Tradies See Unprecedented Shift Towards Professionalism and Safety
Tradies See Unprecedented Shift Towards Professionalism and Safety
Builder Steven Sousamlis, 28, who started his apprenticeship a decade ago, shared his experiences with news.com.au, recalling the harsh treatment he faced. “I endured verbal abuse that was demeaning and relentless,” he said. However, he acknowledged that this kind of treatment is no longer tolerated, especially on larger construction sites.
Sousamlis credits the cultural shift for fostering a healthier work environment. "Everyone now aims to build a positive working culture. Abusing someone not only damages their morale but also decreases productivity,” he noted.
Charlie Trewin, now a manager at Apprenticeships Are Us in Western Australia, has also observed this radical cultural shift. "It used to be common for practical jokes, like filling someone's work boots with expander foam. Nowadays, that kind of behavior just wouldn't fly," Trewin shared.
Trewin noted that Friday afternoon beers, once a staple of tradie culture, have also disappeared. "The focus has shifted towards safety and professionalism, which while making the workplace safer, has perhaps taken some of the fun out of the job," he added.
Dane McKay, a 22-year-old Gen Z tradie, has only ever known the newer, more professional tradie culture, affirming that it's understandably stringent. "We don't really socialize outside of work except for special occasions, and there are no beers during work hours," he said.
Although he finds the environment stricter than before, McKay acknowledges the importance of these changes for safety and efficiency.
Published:Sunday, 4th Aug 2024
Source: Paige Estritori
Share this news item:
| Heightened Road Risks as Holiday Travel Meets Freight Surge 15 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori As the Australian summer holidays approach, a significant increase in road traffic is anticipated, coinciding with peak freight activity. This convergence raises concerns about heightened road risks, prompting insurers and transport specialists to issue warnings to motorists. - read more |
| Rising Collision Risks Challenge Australian Fleet Operators 15 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori Australia's transport and haulage sector is currently navigating a period marked by an uptick in motor collision claims, posing significant challenges for fleet operators nationwide. This trend underscores the necessity for enhanced risk management and insurance strategies to safeguard operations and maintain profitability. - read more |
| NTARC Report Highlights Key Factors in Major Truck Crashes 15 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori The National Truck Accident Research Centre (NTARC) has released its latest Major Incident Investigation Report, shedding light on the predominant causes of significant truck crashes across Australia. The findings underscore the critical need for targeted interventions to enhance road safety within the transport industry. - read more |
| IAG Enhances Profit Projections Post-RACQ Insurance Integration 15 Dec 2025: Paige Estritori Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has revised its annual profit forecast upward by $100 million, attributing this positive adjustment to the recent acquisition of RACQ Insurance. The company now anticipates a reported insurance profit ranging between $1.55 billion and $1.75 billion for the current financial year, an increase from the previous estimate of $1.45 billion to $1.65 billion. - read more |
| The Essential Guide to Calculating Your Income Insurance Coverage Income protection insurance is a type of policy designed to provide you with a financial safety net in the event that you are unable to work due to illness or injury. Its core purpose is to replace a portion of your income, helping you to maintain your standard of living until you're able to return to work. It's an essential consideration for anyone who relies on their income to support themselves and their families. - read more
|
| Income protection insurance It's trite but true to say that, for most people, their most valuable asset is their ability to earn an income. But how relevant is income insurance to most Australians? - read more
|
| Strategies to Use Life Insurance in Funding Shareholder Agreements Shareholder agreements lay the cornerstone for stable business relationships and continuity in Australia. Acting as a contract among business owners, these agreements set forth the expectations, rights, and obligations of all parties involved. They are particularly vital in delineating clear paths for dispute resolution, succession planning, and the transfer of ownership shares under varied circumstances, including the untimely death or departure of a shareholder. - read more
|
| How Life Insurance and Estate Planning Work Together for Your Benefit For many Australian families, the concept of estate planning might evoke imagery of vast wealth and complex legal documents, reserved for the very affluent. However, this misconception overshadows the universal importance of having an estate plan, which at its core, is about ensuring your loved ones are cared for and your wishes are honored upon your passing—even if you don't consider yourself wealthy. - read more
|
A fixed amount you pay for a covered healthcare service, usually when you receive the service.