December 2014 NEWSLETTER Issue 532

Transcription

1 December 2014 NEWSLETTER Issue Elliott Street Midvale WA Website: 1

2 INDEX Features Page Article 3 For Sale 4 Previous Month Minutes 5 Minutes continued 6 Emergency Mower Hire 6 December Lawn Care 7 For Sale 8 Article Sick Work 10 & 11 Improving Customer Relations 12 Working in Hot Conditions 13 & 14 The LMCA Committee would like to wish all our Members, Sponsors & Associates A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Sick Work Assistance 15 Insurance Renewals 15 Committee Details 16 & 17 For Sale 17 Meeting Dates 18 For Sale 19 Water Corp Information 23 Venue Information 24 REMINDER TO ALL MEMBERS Don t forget to send in photos of weeds, lawns, pests etc. to Aaron Lawson so that a data base can be created to benefit all members, particularly new contractors. Don t Forget There is no December meeting DISCLAIMER: The advice contained in this newsletter is given in good faith. It does not necessarily represent the opinion of the Lawn Mowing Contractors Association of WA Inc, neither Committee or Members. Unless otherwise stated, it is given from the point of view of experienced LAWN MOWING Contractors, but it is not intended to infer any specialised technical knowledge other than that of a contractor. If in doubt, readers should seek specialised technical advice. The Lawn Mowing Contractors Association of WA Inc. accepts no responsibility for the accuracy of claims made by advertisers in this newsletter. 2

3 Things that will damage lawns! A really common problem, especially on the kerb-side edge of the lawn, is when vehicle owners on very hot days park their cars with the tyres on the grass. If it s a 40 C day, it can be up to 70 C on the actual tyre, which is hot enough to scorch the grass, which will not recover for ages. Always be aware if you are going to do any treatment on a lawn, whether it be weed spray, applying a wetting agent or fertiliser, be aware of the temperature. There is every possibility that you will burn and damage the turf if you apply treatments in excessive heat. Should you have a problem with dead patches in the lawn in summer, resist the impulse to fertilise that area. Firstly check the retic with a catch cup and then apply a wetting agent to the affected area. Try and get the owner to put extra water onto the area with a hose, in fact anything that will aid the dead area to recover. You will sometimes find that a car has been parked and even the heat from the exhaust can cause damage. 95% of problems will be water-based. Most of the reticulation problems that we go out to fix, we find that the sprinklers are either the original ones that were used when the house was built, or, if one has been damaged, the owner has taken a quick trip to Bunnings and bought a $1 special!! Retic needs servicing regularly. Sprinklers which are not sun-protected can easily get damaged. The retic needs to be checked in the daytime when every sprinkler can be assessed as to whether it is working properly. A very good income can be earned from very minor reticulation repairs. It is definitely of an advantage to you if you carry a full repair kit on your vehicle. The sprinklers that are sold at the meetings are both very cheap and have the capacity to go from 5 to 360 just by opening the valve at the top. They are easy to work on and very cheap to buy. I highly recommend contractors purchase sprinkler removal tools which are also available at almost cost price in our shop. Terry 3

4 For Sale Greenfield ipd slasher 28 cut $2,600 Honda 35cc whipper snipper $500 Mow Master 28 cut cylinder mower with height adjuster $3,400 Please contact Graham Bruce

