In this February edition of the Point Force Press, we discuss getting back up to speed after the Christmas break, shine a light on team members old and new, and reinforce the importance of staying hydrated and sun safe on site during the relentless Australian summer.

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The Post Christmas Slump

Let's be honest: the post-Christmas period is tough for construction. After everyone's had a proper break, getting projects firing again in January is harder than it should be. Extended leave, skeleton crews, scorching heat, and the Australia Day long weekend all make for a slow start to the year. If you're a site manager right now, you're probably feeling the frustration.

We get it. We see this at the turn of every year, and we're here to help you get back up to speed without the usual headaches.

Need traffic controllers to keep your site safe and compliant while you're running a lean crew? We've got experienced people ready to go. Short on labourers because half your team is still on leave? We can fill those gaps quickly. Looking for complete traffic management solutions to keep everything running smoothly? That's what we do.

Our network of qualified, reliable Labourers and Traffic controllers means you don't have to compromise on quality just because it's January. We're responsive, we understand the pressure you're under, and we're ready to help you get that momentum back.

The Post-Christmas slump doesn't have to derail your timeline. Let's get your project moving again.

Get in touch today and let's talk about what you need.

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Team Spotlight: Ciaran

Ciaran joined Point Force Group over 5 years ago and currently serves as Labour State Manager VIC. With prior experience in recruitment, he has excelled in connecting skilled workers with vital roles in the construction industry.

In his leadership role, he has enhanced team dynamics, fostered relationships, and driven successful staffing solutions. His commitment to building lasting connections has resulted in improved client satisfaction and operational success, contributing to Point Force’s strong reputation in the market.

How long have you been working in the construction and labour hire industry, and what initially drew you to this field?

I’ve been in the construction and labour hire industry for 7 years now, and 5 of those have been with Point Force. I guess you could say it runs in the family; my uncles were carpenters and builders, and my dad taught carpentry in detention centres. Growing up, I would have worked with lots of different trades during my summer breaks, so I have always had a good understanding of on-site requirements, which made a career in labour hire a no-brainer for me.

What do you find most rewarding about your role?

What I find most rewarding about my role is seeing people develop their skills on-site. There’s nothing better than helping someone grow through training and building relationships with them. When I see someone go from unsure to confident in their abilities, it really makes my day. I love being part of that journey and knowing I’ve played a role in their progress. It’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. Helping others achieve their goals is what makes this job so fulfilling for me.

What does a strong and successful client partnership look like to you?

To me, a strong and successful client partnership is built on honesty and on proactively addressing requests as they arise. It’s important to build relationships not just with decision-makers but also with junior on-site members. Everyone has a role to play, and those junior team members will be the decision-makers in the future.

Why is now an exciting time to be working in the Victorian construction industry?

With the surge in demand for new residential projects, there’s a significant need for skilled labour to meet these construction goals. This creates fantastic opportunities for us to connect talented workers with projects that are shaping the future of housing in our communities.

Outside of work, what are a few things that people might not know about you?

Outside of work, I’ve got a dog who keeps me on my toes! I enjoy hitting the gym to stay fit and love trying out new restaurants. Cooking at home is also a bit of a passion of mine. Spending time with friends is important, whether we’re grabbing a bite or just hanging out. I also love travelling with my wife Dani. We’ve been fortunate to explore some great places like the US, Japan, and a bunch of countries in Europe. We really enjoy discovering new cultures and trying different foods. It’s all about making good memories together!

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Meet Keeva:

We're pleased to welcome Keeva to our Traffic Operations team!

Keeva is stepping into the role of Client Account Manager for Point Force Traffic, bringing valuable Traffic Control field experience with her as she transitions into the office. Her focus will be on ensuring our clients are well looked after and their needs are consistently met throughout every stage of our partnership.

Please join us in welcoming Keeva to the team, we're excited to have her on board!

