Roadmap for a COVID-normal return finally released
A few days ago, we told you about the Government’s roadmap for the easing of Stage 4 restrictions. Due to the growth in coronavirus cases, the Victorian Government had to put the whole state on stricter rules and regulations for a month. The said restrictions will end on September 13th while the extension for state of emergency provisions in the state will be extended for the next six weeks, the restrictions are said to be eased by September 28 provided that the cases don’t get worse.
The Premiere presented the roadmap for a COVID-normal return on Sunday, September 6, 2020. Here is a brief summary of all the details business owners and workers need to know.
Steps to COVID Normal
The building and construction industry will be working within these restrictions in the coming several months. The industry will also have to follow a system of colours corresponding to the level of restrictions.
Closed (except for critical and emergency works) - REDHeavily restricted (this is the stage Greater Melbourne members are currently in) - ORANGE
Restricted (Greater Melbourne members to move to on 28 September if average daily new cases rates are between 30-50) - YELLOW
Open with High-Risk COVIDSafe plan (this is the stage Regional Victorian members are currently in) – GREEN
Regional Victoria is currently in the “open with high-risk COVIDSafe plan” stage but under the roadmap, there are some adjustments that members need to comply with. Check it out here. By September 28th when the restrictions are eased out, here are some of the key summary of the changes that will be implemented.
(From HEAVILY RESTRICTED to RESTRICTED provided that daily case rate is at 30-50)
LARGE SCALE CONSTRUCTION
A daily maximum of workers on site is calculated as the higher of 85% of their baseline workforce; OR 15 workers. (an increase from the current 25% of the workforce or 5 workers)
All site inductions conducted outside
All toolbox meetings conducted outside
Specialist contractors can move between up to 3 sites/week.
Workers restricted to attending only one site
Dedicated COVIDSafe Monitor on-site
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse resources and messaging required on site
SMALL SCALE CONSTRUCTION
Maximum of 5 workers on site.
On-site / office-based activities to resume with density quotient applied
Workers encouraged to work from home where possible
Display homes open by appointment only with physical distancing and density quotient for enclosed spaces, temperature testing, and contact tracing procedures
The supply and install of building materials is exempt from the workforce limits providing that the workgroup is kept separate to other workers
All site inductions conducted outside
All toolbox meetings conducted outside
Workforce bubbles/workforce movement is permitted under the following rules:
Specialist contractors: up to 5 sites/week.
Workers are restricted from attending only 2 sites on any given day.
EARLY STAGE LAND DEVELOPMENT
Density restrictions of no more than 20 workers per hectare
On-site / office-based activities to resume with density quotient applied
Workers encouraged to work from home
Of course, the six main key principles must be applied to the industry at all times such as:
Wearing of face mask
Physical distancing
Practicing good hygiene
Keeping records of staff and responding quickly if one staff becomes unwell
Restricting staff interaction in enclosed spaces
Creating workforce bubbles
For a more detailed timeline and info, you may check out these links:
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