This week, the government have released new restriction changes for the construction industry due to a spike in COVID-19 cases detected at work sites.
These new restrictions are in place to allow workers to continue working safely.
Key information you need to know:
- All construction sector employees to have had at least their first COVID-19 vaccination by 11:59 pm on Thursday the 23rd of September 2021, or a medical exemption
- No construction workers to cross the Metropolitan/Regional border in Victoria,
- No tea rooms on-site,
- No food or drink to be consumed indoors at work,
- All sites to have a COVID-19 Marshall.
Drivers who are delivering supplies to construction sites will be able to move between metropolitan Melbourne and regional Victoria.
Employers are advised to put together a checklist of all operational employees.
Below is a script employers can use to send to their employees which has been drafted by a HR consultant that works closely with Knox Taxation;
“At our company we have to follow government orders. And of course, we want all of our employees to keep safe and keep working.
Because of this our company is going to have to ask each of you to show proof that you have had your 1st vaccination by the end of next Thursday, the 23rd of September. As it is extremely important that we protect your privacy, we are restricting who has access to this information and what information is supplied. There will be a nominated employee to show your proof of vax to. Proof might be showing your MyGov record on your phone, or maybe the card you were given at your appointment. If you feel comfortable, you can email or text these to the company also. Once checked off these records will be destroyed.
For those of you who haven’t had your first vax yet, construction employees will be given priority access. You can call the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398, or book online.
If you are unsure about which type of vaccine you should have, or have other concerns, we strongly urge you to make an appointment with your GP”
Source: Sheena Kane – HR Consultant – Kane Independent Consulting
For more information in regards to these new restrictions, click here to access the full government release.
If you have any questions, please contact our office on (03) 9762 7344
We wish you all the best during this time.
Regards,
The Team @ Knox Taxation and Business Advisory