5 MINUTES OF THE LAWN MOWING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION GENERAL MEET- ING FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 2014, HELD AT THE MORLEY NORANDA REC- REATION CLUB ON MONDAY 17 th NOVEMBER 2014 The President opened the meeting at 7:35pm and advised all in attendance about the raffles for the evening. ATTENDANCE, VISITORS, SPONSORS AND ALLIED MEMBERS As per attendance sheets. The President welcomed everyone to the final meeting for 2014 and thanked the Sponsors for their support during the year. APOLOGIES: Vince Butler, David Harbidge. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Moved, Steve Scott, seconded Graham Bruce that the Minutes as published in the newsletter were a true and accurate record of the October meeting. Carried. BUSINESS ARISING FROM PREVIOUS MINUTES Nil TREASURER S REPORT Moved Rob Corrie, seconded Colin Craig that the Treasurer s Report, as published in the newsletter be accepted and the accounts paid. CORRESPONDENCE IN from Graham Knight & Associates, A Lawson advised members that cover has now been placed with CGU Insurance from 30 th November as AIG could not provide blanket cover for spraying activities, there being no change to policy excesses and cover. All members will receive their renewal notices shortly. Brief discussion followed the outcome of the . WATERWISE T Butler advises that the recently newly accredited contractors will receive their welcome packs directly via mail for the next 2 months. NEW MEMBERS Ba Long nominated by Hieu Ta, was inducted with members approval as a full sick work member. MAJOR RAFFLE The major raffle was drawn with the winners as follows: 1 st Prize $1000 cash won by C Dale 2 nd Prize $250 cash won by R Mulcahy 3 rd Prize $100 cash won by C Dale COMMITTEE REPORTS R Mulcahy wished everyone an enjoyable evening and advised contractors to take care during the hot weather. K Griffiths wished everyone a safe and Happy Christmas. J C Said wished everyone a Merry Christmas T Butler requested work for sale south of the River for prospective buyers (Continued on Page 6) 5

6 Paul St Jack advised everyone that if there are any TAFE enquiries, they should be addressed in the next four weeks before the holiday break. Anyone interested in the March 2015 weed spray course should register now as places fill quickly. A Lawson wished everyone a Merry Christmas and thanked Terry & Carol for organising the dinner. Aaron also thanked all the committee members for their hard work during the year. Aaron invited everyone to a drink from the bar once the meal commenced. S Polkinghorne announced that he would be retiring from his position of Treasurer after 7 years and encouraged members to consider joining the committee next year. A Lawson also encouraged members to join the committee, with all positions becoming vacant in June There will be some general committee positions available. RAFFLE Loose bottom blade sharpen donated by Balcatta Mowers won by Andrew Eames Loose cylinder grind donated by Joondalup Mowers won by Mark Harding Edger blades donated by Blades Galore won by Peter Zadow Edger blades donated by Blades Galore won by Ross Nancarrow Brush cutter cord donated by Blades Galore won by Greg Flintham Brush cutter cord donated by Blades Galore won by Trevor Robertson Bottle of wine donated by Rob Hooker won by Trevor Smith Dan Murphy s $30 gift card donated by LMCA won by Jean-Claude Said 1 dozen free-range farm fresh eggs donated by Peter Watterston won by Paul St Jack Backpack donated by Westminster Finance won by Terry Butler Bottle of wine donated by Westminster Finance won by Mark Deans Bottle of wine and wine holder donated by Westminster Finance won by Gerry Lee Chase the Joker not won, will be $310 next month Husqvarna Brushcutter donated by Graham Knights (supplied at cost by Balcatta Mowers) won by Tom Riedel Gourmet Hamper won by Terry Butler MEETING CLOSED 8pm Followed by the Annual Supper/Dinner Emergency Mowers for Hire For the newer members, who may not be aware, the LMCA owns 2 x 28 lawnmowers which can be hired for $35.00 per day plus a refundable deposit. The mowers are currently held with the following: SOUTH Please contact Kevin Shynn on or NORTH The second mower is at Northside Mowers, Balcatta. Contact Terry Willison on They are in perfect condition and ready to go. 6

