News & Insights

Metropolitan Melbourne has moved out of lockdown and to the Third Step of easing the Stage Four restrictions, following the Victorian Government’s announcement on 26 October 2020.

what does it mean for the construction industry?

The construction industry has moved to ‘open with a COVIDSafe Plan.’ As a result, onsite workforce capacity can resume to 100%, subject to density quotient requirements and staggered work start times, which came into effect from 11:59pm on 27 October 2020. Further details are set out below.

impact on your business and projects

There is no doubt that the easing of restrictions will be welcomed by all businesses. Nonetheless, it is important to:

• review programmes, timelines and re-set realistic expectations regarding project completion dates, regardless of whether you are the owner, builder or a subcontractor.
• ensure compliance with the obligations which remain in place.
• document all agreements made throughout this next period of change.
• start a review of extension of time and variation claims to ensure certainty for project/s moving forward.

overview of restrictions

All categories

• Manufacturing can recommence to 100% of workforce capacity.
• For onsite workforce, the total number of workers on site is no longer restricted. Shift start times must be staggered to avoid overlap and allow for cleaning time between shifts.
• Worker movement restrictions between sites is lifted, subject to maintaining detailed records. Other issues such as carpooling continue to be restricted.
• Face masks and COVIDSafe Plans remain mandatory.
• Allocating a COVID Marshal per site is recommended, however the obligation to comply with the requirements remain on the employer / site manager.
• All site inductions and tool-box meetings must continue to be conducted outside.
• Client meetings on-site are permitted, by appointment only and where physical distancing is maintained.

Large-scale construction sites & Land development sites

• Office-based activities may resume, with density quotient applied. However, employers are encouraged to enable employees to work from home where possible.

Small Scale construction sites

• Construction activities and renovations to an owner occupied residential premise can now occur if:

1. it is possible to create a physical barrier between workers and occupants and/or
2. the occupier can temporarily vacate the premises for the duration of the works

• Exemptions continue to apply for emergency repairs.

we are here to help

As further Government directives are released, we will keep you updated. However, if you require assistance understanding when these changes impact your business operations specifically, please contact our Construction team.

The information contained in this article is general in nature and cannot be relied on as legal advice nor does it create an engagement. Please contact one of our lawyers listed above for advice about your specific situation.