Dear members,
In announcing further details of the Stage 4 coronavirus pandemic restrictions yesterday, the Victorian Government unveiled a number of new restrictions for the construction sector.
Supporting documentation attached to this announcement suggested that architects, engineers and technical services would not be permitted on construction sites under the new arrangements.
The Institute is urgently seeking clarification of these arrangements with government, noting that it is imperative that architects continue to have access to construction sites, not least for safety reasons.
A copy of the advice from Government, as it currently stands, is below.
Statement from the Premier and excerpt with additional detail:
Our construction sector will also move to pilot-light levels. For major construction sites, that means the absolute minimum required for safety – but no more than 25% of the normal workforce onsite. Small-scale construction will be limited to a maximum of 5 people onsite.
Restricted operations or industry specific obligations
Large scale construction:
- Any building construction project of more than three storeys (excluding basement)
- Maximum of 25 per cent of normal employees on site compared to normal operations.
- Must have High Risk COVID Safe Plan.
- Must demonstrate not blending shifts and workers can only work at one site during Stage 4.
Small scale construction
- Any building construction project of three storeys or less (excluding basement)
- Maximum of five workers (including supervisors)
- Universal COVID Safe Plan
- Must demonstrate not blending shifts and workers can only work at one site during Stage 4.
State and state civil construction (including time critical new school builds) are exempt from reduction targets but will be required to implement High Risk COVID Safe Plan.
We will provide a further update to members at the earliest opportunity.
Kind regards,
Julia Cambage
CEO