7 December Lawn Care Lawns: Santa Ana, Cassablanca, Greenleas Park, Wintergreen couch hybrids all thatch easily. Overwatering and excess fertiliser speed up this problem. Overcome thatch by coring or vertimowing in early summer. Water the lawn well after vertimowing so that the water penetrates at least 8cm deep. But more frequent mowing will minimise thatch build-up and avoid the necessity of vertimowing. Limit nitrogen fertilisers during the summer active growing season as this encourages lush green growth at the expense of root growth and drought tolerance. Kikuyu should not have heavy nitrogen applications during active growth from December to March. Maintenance applications at half the normal rate will keep the turf healthy. The Australian summer is a highly stressful time for all lawns, and it s the things we do both before and during the summer which will determine the overall health and appearance of our lawns. Deep Watering and a Deep Root System: The aim here is to create a root system which is much deeper than normal, with a deep root system, the roots of the turf are less likely to dry out and die on hot summer days, or at times of drought or low water usage. The way this is done is to water the lawn less often, and more deeply, which encourages the lawn roots to travel deeper into the soil profile, where they are safe from summer heat, and where there is an abundant supply of water which resides below the soil evaporation level. Lawn De-thatching: Watering a heavily thatched lawn will result in a lot of the water being applied being left to sit in the thatch layer of the lawn, with the end result that less water reaches the soil to maintain the health of the lawn, and instead simply evaporates away in the heat of the day. This problem is further compounded when the lawn is being watered at night, which provides a perfect breeding environment for lawn diseases. Lawns, and in particular Couch should be de-thatched (vertimowed) every year or two, and done in the spring. Varieties such as Buffalo or Kikuyu can be mowed much lower at the beginning of spring instead. Wetting Agents: Wetting agents are a wonderful invention for every lawn and garden owner around the world. As many soil types being to dry out in the heat of summer, they also tend to become more water repellent too. Meaning water will more likely run off the soil, and the soil will not hold onto the water for a very long period of time. Wetting agents soak into the soil and coat the particles with a water attracting agent which breaks down any greasy coating on the surface of the soil particle. This allows soils to hold onto water for longer periods of time, as well as allowing dry soils to soak up more water than would otherwise be the case. Lawnmowing: The first change to lawnmowing should be with mowing heights, if the lawn is in excellent health and water is not an issue, then lawn mowing heights can safely be lowered, as the time of year is peak is growing season and the lawn can easily cope and repair with a shorter leaf. However, if the lawn is subject to heavy water restrictions, it is essential that a wetting agent is applied regularly, and light fertiliser every 6-8 weeks. Tests at the university have concluded that allowing grass to have a longer leaf does not assist it in coping with the hot weather. The longer leaf transpires more water which only compounds the situation. Cut these lawns as normal, but try and convince your customers to add the necessary wetting agents and fertiliser. Lastly, mow the lawn regularly during the summer. Healthy, well-watered lawns will benefit from less weeds and more green leaf with less invasion of the grass into surrounding garden beds. Regular mowing will also ensure the lawn is not scalped by removing too much green leaf in a single mowing, as this can easily kill sections of the lawn which are under the stress of summer heat. 7

8 Work for Sale Compact group of 35 customers earning approximately $20,000 Minimal Clippings 22 customers in Gwelup 13 customers in Osborne Park Some small commercial jobs within the group. Long-term regular work Selling Price $9,500 Contact Lincoln Mead:

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10 SICK WORK THE FACTS RE: ELIGIBILITY AND PROVIDING SICK WORK ASSISTANCE To be eligible for Sick work, you need to qualify under the following points:- Are you financial? i.e. fees paid to date Are you a sick work member? Have you attended the correct number of meetings? Are you on the ineligible list? To apply for Sick work, you need to be incapacitated for more than 5 working days You will require a sick note from your Doctor stating that you are off work for more than 5 working days Is your Public Liability Insurance Certificate recorded in the LMCA office? Has your sick work been approved by the Committee? If any of the above points are not covered, you will be Ineligible for Sick Work Assistance When you contact our office for Sick Work assistance, you will be supplied a Sick Work Book and a list of Contractors to attend to your work while you are incapacitated. Unless agreed with the Contractor, we will require at least 3 working days notice before your work begins. Your work will be added to the existing rounds of our Contractors so that work might be attended slightly before or after its due date. If you require grass to be removed from your clients properties, you will need to advise your customers that this might not be possible. Most of our Contractors have no provision for removing clippings. If necessary, you will need to supply them with full-sized bin liners that can be left on the properties to be collected by you when you are recovered. All relevant notes about your clients needs should be given to the Member doing the Sick Work, as in keys, codes, dogs on properties etc. You are responsible for all monies owing. If cash is left out for you on your properties, you need to inform the Member doing the work. Payment should be made via direct bank deposit as the work is completed by your sick work contractor. Make sure you have the funds in place to pay 50% owing to the Member doing the work. Stay in touch with both the office and the Members doing the sick work for the duration of the illness. (Continued on Page 11) 10

