VICTORIAN MEMBERS: New Restrictions

10-08-2020
 

The Concrete Pumping Association of Australia and its members are shocked by the impacts to all Victorians arising from the Stage 4 measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. We understand any decisions taken by Governments to scale back the building and construction industry, are never taken lightly.

The recent statements by the Victorian Premier about the building and construction industry, in particular, the difficult decision regarding Stage 4 measures has created considerable uncertainty for service providers and ancillary contractors during the delivery of materials and supply services to constructions sites. Click here for DHHS statement.

Since Tuesday, 4 August the CPAA has been in constant contact with the DHHS, Business Victoria other industry associations and unions to clarify impacts to our members operating Concrete Pumping Equipment across the building and construction industry in Victoria, in relation to Construction Stage 4 Measures …. workers can only work at one site during Stage 4. This measure has created the greatest amount of confusion amongst contactors.

Status as of today (Tuesday, 11 August)

Further updates continue to be posted onto DHHA and Business Victoria websites regards specific details for Construction Stage 4 Measures and there application to our members with Concrete Pump Operations. See link here. https://www.business.vic.gov.au/disputes-disasters-and-succession-planning/covid-safe-business/construction-sector-guidance#construction The Association has again recahed out to Business Victoria to clarify the onging changes. The folowing represents the current advice given to the Concrete Pumping Association of Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Q. Is a Concrete Pump Operator defined as a 'Worker' and counted towards site numbers?

A. No. Concrete Pump Operators are defined as only present onsite for a short period of time and these do not count towards the daily worker limits, e.g. Concrete Truck operators and are NOT counted towards site numbers.

Q. Are Concrete Pump Operators restricted to visiting only 3 sites per week?

A. No. This restriction applies to Workers and Contractors

Q. Can Concrete Pumping Operate under Stage 4 Measures?

A. Yes. Based on advice from the DHHS, Business Victoria and aligned industry association bodies and unions, advise these site restrictions measures do NOT apply to service providers during delivery of materials and supply services* to constructions sites. E.g. Concrete Pumping Contractors, Concrete Truck, construction materials are able to operate.

Q. Do I need a COVID Safe Plan?

A. Yes. You need a company-wide plan addressing all protocols for sites you operate your equipment. NOTE: All contractors must implement and maintain a COVID Safe Plan.

Q. Can Construction Sites continue operating?

A. Yes. But under Stage 4 measures set out below. Construction Stage 4 Measures (summarised)

1. Large scale – projects of more than 3 stories exc. basement
• Maximum 25% of normal employees onsite at any time
• Must implement high-risk COVID Safe Plan
2. Small scale – projects of 3 stories or less exc. basement
• Maximum 5 workers inc. supervisors
• Must implement universal COVID Safe Plan
3. State and civil construction projects
• Exempt from staff reduction targets, but assessed on a project basis
• Must implement high-risk COVID Safe Plan

Requirements across all sites:
• No blending shifts
• Workers may only work on one site (*exclude Concrete Pump Operators)
• Contact tracing is required as part of the COVID Safe plans

Q. Do my employees require a permit?

A. Yes. Where the workplace is part of a permitted activity employers will be required to issue signed worker permits to their employees to allow them to attend a workplace. Permits must be in place before midnight on Wednesday 5 August 2020.

Q. Do car pooling restrictions apply to travel in Concrete Pumping Equipment?

A. Not based on the advice we have receieved. This restrcition relates to private vehicle use only.

The Association will continue to monitor and report updates, so please keep monitoring these pages.

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