It seems it is better to be safe than sorry with SafeWork inspectors conducting safety checks and fining more than 460 construction sites in NSW for unsafe work practices. Over the past twelve months, inspectors have issued a whopping $115,000 in fines.  
Over this twelve month period, inspectors found that many of the documented incidents were related to falls, with falls from heights being revealed as the number one killer of workers on NSW Construction sites.
 
With these inspections, SafeWork intends to minimise these findings and give both the employees and their loved ones peace of mind that construction workers will be protected and taught relevant safe work practices while on site to avoid tragedy. These fines will penalise those who do not comply with safe work practices so they can avoid fatalities in the future.
 
With SafeWork inspections set to occur more often throughout the sector, we can expect safer conditions and work practices for construction businesses everywhere, which is a great step forward for the industry and its workers. So the question is…are your practices up to standard?

Grout is a cement based mixture that fills in gaps. It comes in a variety of different formulas: such as sanded and un-sanded, but there are many more. 

​Many people think that grouting is a type of waterproof sealer but in fact, it's not! It's also not just a gap filler. It is used to fulfil a variety of needs, and can also be applied for an aesthetic effect as well, with a range of colour options to suit your needs. Grout is used when the final steps of tile installation is complete and is the most important. 

How come it is applied once the final steps of installation is complete?  
It is done after this stage because grout is mainly used to keep tiles in its place. Grout can also keep out water that could potentially damage the tiles and even the wall behind. If water gets underneath the tiles it can lead to some considerable problems. Ranging from the cosmetic fault of efflorescence, to the swelling, cracking and eventual delamination of the surface.

If you're having issues with your tiles cracking, or gathering efflorescence, get in touch with BellMont and organise a diagnostic inspection to start solving the problems.

The rundown
While every project is unique and calls for different action, in most cases a civil engineers job is to offer consultancy services to their clients on site. The engineer will arrive on site and inspect for defects. Once these defects have been identified and documented, they will be compiled into a report alongside recommendations for their repair.
 
If the client chooses to address these issues, the engineer will help them to do so by gathering quotes. The client will then decide which quote to go with and the construction process begins.
Once the construction period begins, the engineer will oversee the progress of the project and ensure the job is being done to the specification provided prior. When all works have been completed, the engineer will return to the site to complete their final inspection and report. So, now that we know what they do, its important to know what this individual role can offer. 
 
Engineers are problem solvers:
Engineers incorporate science and maths to analyse defects within a structure and produce practical and efficient ways to solve them. 
 
Engineers have excellent time management skills: 
Engineers are basically industry chameleons with the skill to adapt their knowledge of their field to any situation or project. With every project being unique and presenting different issues, what engineers do is nothing short of amazing, knowing exactly what the issue is and how to fix it.
 
Why would I need an engineer?
Now more than ever engineers are in demand and with the introduction of the new strata scheme their role in ensuring a buildings health and sustainability is a necessity. So the question is, for what reasons would you need an engineer specifically and not a builder, architect or other professional in an associated role?  Well only engineers can ensure your buildings health and safety by offering their specialist consultancy services in:
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Concrete Repairs 
- Waterproofing
- Heritage Buildings 
- Expert Witness Services
- Project Management

Each associated group has an integral role in the cog that is construction. Architects focus on the aesthetics and planning elements, builders focus on constructing that plan to life and engineers use their expertise to ensure the architects designs and plans are achievable and that the builders carry them out in an effective and sustainable manner. ​

So I think we can all agree... engineers are pretty amazing hey?

Civil Engineering is a curious and innovative industry. This pioneering industry provided the world with endless opportunity to experience and advance to the world we know today. With the world of engineering currently booming, here are some fun facts about the industry we know and love!
 
   1.  A civil engineer created the slippery part of a water slide         
        Whenever you are slipping and sliding crazily around the twists and turns of a slide, remember                     
         who made that moment possible, engineers.
    2.  Concrete is the second most consumed material on the planet (following water).
    3.  The Ferris wheel is regarded as one of the greatest engineering marvels of the world.
    4. The Giza Pyramid is the most significant evidence of civil engineering greatness.
    5.  Architecture and Civil Engineering were considered the same until the 18th Century
    6.  The word engineer comes from a Latin word meaning, “cleverness”
    ​7. Engineers solve problems applying mathematical and scientific knowledge 

And there you have it ! The wonderful world of engineering, so how many of those facts did you know?