11 (Continued from Page 10) If you are involved in an accident, can your partner/friend/family member pass on your work roster to the LMCA? Are you on a computer program that we can access? If your injury is short-term, you might be able to find a work mate who can give you assistance without going to Sick work. Immediately you receive your sick work lists from the office, contact the Members by phone or and get your written work lists out as soon as possible. Work lists need to be between $250 and $300. Although the contractors will do the best they possibly can, jobs that are not accessible due to locked gates, carports etc. will not be attended to. If you have advised the contractor to go and do the work, you cannot expect them to return to site at a later date for any reason. Sick work is a privilege, not a right, you need to fulfill all the criteria to be eligible. If you are given sick work to do, it means that our office is sure that the sick work member is legitimately ill. You do not need to phone the office to confirm this. Work the list into your round and advise the sick member as soon as the work is completed so that he might invoice his customers. If you are going on holiday during the period of sick work, you are still responsible for that work. Get someone else to do it for you or try and work something out with the contractor who is sick. Going on holiday does not excuse you from sick work, otherwise during the winter, we would have no members available for sick work. You are obliged with your membership to cover legitimate sick work. Family problems, being behind with your work, inclement weather, none of these are legitimate reasons for non-compliance. The Association is built on mate ship, come to regular meetings, have a beer with the guys, introduce yourself around and hope that YOU never fall sick. 11

12 IMPROVING CUSTOMER RELATIONS Do you need to update your work cards or update customer details for your computer program? If so, the form below may be useful to hand out to your customers for completion: Dear Valued Customer, I would like to update your contact details. If you could return this form to be in person or attach it to your payment, it would be greatly appreciated. Name: Mobile: A/H Tel: Postal Address: With kind regards, 12

13 Health Matters working safely in hot conditions Introduction: In Western Australia, hot workplaces are common. Heat may come from: Hot climatic conditions Heavy work in moderately hot conditions Hot work processes (such as welding) Radiant heat from the surroundings Work where heavy protective clothing must be worn, or Any combination of these factors Heat Stress: Heat stress is the total heat burden to which the body is subjected by both external and internal factors. The body must balance the heat transferred into the body, heat generated in the body and heat coming out of the body. Heat illness occurs when the body cannot dispense the heat burden sufficiently for normal functioning to be maintained. Heat illness: Heat illness covers a range of medical conditions which include: Heat stroke a life threatening condition that requires immediate first aid and medical attention Fainting Heat exhaustion Heat cramps Rashes (also called prickly heat ); and Heat fatigue Signs of heat illness include feeling sick, nauseated, dizzy or weak. Clumsiness, collapse and convulsions can also be the result of heat illness and workers with these signs need to seek immediate medical attention. Working in hot conditions may aggravate pre-existing illnesses and conditions. Identifying Risk factors The key risk factors to take into account are: Air temperature Humidity (high humidity limits the evaporation of sweat a key cooling mechanism for the body) Radiant heat (from the sun or other sources such as furnaces, ovens and hot vessels) Air movement or wind speed Workload (intensity and duration of the work) Physical fitness of the worker, including acclimatisation and any pre-existing conditions such as obesity, heart/circulatory diseases, skin diseases or use of certain medicines that can affect the body s ability to manage heat (eg diuretics, anti-depressants and anticholinergics); and Clothing (including protective clothing that may restrict air flow across the skin and hinder evaporation of sweat) Organisation of work Heat stress can be reduced by attention to the way work is organised. Examples include: Re-scheduling work so the hot tasks are performed during the cooler part of the day Taking additional rest breaks in cool, shaded areas. Preventing Heat Illness Keeping well hydrated Keeping well hydrated is a critical factor in avoiding heat illness. Contractors should start their working day fully hydrated. An easy way to establish hydration status is by checking the colour and volume of urine. If urine is plentiful and a light straw colour, this is an indicator of good hydration. 13

