Welcome to NECA South Australia
The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) is the only organisation that represents electrical and communications contractors, Australia-wide, from business people to technicians.
As the South Australian Chapter, NECA SA are responsible for providing tailored business advice, assistance and information to over 500 electrical and communications contracting companies, whose business is the selling, installation, servicing and repair of electrical and communications products.
NECA assists member companies by providing information and advice on workplace relations, occupational health and safety, management, education and training, human resources and technology.
The Association also actively represents the needs and entitlements of contractors at all levels of governmnet and industry, ensuring members' needs are heard.
Membership of NECA will ensure you have the necessary tools to save money, stay ahead of changes, take advantage of opportunities and meet your business goals. For more information on NECA membership please click here.
IN THE NEWS
New Year's Day 2012 - More than just a hangover!
As the day draws closer for the implementation of new health and safety legislation in South Australia, the more we understand how this can impact on individual businesses and industry sectors as a whole. The adage ‘the devil is in the detail’ is quite apt when discussing this new legislation.
At the outset it was generally held that the new Work, Health and Safety (WHS) legislation would not be a significant change to existing OHS laws, and consequently would not impact significantly on industry or businesses. This was a good tactic by the Australian Government to allay fears, overcome the long held parochialism of the States and gain acceptance by Australian industry that harmonised WHS legislation was a good thing for the Australian economy.
NEW WHS Legislation - How will it impact you?
As you know the laws regarding occupational health and safety are undergoing significant review. National harmonisation of health and safety legislation into the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations is due to begin on the 1st January 2012 in South Australia and most states of Australia. At that time, the new Act will come into force. Regulations supporting the Act will also come into force. There may be some transitional arrangements but most changes from the current laws will be in force as of that date.
It is fair to say for most members of NECA that if they have a good work health & safety system now then they will be largely compliant with the new Act and Regulations. The proposed Regulations however, are quite specific about electrical safety. The section of the Regulations regarding electrical safety is entitled “Part 4.7 Electrical Safety and Energised Electrical Work”. It is worth having a careful read of the Regulation as it now stands. NECA has made substantial comment to SafeWork Australia about these Regulations and the effects they may have on electrical contractors and how they may or may not achieve the desired outcome of improving electrical safety for all Australians.
The Regulations are supported by a Code of Practice issued by SafeWork Australia. This Code “Managing Electrical risks at the Workplace” is also in Draft form. NECA have also made extensive comment on the code.
NEW Workplace Health and Safety Adviser
NECA SA would like to welcome Steve Standen to the team as our new Workplace Health and Safety Adviser. This appointment will provide members with a higher level of occupational health and safety support, providing assistance and information to members over the telephone in addition to members having the opportunity to have tailored assistance on-site or at your business.
Steve comes to NECA SA with a wealth of knowledge and experience, with an electrical trade background having worked in the high voltage field for many years. The addition of Steve to the NECA SA team ensures further industry representation in regards to workplace health and safety issues and provides members with a ready resource to assist in any aspect regarding safety at work.
NEW Multipurpose Agreement Contract tool for members
NECA SA have developed a new Multipurpose Agreement contract tool for members, which can be used as a Quotation, Variation and Change Advice, Customer Service Report or a Tax Invoice.
The NECA Multipurpose Agreement is a flexible A4 50 page triplicate booklet, which also contains all of the Terms and Conditions of Contract relevant to electrical and communications contractors, including;
NECA SA member finalist in the Return to Work Awards
NECA SA would like to acknowledge the achievements of our member, D&R Electrical and their employee James Munt who have been nominated as a finalist in the WorkCoverSA Recovery and Return to Work Awards for 2011.
The awards aim to inspire and motivate people to achieve outstanding results in remaining at or returning to work, and reward the efforts of injured workers, employers and others who have gone the extra mile.
Please see below to read James’ story and the management of his return to work.
We at NECA SA wish James and his employer the best of luck at the awards which will be announced at the official ceremony on Tuesday 13 September at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
Electrical contractors go to great heights to achieve excellence
The South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre provided electrical and communications contractor, Security Electrical Solutions with some significant challenges including installing cables and security cameras using a 28 meters boom lift to access some of the areas above the new pool facilities. This project was one of eight projects completed by the states best electrical and communications contractors, whose achievements were recognised at the National Electrical and Communications Associations (NECA) Awards of Excellence, held at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday the 12 August 2011.
View the 'on the red carpet' footage from the NECA Gala Dinner
Modern Award - Free Guide and Online Video
How to get your free copy of the guide to the Modern Award
Electrical contractors and other companies employing staff under the Electrical, Electronics and Communications Contracting Award will have access to a plain English guide to the Modern Award and a free online webinar thanks to NECA.
NECA received funding for the Shared Industry Assistance Program (SIAP) managed by the Fair Work Ombudsman and launched the online webinars on 5 April 2011 on the NECA website.
To find out more about the guide and the online videos click here.
2011/12 Federal Budget: Implications for NECA Members
In mid May, the Federal Government handed down its budget for the 2011/2012 financial year. The Budget is expected to return to surplus in 2012-13 as planned, get more people into jobs and spread opportunities to more Australians. This Budget continues to invest in the economy's productive capacity, preparing Australia for Mining Boom, Mark II.
From an electrical and communications contractor’s point of view the budget held little excitement, but does hold some items that will affect how you operate your business:
MEDIA RELEASE: Comment on 'PLANKING'
SafeWork SA is reminding employers and employees of their legal obligations relating to workplace safety amidst the current debate on the practice known as ‘planking’.
A major South Australian employer has received publicity recently for its decision to dismiss employees seen ‘planking’ atop areas of high risk plant, while working at height.
It is a matter for the employer as to how it chooses to enforce its workplace safety policies, provided due process is followed.
Build the National Broadband Network
NBN Co has been established to design, build and operate the National Broadband Network. This includes ensuring that all existing multi dwelling units (MDUs) within the fibre footprint are pre-cabled ready to receive NBN services when the area is activated.
We are seeking proposals from qualified and experienced cabling contractors with local, regional or national coverage. The scope of work will be installing fibre cabling and equipment within common areas of existing MDUs using pre-supplied detailed designs and bills of material, and working to committed timeframes.
Clean Energy Council Request Update
Several members have contacted the NECA SA office recently in regard to the recent request by the Clean Energy Council (CEC) for accredited PV Installers to provide information in relation to the installation of all Photovoltaic systems since February 2008, which in many cases constitutes a considerable amount of work and enormous cost.
Since our last update on this issue and subsequent discussions with the CEC we now can provide members with a way forward with this request.