With a major source of transmission in Victoria’s latest COVID19 outbreak now linked to construction sites, a massive compliance blitz is starting to ensure the sector remains open and COVIDSafe.

To ensure the State can slow the spread of coronavirus and protect the Victorian health system, a four-week blitz will be carried out by the Government’s Industry Enforcement and Engagement Operation, in partnership with Worksafe and the Victorian Building Authority.

Many people working in construction are young, highly mobile and unvaccinated. Given the increased public health risks, the joint operation will have a ‘zero tolerance’ approach and will apply fines and prohibition notices to fix any serious non-compliance.

The blitz will be supported by additional engagement with the construction industry, including targeted engagement with small to medium size construction businesses to support sub-contractors in understanding their obligations under the CHO Directions.

Any breach of the COVID-19 public health order at a workplace such as:

• not wearing face masks,
• not displaying a QR code sign,
• not having a COVIDSafe plan,
• not adhering to density requirements or
• not having a permitted worker permit where required,

Click here to read the full  Media Statement

Covid-19 Vaccination Program for the Building and Construction Industry

Further to the Premier's announcement today, 13 September 2021, please find below details of the priority vaccination program for the building and construction industry.

Workers in the construction sector are now being encouraged to come forward for vaccination. There will be a range of priority booked, walk-up and general appointments available to those working in the sector.

Access to priority Pfizer appointments

• From 13–19 September, 20,000 priority access Pfizer appointments are available for construction workers at vaccination centres across Victoria.
• Appointments can be made by calling the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.
• Construction workers aged 60 years and over will receive AstraZeneca. Workers aged under 60 years can get either Pfizer or AstraZeneca
• Family members of workers are not eligible for priority appointments.

Walk up access

• From 13–26 September, dedicated walk-up access times are open for construction workers at select vaccination centres
• The vaccination centres are:
  • Wyndham Eagle Stadium in-person vaccination clinic
  • Melton in-person vaccination clinic
  • Campbellfield Ford Complex in-person vaccination clinic
  • Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital

• See website for access times: Vaccination centres | Coronavirus Victoria

• Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) - AstraZeneca only, 3.00pm-6.30pm daily

General appointments

General appointments are available for all Victorians, including construction workers and their family members aged 12 years and over.

Appointments at a vaccination centre can be booked by

• calling the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398
• using the online booking system

You can also book a vaccine appointment at a participating doctor’s clinic, pharmacy or community health service.

Note:

• Construction workers aged 60 years and over will be offered AstraZeneca. Workers aged under 60 years will be offered Pfizer.
• Construction workers are defined as workers at a construction site, including apprentices and workers who frequently visit. A construction site is a work premises, residential, commercial or government at which civil works, building or construction activities take place.
• Under current restrictions, you are allowed to travel more than 5km from home to receive a COVID-19 vaccine provided the distance travelled, and the time taken, is no more than is absolutely necessary

See website for further details: Who can get vaccinated against COVID-19 | Coronavirus Victoria.

Click here for Communications update Victorian Department of Health

Got a Question?

For workplace advice/questions please contact the office at email:  membership@acfa.net.au

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