Victoria undertakes COVIDSafe construction compliance blitz

The Victorian Government has commenced a four-week construction compliance blitz, to slow the spread of coronavirus and protect the state’s health system. The 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; due to 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. To increase vaccination coverage among construction workers, Victoria will open four major vaccination centres to walk-ups without a booking, every day until 26 September. Thousands of further priority Pfizer appointments will also be released for the sector, with unlimited access to AstraZeneca. The Ford Campbellfield site, the Heidelberg Repat, Eagle Stadium in Wyndham, and the former Bunnings in Melton will be open for walk-ups for construction workers from 8 am until 11 am. The Ford and Repat sites will open again for walk-ups daily between 5 pm and 8 pm, with the Wyndham and Melton sites open for walk-ups between 5 pm and 6 pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Pfizer will be offered to attendees under the age of 60.

“Our construction industry is critical to our state, but what is even more important is vaccinating each and every Victorian so we can slow the spread of the virus The construction sector’s ability to remain open is on a knife’s edge, and to ensure they can keep building, people need to get vaccinated and follow the rules,” said Treasurer Tim Pallas.

Approximately 20,000 further priority Pfizer appointments will be made available to construction workers at all sites across Victoria (excluding drive-through sites). All workers should book via the Coronavirus hotline between Monday and Friday to ensure they receive priority access. AstraZeneca walk-ups will be available for construction workers at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre each afternoon from 3 pm, for a fortnight. The government will also provide Incolink, an industry fund supporting construction workers, with unlimited supply of AstraZeneca for its COVID-19 construction vaccination program. Anyone working at a site where civil works, building or construction activities take place, including contractors and architects working onsite, will be eligible. Any Victorian, including construction workers, can also book to get vaccinated with their local GP or selected pharmacists across the state.

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