A recent State Government announcement revealed that due to recently observed COVID-19 impacts on the construction industry, the Industry Enforcement and Engagement Operation and Building Authority and Worksafe bodies will be conducting a 4-week long compliance blitz from 13 September 2021.
The compliance blitz will have a ‘zero tolerance’ approach and may require evidence of compliance including:
- A compliant construction industry COVIDSafe Plan;
- Work premises rosters and attendance records
- Payroll data
Construction businesses are required to have in place a ‘COVIDSafe Plan’ that is tailored to the industry. If you use a generic plan, or your current plan needs updating, the Victorian Government has released a construction-industry template plan, which can be accessed here.
In general, a construction industry COVIDSafe Plan must cover:
- Physical distancing;
- Face masks;
- Hygiene;
- Record keeping;
- Enclosed spaces; and
- Workforce bubbles.
Serious non-compliance could result in on-the-spot fines of up to $1,817.00 for individual workers and up to $10,904.00 for businesses.
Priority Vaccination Program
In conjunction with the blitz, the State Government also announced that construction workers can now receive ‘walk-in’ (no booking) vaccinations at four major vaccination centres (targeted to particular areas of concern) between 13 September 2021 and 26 September 2021.
The major centres include:
- Campbellfield – Ford Complex (walk-ins between 5pm-8pm)
- Heidelberg – Repat (walk-ins between 5pm-8pm)
- Wyndham – Eagle Stadium (walk-ins between 5pm-6pm)
- Melton – Former Bunnings (walk-ins between 5pm-6pm).
As part of the vaccination drive, there will be 20,000 priority Pfizer appointments being made available at all sites across Victoria (except drive-through sites).
To be eligible for a no-booking vaccination, you must work onsite conducting civil works, building or construction activities. This includes any contractors and architects who work onsite.
If you have questions regarding COVID-19 compliance directions, please contact Peter Lettieri or William Johnson.
