Question 1

What should I do if a client is refusing to pay over a defect?

Accepted Answer

Get the alleged defect in writing and know your rights under the Australian Consumer Law — respond and record your position rather than walking away.

Question 2

What should I do if i haven't been paid?

Accepted Answer

Check your contract and serve a Security of Payment claim — the timelines are strict, and a respondent who misses the payment-schedule deadline can be liable for the full amount.

Question 3

What should I do if my ute's been broken into?

Accepted Answer

Report to police for a reference number, notify your insurer within 24-48 hours, and check site CCTV before it loops over.

Question 4

What should I do if i've been sacked on the spot?

Accepted Answer

You have 21 days to lodge an unfair dismissal claim with the Fair Work Commission — the window is strict, so act fast.

Question 5

What should I do if i've just disturbed asbestos?

Accepted Answer

Stop work, keep everyone clear of the area, and do not cut, break, sand or clean it up yourself.

Question 6

What should I do if someone's had an accident on site?

Accepted Answer

Make the area safe, call 000 if it's serious, start DRSABCD, and report a notifiable incident to your WHS regulator immediately.

Question 7

What should I do if an ato letter just landed?

Accepted Answer

Don't ignore it — read what it asks and the deadline, and contact the ATO about a payment plan or hardship if you can't pay in full.

Question 8

What should I do if am i really a subbie, or an employee??

Accepted Answer

It turns on the real substance of the work, not the label or the ABN — misclassifying an employee as a contractor is illegal.

Question 9

What should I do if i've had a fall, or a working-at-heights stop?

Accepted Answer

Stop the work and make the area safe — don't resume height work until the fall risk is controlled with a SWMS and the right equipment.

Question 10

What should I do if i've had an engineered-stone or silica notice?

Accepted Answer

Stop dry-cutting and control the dust now — engineered stone is banned, and any material over 1% silica needs a written control plan.

Question 11

What should I do if a safework or worksafe inspector has turned up?

Accepted Answer

Be cooperative and ask for ID and the reason for the visit; don't obstruct — and a notifiable incident must be reported immediately regardless.

Question 12

What should I do if i'm not coping?

Accepted Answer

You're not alone and help is free and confidential — call MATES in Construction 1300 642 111, Lifeline 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636. If life is at risk, call 000.

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