Who Is Responsible For Regulating A Building Construction Company?
It doesn’t matter where you live in the world, the work of a building construction company means big bucks. Whilst hiring one that has been properly regulated might cost you a little more money, it can often mean the difference between a brand new building that is ready to go and a big, muddy hole in the ground. It is important that all construction businesses are properly regulated, as there is so much that can go wrong. From the workers employed on site to the person who purchased the building in 20 years, everyone needs to be assured of its safety.
Australia
Each state has its own laws regarding construction. Whilst there is no central governing body at the federal level for this purpose, the regulation is usually dealt with at a local city and county level. In South Australia, for example, the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs is responsible for overseeing building regulations and codes. In Western Australia, on the other hand, the Occupational Health and Safety Office is the responsible body. You will need to determine who the responsible party is for the state you live in.
Wide Involvement
There are actually a number of people involved in the construction process and not all of them are part of the building company. Architects, for example, have their own governing bodies and insurance that is separate to that of the construction company. This means that you will need to find out which architect or designer your contractors are using, then determine whether they have been properly regulated before you make a decision. This will also apply to those working on the plumbing and electrics and so on.
Similar Aim
Even though there are different governing bodies for the people involved and for each of the different states of Australia, there aim is the same. They are all responsible for making sure that everyone stays safe. This means that they will regulate everything, from material handling to the required clothing that work crews must wear to avoid accidents. They also have to approve building plans so that owners can rest assured that the construction complies with the relevant codes and will keep everyone inside safe.
Trade
As well as the legal bodies that we have discussed above, there are also trade agencies who will regulate the quality of a building construction company. These agencies have strict rules regarding who is allowed to become a member – any company that does not meet these requirements will not be allowed to display an affiliation with them. The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is a major one in Australia and is known for serving both its members and the public at large. They also offer a third party testing service.
It is important to understand that the proper regulation of a building construction company could mean the difference between life and death for a worker on site or for a future employee. Regulations help to protect life and property alike; even though accidents can still occur, if the company does its best to follow all of the rules and regulations that have been set they will have a good record of safety. You can make sure that your chosen company has followed these regulations by contacting the Consumer Commission.
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