14 During hot work conditions, Contractors should drink a cup of water (about 250ml) every 15 to 20 minutes. Although water is generally adequate for fluid replacement, low joule cordials and electrolyte replacement solutions may be beneficial. Caffeinated drinks and alcohol should be avoided since these are diuretics that cause increased rate of urination. It is important to be smart about staying hydrated when temperatures are on the rise. Water is an essential nutrient, meaning it must be supplied from an outside source because the body cannot make sufficient amounts. When you exercise or work outdoors in hot weather, it is important to stay well hydrated. Don t wait for thirst to indicate dehydration; drink ahead of your thirst. Tips to stay hydrated and beat the heat: Watch for warning signs During hot weather, watch for signs of heat-related illness, including muscle cramps, nausea or vomiting, weakness, headaches, dizziness, and/or confusion. If symptoms develop, lower your body temp and get hydrated. Stop what you re doing and get out of the heat. Remove extra clothing, drink fluids, and try fanning your body of wetting it down with cool water. Water recommendations The human body is made up of 60-75% water and unlike other nutrients there isn t a specific daily recommendation, due to variability in climate, physical activity level, state of health and body size. Under typical circumstances, adults should get up to 6 or 8 cups of fluid daily. For lawnmowing contractors, this amount needs to be increased. Infrequent urination or dark yellow urine may indicate you need more fluids. Water, juices, milk, or other beverages can boost fluid intake. The combination of hot, humid weather and being physically active outside, whether for work or for play, can put people at risk of dehydration. Remember to keep water handy and make it habit to drink water every day. Sipping it through the day is better than saving up for scheduled meals or breaks. Further information available from Christmas Greetings What a great end to the year weather wise! Let s hope it carries on for a while into the New Year. We have welcomed a large number of new contractors to our association this year, which gives the committee great hope for the future of our members. A number of our committee members are leaving this year, after many years service and I would like everyone to give thought to applying for a position. General committee jobs are very important, i.e. raffle sales, being in charge of the members signing book, greeting new members and visitors, helping to set up the hall and tidying up following the meeting. All executive positions fall vacant and you can apply for any and all positions in April. Our end of the year dinner was the most successful we have ever had, over 100 members and guests, great food, great company, lots of people catching up. This is what we are all about. When you think about it, we are just a group of mates who help each other out when it is most needed. Carol and I would like to wish all of you all A very Happy Christmas and A successful New Year Terry Butler Vice President 14

15 INELIGIBLE FOR SICK WORK ASSISTANCE The members listed below are ineligible for Sick Work Assistance as per the Constitution. In order to be eligible for Sick Work Assistance, a member must regularly attend meetings and provide proof that he/she currently holds Public Liability Insurance cover. The relevant sections of the Constitution are detailed below: Eligibility for Assistance Rule 20 (a) - A Member must attend at least one general meeting in every three to be eligible for Sick Work Assistance. A Member who fails to do so is ineligible for Sick Work Assistance. Public Liability Cover to be maintained Rule 20 (b) - A Member must maintain a Public Liability Insurance Policy with a minimum cover of five million dollars ($5,000,000) and is required to supply the Administrator or Vice President with a Certificate of Currency for their Public Liability insurance within 28 days of the renewal date of this policy, stating the renewal date and the amount insured. A Member who does not comply with this rule, will be unable to perform Sick Work and will be ineligible for Sick work Assistance. The form can also be ed to the office direct from your brokers at your request Brendan Adams Bradley Dale Kim Milne Merv Nielsen Chris Watson Shane Williams Please remember that if you now miss 3 or more meetings in a row, you are required to attend 2 consecutive meetings to become eligible for Sick Work Assistance. You will, however, still be required to do Sick Work for other Members. INSURANCE RENEWALS We have had confirmation from Graham Knight that covers have been placed with CGU Insurance Limited from the 30th November The main reason being that AIG could not provide blanket cover for spraying activities and would only look on a case by case basis which is not a workable option for our members. There will be no change to policy excesses and cover. All members should have received their renewal notices. 15

16 2014/15 LMCA Committee Structure & Job Descriptions 16

17 2014/15 LMCA General Committee Round for Sale Cottesloe west of railway line 50 Customers turns over $60,000 Price without machinery: $40,000 Contact David Mann: Lawn Mowing Trailer For Sale 8ft x 4.5ft fully enclosed and lockable Single axle Holden hubs Racks inside. Full rear ramp White sides, newly painted and ready for sign writing Perfect condition $3,000 firm Contact Steve Lindsay

