Purpose & scope
Purpose & scope
These policies apply to all directors, employees, contractors and labour-hire personnel of Apex Approvals Pty Ltd (ABN 73 695 424 438), and to anyone acting on our behalf. They work alongside each person’s employment or engagement terms and our legal obligations as a licensed building certifier.
Where a policy refers to legislation, it means that law as in force in Queensland from time to time. If any part of a policy conflicts with the law or the Code of Conduct for Building Certifiers, the law and the Code prevail. Compliance is a condition of working at Apex Approvals; serious or repeated breaches may lead to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
01 — Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct
Our reputation rests on the integrity of every decision we make. We expect everyone at Apex Approvals to act honestly, professionally and in the public interest, and to treat clients, colleagues, authorities and the community with respect.
—Act with honesty, diligence and impartiality, and only within your competence and licensing.
—Comply with the Building Act 1975 (Qld), the National Construction Code, and the Code of Conduct for Building Certifiers at all times.
—Do not offer or accept gifts, benefits or hospitality that could improperly influence a certification decision, or appear to.
—Keep client and company information confidential, and use company resources responsibly.
—Represent Apex Approvals professionally in all dealings, including on social media and in public forums.
02 — Certifier Independence & Conflicts of Interest
Certifier Independence & Conflicts of Interest
Independence is the foundation of building certification. A building certifier must not carry out certifying functions where a conflict of interest exists, as set out in the Building Act 1975 (Qld). This policy protects that independence.
—Disclose any personal, financial or family interest in a project before accepting or continuing work on it.
—Do not certify work you, a relative, or a business associate designed, built or has a financial interest in.
—Base every decision on the merits and the applicable law — never on commercial pressure, relationships or the prospect of future work.
—Record conflict-of-interest declarations and escalate any doubt to a director before proceeding.
03 — Work Health & Safety
Work Health & Safety
Apex Approvals is committed to the health and safety of its workers under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld). Much of our work involves site inspections, so hazard awareness is part of everyone’s job.
—Take reasonable care of your own safety and that of others affected by your work.
—Wear required PPE on site, follow site inductions, and do not enter a site you assess as unsafe.
—Report hazards, incidents and near misses promptly so they can be recorded and addressed.
—Company vehicles are to be operated safely and lawfully, with fatigue and mobile-phone rules observed.
04 — Equal Opportunity & Anti-Discrimination
Equal Opportunity & Anti-Discrimination
We are committed to a workplace free from discrimination, in line with the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld) and the Commonwealth anti-discrimination Acts. Recruitment, pay, development and promotion are based on merit.
—We do not tolerate discrimination on the basis of a protected attribute — including sex, age, race, disability, religion, sexuality, family or carer responsibilities.
—Reasonable adjustments are made to support workers with disability or other needs.
—Everyone shares responsibility for an inclusive, respectful workplace.
05 — Bullying, Harassment & Workplace Behaviour
Bullying, Harassment & Workplace Behaviour
Every worker has the right to a safe and respectful workplace. Bullying, sexual harassment and other unreasonable behaviour are not tolerated, consistent with the Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth), the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld) and our positive duty to eliminate sexual harassment.
—Workplace bullying is repeated, unreasonable behaviour that creates a risk to health and safety; reasonable management action taken reasonably is not bullying.
—Sexual harassment — any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature — is unlawful and will be treated seriously.
—These standards apply at work, at work-related events, and in work-related communications online.
—Reports are handled promptly, fairly and confidentially, and victimisation of anyone who raises a concern is itself a breach.
06 — Privacy & Data Handling
Privacy & Data Handling
We handle personal and project information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles. Everyone who handles client or colleague information is responsible for protecting it.
—Collect and use personal information only for legitimate work purposes, and disclose it only where authorised or required by law.
—Store records securely, use strong passwords, and never share credentials.
—Report any suspected data breach immediately so we can meet our notification obligations.
07 — IT & Acceptable Use
IT & Acceptable Use
Company IT systems, devices and accounts are provided for work. Reasonable, limited personal use is permitted provided it does not interfere with work, security or this policy.
—Do not use company systems for anything unlawful, discriminatory, or that could damage our reputation.
—Be alert to phishing and scams; verify unusual payment or information requests before acting.
—Keep software updated and use only approved applications and cloud services for company data.
—Company systems and data remain company property and may be accessed for legitimate business or legal reasons.
08 — Fitness for Work: Drugs & Alcohol
Fitness for Work — Drugs & Alcohol
Because our work includes driving and attending construction sites, everyone must be fit for work and free from the effects of alcohol or drugs that could impair safe performance.
—Do not attend work or a site impaired by alcohol or drugs, including some prescription medications — seek advice if a medication may affect you.
—Observe any site-specific drug and alcohol requirements, which may include testing.
—Support is available; raising a health concern early will always be treated supportively and confidentially.
09 — Grievances & Complaints
Grievances & Complaints
We want concerns raised early and resolved fairly. No one will be disadvantaged for raising a genuine concern in good faith.
—Where safe and appropriate, raise the matter directly with the person involved first.
—Otherwise, raise it with a director. Serious matters — harassment, safety, misconduct — can be raised directly and confidentially.
—Concerns are handled confidentially, investigated fairly with all sides heard, and resolved as promptly as practicable.
—External avenues remain available, including the Fair Work Commission, the QBCC and the Queensland Human Rights Commission.
10 — Wellbeing & Company Wellness Days
Wellbeing & Company Wellness Days
We recognise that sustainable, high-quality work depends on people being well. In addition to statutory leave entitlements under the National Employment Standards, Apex Approvals provides paid company wellness days to support the mental and physical health of our team.
—Permanent employees receive paid wellness days each year, in addition to personal/carer’s leave, to rest and recharge or attend to health and wellbeing.
—No medical certificate or detailed reason is required — simply give your manager reasonable notice where you can, so inspections and client commitments stay covered.
—Wellness days are for genuine rest and wellbeing; they are not a substitute for personal/carer’s leave for illness or for annual leave.
—Confidential support is available through our Employee Assistance Program; speak with a director for details.
—The number of wellness days and any conditions are set out in your engagement terms and may be updated from time to time.
Review & acknowledgement
Review & acknowledgement
These policies are reviewed at least annually and updated when the law or our practice changes. All workers are asked to read them on joining and whenever they are updated, and to confirm they understand and will comply.
Questions
Speak with a director, or email ateam@apex-approvals.com.au. This page summarises our policies; the full policy documents and each person’s engagement terms prevail to the extent of any inconsistency.
