The increase in community virus transmission in Victoria has necessitated further safety measures.
Building and Construction Industry liaison officer Michael Paynter will brief up to 200 construction health and safety representatives to ensure they are armed with all guidelines for safe work practices. The briefing initiative aims to ensure representatives are capable of assisting the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) with workplace mapping of close and casual contact of workers who have tested positive to COVID-19.
"By briefing on-site health and safety representatives, we will be better positioned to assist with workplace mapping, all of which will further strengthen the health and safety platform for building and construction workers and, in turn, keep our industry operational," says Paynter.
CFMEU officials closed a site in Melbourne's inner west where 11 positive cases have now been confirmed. In conjunction with site management, CFMEU immediately shut the site after the first case was confirmed, preventing further opportunities for the virus to spread. DHHS is currently performing further contact tracing, instructing the job to remain shut for two weeks, with no worker to return without proof of a negative test result.
"Our commitment to the health and safety of our workers has always been paramount and we’ve done a great job so far, but we need to do more to look after each other, our families and the community," says John Setka, CFMEU Victoria and Tasmania branch secretary. "So, if you or anyone in your household is unwell, stay home and get tested."
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