18 General Meeting Dates (7:30pm) Monday 19th January Committee Meeting Dates (7:00pm) Tuesday 27th January (in lieu of Australia Day on 26th) There are no meetings held in December Kev s Tip Have you recently had problems with metal petrol containers in the back of your utes? After a period of time, the metal on the bottom of the container gets worn. If the container is 1/2 full or less in the heat, it creates huge pressure, petrol blows out and all of a sudden, the tray of your ute is sodden and waiting for a hot piece of machinery to ignite it! If your container is getting worn, change it for one of the new plastic ones and you can get rid of all your rust problems in the fuel as well!! Reminders from the Office ALL MEMBERS: Don t forget to sign the attendance register as it helps keep your Sick work eligibility up-to-date. Please note the LMCA no longer has a fax machine. If you have changed any contact details: phone numbers, addresses and addresses, please advise Carol in the office on / (call or SMS) / lmcawa1@bigpond.com Looking for work? Are you registered on the LMCA website? If not, please register at and existing members will be sent logon information. Don t forget to update your profile at least every 2 months, set a date in your diary! Your work areas will automatically be removed from the website after a period of 3 months has elapsed. If this has happened to you, please contact Carol. Any logon problems, please phone Carol for assistance. Carol 18

19 For Sale Blundstone Boots Size 8 New $30 Non steel toe caps Contact Kevin Shynn: For Sale 24 MEY Mower with Catcher Excellent condition $1950 Contact Kevin Shynn Mob:

20 Do you have any work for sale? Condensing your round? Equipment for sale? If so, please contact Terry Butler : We can also advertise your work or equipment for sale on the LMCA website Just send the details to Terry or Carol Free listing for members 20

21 Lawn Mower Equipment & Vehicle Finance No fuss finance we come to you! Low doc options no need for tax figures or financials. Finance available from $3,000 upwards We also arrange Home Loans and commercial property finance. Contact Stephen Heath Ph: Mob: Alvan Street Subiaco WA 6008 Westminster National Pty Ltd ACN ABN Trading as Westminster National Australian Credit Licence

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23 Perth Watering Days The 2 day per week sprinkler roster now applies to all scheme water users in Perth Sprinklers can only be used either before 9am or after 6pm, on designated watering days (2 days per week) based on the last digit of street numbers. Garden bore users in Perth can continue to use their garden bore either before 9am or after 6pm, on designated watering days (3 days per week). Last Digit of Street or lot number Scheme Users 2 day roster Bore owners Additional day 1 Wednesday & Saturday Monday 2 Sunday & Thursday Tuesday 3 Monday & Friday Wednesday 4 Tuesday & Saturday Thursday 5 Sunday & Wednesday Friday 6 Monday & Thursday Saturday 7 Tuesday & Friday Sunday 8 Wednesday & Saturday Monday 9 Thursday & Sunday Tuesday 0 Friday & Monday Wednesday It is important that your customer s irrigation controllers are programmed correctly to their current rostered watering days. Advise your customers that they can save litres of water and avoid fines for breaching watering restrictions with the proper setting of their irrigation controllers. It s important to advise your customers to regularly check their irrigation system s controller units and advise them to turn them off when it rains! Some handy Dos and Don ts for sprinkler & outdoor use Specific to your customers: You can: Water lawns and gardens with a hand held hose or watering can Top up a pond, fountain or swimming pool A person, during the course of their employment in the turf, garden or landscaping industries can operate an irrigation system to the minimum extent necessary while the system is being installed, maintained, tested or repaired. An Authorised sprinkler testing in progress sign must be clearly displayed on the site for the duration of the testing. A person, during the course of their employment in the turf, garden or landscaping industries, can apply 10mm of water immediately after the application of fertilisers, wetting agents or vertimowing. You can wash your car with a hose Water lawns and gardens using irrigation systems with sprinklers or drippers on your watering days, EITHER once in the morning before 9am or once in the evening after 6pm. Households and businesses can apply for a watering exemption if establishing a new lawn or garden. You can t: Water gardens and lawns using irrigation systems in BOTH the morning and evening of your allocated watering days unless an exemption has been applied for. Water lawns and gardens using irrigation systems between the hours of 9am and 6pm. Clean driveways, walls or windows of buildings with a hose. Run your irrigation outside your allowed watering days or times to see if the system is operating OR adjust sprays on sprinklers. (the above information has been obtained from the Water Corporation website) Waterwise helpline 24 hours

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