With winter and wet weather soon to be upon us, Master Builders reminds members of the Award inclement weather provisions.
The intent of the clause is to provide employees with protection against loss of wages through no fault of their own due to adverse weather conditions on construction sites, in this case, wet weather.
Award Provisions
The Award inclement (wet) weather provisions can be found here. Master Builders recommends these procedures be followed in the absence of an employer having an approved EBA which has alternate provisions.
In addition, contractors can provide building workers with wet weather gear when moving from site amenities, if not under cover, to the work area.
Enterprise Agreements
Enterprise Agreements may contain differing inclement weather clauses to the Award and payroll staff should be aware of any agreement applying to the workplace and what that clause sets out. Employers should also consider including more flexible inclement weather provisions as part of the employment conditions for wet and hot weather in any EBA negotiations.
OSH Consideration
Contractors are also reminded of the overriding consideration of their “Duty of Care” in ensuring wet weather does not impact on safe working conditions on the building site. If it is a matter then appropriate measures are put in place to either eliminate that safety risk or in the alternate, the building workers are relocated to a safe working area.
Inclement Weather Calendar
A 4 weekly cycle inclement weather calendar is prescribed by the Awards. Please contact Master Builders on 9476 9800 to receive a copy.
Kim Richardson
Construction Director