Inclement weather is defined as the existence of rain or abnormal climatic conditions (such as hail, snow, cold, high wind, severe dust storm, extreme high temperature or any combination of these conditions) where it not reasonable or it is unsafe for employees (including apprentices and trainees) to continue to work in those conditions.
Work on site must cease when there is inclement weather which makes work unsafe.
The Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2010 (Clause 24) outlines the provisions that must be applied to employees in general building and construction or civil construction that are unable to perform work on site due to inclement weather.
Under the Award, where an employee (including apprentices and trainees) is unable to perform work at any location because of inclement weather, the employee will receive payment at the ordinary hourly rate for ordinary hours.
Payment for lost time due to inclement weather is subject to a maximum of 32 hours pay in any 4-week period for each employee
Where an inclement weather event occurs, you Host Employer may find you alternative work for (within the apprentice or trainees’ level of capabilities and classification) at a different location where it is reasonable and safe to work.
However, in accordance with the Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2010, you must be paid for any hours lost if you have been unable to work due to inclement weather up to a maximum of 32 hours pay in any 4-week period.
As an apprentice or trainee, it is not at your discretion to determine an inclement weather event – if you wake up and it is raining outside that does not mean you can decide it is inclement weather and not go to work.
At all times, you need to communicate with your Host Employer about what arrangements will be made, if it is determined that there is inclement weather.
In the event that the inclement weather hours exceeds 32 hours in any 4-week period, Master Builders will contact you to determine how the additional hours will be treated. If you have accrued RDO’s, the accrued RDO hours will be used for any Inclement Weather hours in excess of 32 hours in any 4-week period. Otherwise, you can choose to take annual leave or leave without pay for this time.
