Our colleagues at Focus Underwriting have made us aware of this issue which can contribute to claims against architects: The Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) recommends that before an architect commences work on a project, the architect and client enter into a written agreement signed by the parties that, amongst other things, defines the services […]

At its core, collaboration requires teams to work together towards one project goal. Ideally, everyone would be collaborating towards the same project goal with access to the main plans, information and relevant documents without having to rely on others. Although it is advantageous to make collaboration central across projects, the reality of the traditionally fragmented […]

You may already be familiar with the sinking feeling that accompanies receiving a statement of claim or subpoena, particularly if served in person. Once the sinking feeling subsides, and you have notified your insurer and lawyer, what is the next step? The answer is evidence, or more accurately, collating the often-voluminous records brought about by […]

You will have seen the recent spike of media reporting on the call by trade unions to ban the use of engineered stone. This recent ABC article reports that the Federal Labor Government has called for Safe Work Australia to advise on the mechanics of a ban, and state workplace safety ministers are meeting to […]

Our informed Practice Guides are a series of short notes providing general guidance on some common risk, insurance and contract related topics. Our Practice Guides cover a range of subjects from Novation, to Indemnities, and Inspections and Certificates. Planned Cover clients can download the Practice Guides using their login. Over January, we have updated some […]

Welcome our new Risk Managers Winston Churchill once said, “To improve is to change”, something we hold to be true and have been constantly trying to achieve by growing and evolving as a business to provide design consultants with high quality, relevant and up to date risk management and educational advice. We continually strive for […]

Will 2022 be remembered for the sheer relief of escaping lockdown … or for a challenging market driven by escalating prices and scarce labour resources? As the post-COVID economy delivers boosts in some areas and downturns in others, for the most part, the construction industry does seem to be holding up – certainly if the […]

***** ANNUAL WEBINAR PASS 2023 IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ***** Since 2017, informed by Planned Cover’s webinar program has been helping you stay up to date on current issues affecting the construction industry, and meet your professional CPD obligations. In 2023, we’re consolidating our offering into a tighter program of eight webinars – […]

Since the introduction of Part 4 of the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 (NSW) (“DBP Act”) relating to the legislative duty of care obligations (which commenced in June 2020) those in the construction industry, particularly those architects, engineers, other design consultants and builders performing their services in NSW, have been put on notice. There […]

The recent decision FKP Commercial Developments Pty Ltd v Zurich Australian Insurance Limited [2022] FCA 862 confirms that professional indemnity insurance policies taken out by construction companies will not cover losses that are not sufficiently connected to the provision of “professional services”.  The Court also made it clear that professional indemnity insurance policies are to […]