09:10 am, Wednesday 24 February, 2010

A Wagga Wagga plumbing company says it will weather the Government’s decision to put the insulation scheme on hold, although other companies are likely to downsize and suffer losses.

Accounts of haphazard insulation, injuries and house fires across the country has contributed to the decision to suspend the program until June 2010.

Power’s Plumbing & Insulation’ John Dohl said they don’t worry about losing money since they don’t limit themselves to just one service.

“We already had a lot of stock on hand because we are suppliers for the Riverina and carry quite a big stock,” he said.

“We might have to stand some people down later, but at this stage we won’t be.”

He said the Government’s decision is a good way to force installers businesses out of businesses who do not follow proper safety procedures.

“The dodgy ones out there over-extended themselves,” he said.

“People have just been too greedy, and WorkCover should have given out big enough fines for unsafe work practices to stop these people cutting corners.”

Mr Dohl said the companies who offer only insulation services will suffer and lose business.

“It’s not everybody’s fault and there are good companies who are only set up for insulation, but unfortunately you can’t be one-dimensional,” he said.

“We are going back to how the system used to be and that’s going to be a lot better because there will be control over these companies rather than just open slather for anyone.”

Report by Julia Alder - Do you have an OHS News Story - Let us know