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Sponsoring Sunbury United FC:

Point Force Group is proud to announce that we've become a sponsor of Sunbury United FC!

Located in the outer northwest of Melbourne, Sunbury United aims to be the best community club they can be, fostering an inclusive and diverse, family-friendly atmosphere. These values align perfectly with our own commitment to community support.

We believe in supporting clubs that bring our community together and create opportunities for everyone to participate in sport. We're excited to be part of the Sunbury United family and look forward to cheering on the team this season!

By sponsoring grassroots sports clubs like Sunbury United, and the other grassroots teams we sponsor like St Kevins GAA, The Bondi Gaels, and St Kilda Celts, we're investing in more than just sport, we're investing in the fabric of our communities. We're helping ensure these clubs can continue to provide opportunities, build character, and create lasting memories for players, families, and supporters.

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The Safety Update: Sun safety & Dehydration

WHY IT’S A DANGER TO BE DEHYDRATED

Dehydration is a serious risk on construction sites, especially during warmer months or physically demanding tasks. It doesn’t just affect your health, it impacts your focus, reaction time, and overall safety on the job. Even mild dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and increased risk of accidents. In this post, we’ll cover the signs of dehydration, tips to stay hydrated throughout the workday.

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COMMON SYMPTOMS OF DEHYDRATION

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms while working out in the heat, the likelihood is that you are dehydrated.

+ Dry Mouth & Thirst

+ Dark Urine

+ Feeling Dizzy

+ Headaches

+ Fatigue & Weakness

+ Muscle Cramps

+ Rapid Heart Rate

+ Confusion or Irritability

ARE YOU HYDRATED ENOUGH?

1 to 2: Hydrated

Urine Appearance: Clear to light yellow, no strong odour.

What It Means: Your fluid levels are balanced. Keep drinking regularly!

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3 to 4: Mildly Dehydrated

Urine Appearance: Bright Yellow, Slight odour

What It Means: You’re starting to fall behind on water intake. Time to drink a glass or two!

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5 to 6: Dehydrated

Urine Appearance: Deep Yellow, Strong odour.

What It Means: You need more water. Drink immediately to rehydrate.

7 to 8: Severely Dehydrated

Urine Appearance: Deep Yellow, Strong odour.

What It Means: You need more water. Drink immediately to rehydrate.

TOP TIPS FOR HEAT SAFETY

+ STAY HYDRATED: Drink water regularly, aim for 250ml every 15-20 minutes, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid caffeinated or sugary drinks as they can dehydrate you.

+ WEAR SUN PROTECTION: Use wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and SPF 30+ sunscreen. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if you’re sweating.

+ TAKE REGULAR BREAKS: Schedule rest breaks in shaded or cool areas, especially during peak heat hours (11 AM - 3 PM).

+ DRESS APPROPRIATELY: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, and breathable clothing to stay cool while protecting your skin.

+ USE SHADE & COOLING METHODS: Set up shade structures where possible and use fans or misting systems to cool down areas.

+ IDENTIFY SIGNS OF HEAT STRESS: Watch for symptoms like dizziness, excessive sweating, confusion, headache & nausea. Act quickly if these occur. Find shade, hydrate & rest.

+ ADJUST WORK SCHEDULES: Plan heavy tasks for early mornings or late afternoons when temperatures are lower.

+ LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER: Keep an eye on your workmates. If someone shows signs of heat stress, help them take immediate action.

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FINALLY….

By following these heat safety tips, you can protect yourself and your workmates from the risks of working in high temperatures. Staying hydrated, taking regular breaks, and recognising the early signs of heat stress are key to staying safe & productive on site.

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That concludes this months run of The Point Force Press,

Catch us this time next month, for more industry insights and peaks into the inner workings of Point Force Group.

Until then, If you are in need of labour hire, traffic management or any other construction staffing solutions be sure to reach out, and let us help power your project's progress.

📞 Call 0422 061 878 or visit our website

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