The Effects of Covid19 in Residential Building Projects and How RMP Builders Cope Despite the Difficult Situation
27 November 2020The restriction level for the construction industry moves to ‘Open with a COVIDSafe Plan’ under the Third Step in Victoria. A COVIDSafe Plan is required for each site. Under the Third Step, restrictions are consistent across all construction and land development in Victoria, including the requirement for a COVIDSafe Plan and practising COVIDSafe principles.
There are no specific restrictions on the number of workers permitted on a construction site, however, employers must adhere to density restrictions for enclosed and indoor spaces as part of their COVIDSafe Plan.
There are no restrictions on workers attending multiple construction sites, however, employers must still minimise the movement of workers across sites wherever possible to help slow the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
The specialised contractor list no longer applies. Any worker on a construction site can attend to undertake required works. Workers must operate under their business or employer’s COVIDSafe Plan for each site.
All indoor and outdoor construction, renovations, installations, repairs and maintenance on vacated and occupied premises may occur across Victoria. All work should enable physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres to reduce person-to-person contact for workers and occupants.
Travel restrictions between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria no longer apply. Permitted Worker Permits and Metro-Regional Work Travel Permits are not required from this time. There is no restriction on travel in Victoria.
Under the Third Step, construction, renovations, and energy efficiency (e.g. solar panel installations) activities external to a premises are permitted to proceed at all sites. Internal works are also permitted under the Third Step. All work should enable physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres to reduce person-to-person contact for workers and occupants.
A COVIDSafe Plan should be in place for the site and all COVIDSafe practices should be followed. All work should be conducted contact-free. Where interactions with the occupant are required these interactions should occur outside and comply with face mask and physical distancing requirements.
Construction contracts can be signed and started under the Third Step. Employers must have a COVIDSafe Plan in place for each workplace/site and ensure that workers comply with those plans including physical distancing and face mask requirements.
Builders can attend prospective sites for the purpose of tendering for projects. Where the building owner is present or an interaction with the building owner is required this should occur using video conferencing if possible. If on-site interaction is required, all COVIDSafe practices should be adhered to including the wearing of face masks, social distancing, and where possible, meeting outside.
Workforce bubbles aim to reduce the risk of transmission by limiting the number of people who come into contact with one another. Employers must comply with mandatory restrictions on physical distancing and limiting the movement of workers between sites. Employers are encouraged to operate one workforce bubble on a work site or ensure there are measures to limit movement between workforce bubbles.
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