Six thousand construction workers, at more than 100 sites across Victoria and Tasmania, have been tested for COVID-19.
Incolink has stepped up the initiative with a focus on hotspot suburbs in Melbourne – 972 tests have been conducted across 14 clinics in the last week.
"The health and safety of workers is paramount and that's why we acted so quickly to roll out testing," says Incolink CEO Erik Locke (pictured). "We're pleased asymptomatic workers are voluntarily agreeing to be tested, protecting themselves and their colleagues."
Locke says the regime has aided in building confidence in the industry, allowing work to continue throughout the pandemic.
Testing has been undertaken in partnership with Incolink's existing healthcare partner the Australian Prostate Centre. The team of GPs and nurses has supervised the nasal and mouth swabs approved by the Victoria and Tasmania State Governments. Workers have been receiving a result within 72 hours.
Incolink buses deliver COVID-19 testing, flu vaccinations and health checks on-site. Workers can register to have Incolink visit their job site here.
Workers showing symptoms of COVID-19 are encouraged not to attend work. Those who arrive at testing with symptoms have been immediately seen, to determine whether they should be sent home or to a medical clinic. The Government will be notified of positive tests with affected workers required to self-isolate for 14 days. The impact on other workers from a positive test will be determined by reference to existing industry guidelines on managing social distancing and COVID-19 that have been approved by the State Government.
"Without the construction industry operating there would have been less income going to tens of thousands of households, putting more pressure on governments to support families," says Locke. "The industry can be proud that by standing together it has increased confidence in the operation of the construction sector. A shutdown of the construction industry would cost the state $25 billion and result in the loss of 166,000 jobs."