the UK in 2017 and look forward to continuing to invest in and develop the business across the UK and ROI. I’m also excited to continue building our relationship with our Irish partners following the launch of our new distribution centre and showroom in Dublin earlier this year. It was a key step in Caesarstone’s expansion to solidify our presence in this important market.”

Burlington Stone, part of the Holker Group, have unveiled plans for a £5m redevelopment of Kirkby Quarry in Cumbria. Founded 170 years ago, Burlington Stone supply stone products for projects around the world and this investment will help to remove overburden and provide better access to reserves.

In addition to investing in the quarry itself, a further £300,000 has been spent on CNC machinery and £250,000 on solar panels to deliver one third of the quarry's electrical supply.

Managing director Richard Page of Burlington Stone says: “We are using CNCs in ways that fit with Burlington’s values. We will never come away from the high levels of craftsmanship and hand-finished quality of our products that we are renowned for – it’s to supplement the craft element, not replace it.”

The company has also recently acquired the remaining part of its 50 per cent stake in Burlington Aggregates from Neil Price Construction Services. This has made Burlington Stone one of the largest construction materials groups in the North West.