The NSW Government hopes to lift the ban on construction work in Greater Sydney on 31 July. It is pressing that the construction industry start re-mobilising to be able to work productively from that date.
To keep workers safe, Infrastructure NSW in collaboration with SafeWork NSW and the construction industry has published the COVID-19 Guidance for NSW Construction sites. Safework inspectors will be checking businesses comply with these measures.
Below is short summary:
STAY AWAY
Anyone with flu-like symptoms should not enter a construction site.
Anyone who is a contact of a person with COVID should isolate themselves and not enter a construction site until NSW Health permits them to do so.
Residents of the Blacktown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield and Liverpool must not leave the LGA.
Employers can ask for proof of residential address.
TRAVELLING TO AND ARRIVING ON SITE
Workers (other than members of the same household) should not carpool to or from work
Workers should not congregate at arrival points.
Ask workers to confirm they have no flu-like symptoms and have not had contact with a COVID case.
Workers should keep a safe distance apart.
KEEPING TRACK OF RECORDS
Service NSW QR codes are mandatory for each site.
Workers must check in to the site using the Service NSW app.
If workers don’t have a smartphone, they must complete a written record.
Workers should check out when they leave the site.
Consider registering separate QR codes for each crib and other indoor areas at the worksite.
Keep records about teams working with each other.
COVID TESTING
Workers with flu-like symptoms or who have been in contact with a COVID case must isolate and must not attend site until advised otherwise by NSW Health.
Workers resident in Greater Sydneywho attend work sites more than 50km outside Greater Sydney must have a COVID test every 7 days.
Those workers must carry a record of their most recent COVID test.
Workers can attend the site prior to getting test results, provided they are asymptomatic or have not been identified as a close contact.
Some sites may have additional antigen rapid testing on site. If they return a positive result, they should be isolated immediately and be tested by NSW Health.
MASKS
All workers must carry a face mask at all times.
Masks must be worn both indoors and outdoors.
Surgical masks are OK. Other PPE may be required to protect against dust hazards.
MIXING AND SEGREGATING
If possible, keep work teams separate throughout each shift.
If possible, create split shifts without handover briefings.
Otherwise, stagger start and finish times for workers.
MEAL AREAS
Limit the number of people using a crib at any time.
Wherever possible, create additional cribs to reduce the number gathering in each.
Create al fresco meals areas.
HOISTS AND LIFTS
Avoid close contact in hoists and lifts.
Assign work teams to particular floors.
COVID MARSHALLS
Consider COVID Marshalls on site.
Explain to workers what to do if they become unwell at work.
VACCINATIONS
Tell workers about nearby vaccination centres.
PROSECUTIONS
If you are issued a penalty infringement notice or prosecuted by Safework NSW, talk to Kreisson’s
experienced lawyer about the alternatives to paying a fine.
Please contact us on (02) 8239 6500 or at excellence@kreisson.com.au if you have any queries or need any assistance regarding the Guidelines or how the Guidelines may impact your contractual rights and obligations given the Public Health Order.
This communication is sent by Kreisson Legal Pty Limited (ACN 113 986 824). This communication has been prepared for the general information of clients and professional associates of Kreisson Legal. You should not rely on the contents. It is not legal advice and should not be regarded as a substitute for legal advice. The contents may contain copyright.
JOHN HODGKINSON
Special Counsel
8239 6508 | John.Hodgkinson@Kreisson.com.au
