INSURANCE

Soul Apartments, Surfer's Paradise

When it comes to safety, the team at Paynter Dixon Queensland (PDQ) excel within the field. When struck by lightning in June 2014, the Soul Apartment building in Surfers Paradise sustained significant damage to its highest point, requiring specialists to step in and save the day. PDQ was contracted by Soul to undertake repairs to the structure, located 243 metres above ground level.

While undertaking the work, the two most important safety aspects of the project were the protection of the persons carrying out the work and members of the public located below. Access to the damaged area was one of the most difficult aspects of the project, given the areas to be repaired stood 8.4 metres above level 77 of the building. The works were carefully reviewed and appropriate measures were taken. Due to such a high risk on the project, fully engineered cantilevered scaffold was required for safe access and a working platform.

On completion of the scaffold the sub-contractor returned to site to inspect and approve the scaffold for use. The working decks were sheeted with ply and perimeter containment screening erected. The screening was removed at the end of each working day with no work completed on windy days.

The project was successfully completed without injuries to any person or any falling objects. It was the attention to detail that earned PDQ a commendation for Innovation in Safety, not only at a regional level but at the State QMBA Awards in 2015.

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