Campbell Pudney was the first glazier in Australia to get certified.
Camera IconCampbell Pudney was the first glazier in Australia to get certified. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Woodvale glazier wants others to get certified

Tyler BrownJoondalup Times

The 58-year-old, who owns Woodvale Glass, has been part of the glass and glazing industry for more than 42 years and is now an executive committee member of the Glass and Window Association of WA.

In 1987, when working in Greenwood, Mr Pudney had a life-threatening workplace accident.

“I had over a tonne of glass fall off the side of a truck, pinning and crushing me,” he said.

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“They say the only thing that saved me was I used to do marathon running so my legs and chest were strong enough to take the weight, otherwise I should have been killed.”

Mr Pudney was in hospital for months and not able to walk properly for nearly two years.

Eventually, he returned to work but spent most of his time in the office.

“It took many years for me to get back to handling glass,” he said.After 17 years, he decided to work himself, first in a partnership and then solo with Woodvale Glass.

“A while back, the Australian Glass and Glazing Association approached the Federal Government about licensing glaziers in the same way plumbers and electricians are now,” he said.

“The Federal Government replied by saying prove to them the glass industry wants the licensing by going through an industry-based certification program, then they will look at it.”

Despite such extensive experience in the industry, Mr Pudney said he was happy to go through the “straightforward” process and he became the first glazier in Australia to become certified.

“It’s important for the safety_ to of both the customer and the installers,” he said.

“The customer needs the correct glass in the correct situation and installed correctly, the installer needs to be trained to handle the glass safely and the glazier must be trained to meet the relevant Australian standards.”

He said this was a way to “get rid of the cowboys”.

“Over the years, I have been approached my so-called glaziers asking me how to do jobs or what sort of glass they should use,” he said.

“These people are going out to houses with little or no training.”

“You are still dealing with people’s lives in this industry.”

He said it was “very emotional” after 40 years in the industry and after “what had happened to me in Greenwood” to stand on a stage and be the first glazier in Australia to receive certification.