Dear Members
 
I hope this message finds you well.
 
Since Friday, there have been communications regarding clarifications to questions that members have shared about Stage 4 restrictions, with references to different documents and websites.
 
To streamline that, our suggestion is to read the website updates/documents in this order:


 1. The Business Victoria website Construction Sector Guidance provides updates on the latest list of specialist trades eligible for movement and other FAQs. Particular updates to these FAQs that our members may wish to look out for include:

  • I’m not on the specialist contractor list; how many sites can I visit a week? (See note below that Master Builders Victoria is still seeking greater clarity on this issue)
  • Do we rely on the site’s footprint or the site’s floor size to determine whether a site is more than 1500m2?
  • For metropolitan-based workers on regional projects, can you clarify whether ‘employed on a project’ is limited to those already inducted/physically present?
  • How will the five-worker rule apply with respect to sites where the homeowner attends the building site?
  • Are builders allowed to carry out maintenance and warranty work during Stage 4 to meet contractual requirements after the property has been handed over?

2. The DHHS Workplace (additional Industry Obligations) Directions (No 4) provides the detailed rules and regulations for Victorian workplaces, as signed off by the Chief Health Officer last night, some of which relates directly to our industry. The Workplace Directions (No 3), have also been updated. Last night's bulletin provides some details as to the changes included overnight.

3. Master Builders Victoria has produced a set of member frequently asked questions to help fill the gaps and apply these rules to specific situations in our industry.

While we understand this still does not answer every question, it covers everything we have clarity on from government so far. The issue of workers moving among sites during restrictions is still one for which we are trying to get a definitive answer. We know that, overall, the government is trying to reduce the movement of people and ask that all members work towards that intent. However, we believe it’s reasonable that workers could move to a new site after their current project is finished during the lockdown – and have been putting this case to government.
 
In the meantime, we are preparing our industry to be ready to re-open at full capacity when restrictions lift. Currently, our data confirms that individuals are eight times less likely to get the virus if they work in building and construction when compared to the wider Victorian community - this can be attributed to the extra safety and health measures our industry has put in place since March.
 
It is important that everyone remains vigilant, though. I was on ABC Radio this morning and was told of scenarios where workers were not wearing masks or not observing physical distancing. Our industry can’t afford anyone not following the rules as it threatens our own health and safety and, in turn, may damage the very good track record our sector has regarding infection and transmission. Ultimately, it’s what we do today that will determine when we go back to full-scale work, so it’s imperative we do not allow anyone to lapse on these measures.
 
Please stay well and stay safe.
 
Best wishes,
Rebecca

 
If you are having issues with communicating regulations to workers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, we recommend using these guides in different languages that have been provided by DHHS:

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus/arabic
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus/chinese
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus/dari
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus/farsi
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus/hindi
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus/khmer
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus/punjabi
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus/vietnamese
 
 
Listen to Rebecca Casson on ABC Radio this morning.