Download Protocols for Vertical (Commercial) and Horizontal (Civil) Construction
Download the Residential Construction Protocols
Download the protocols relating to Residential Construction Display Home and Selection Centre Limited Operation
Construction businesses wanting to travel and work between regions with different Alert Levels will need to be assessed
Do you know what to do if a Worker on-site becomes a COVID-19 contact?
An excel tool that demonstrates the layers of controls to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on the workplace and individuals. Sorry limited functionality in Apple.
What can work places do differently to motivate unvaccinated team members and is a new approach now required?
The Ministry of Health has worked with clinical psychologists, medical practitioners and other experts about the causes of vaccine hesitancy and how to address it safely and effectively in the workplace. With a special focus on Māori and Pacific people, learn what affects decision making processes and what supports can drive positive attitudinal change toward vaccination.
How to talk to your friends and whānau about the COVID-19 vaccine
How to know what to do or say when someone you care about expresses fears or concerns about getting the COVID-19 vaccination. To have a positive and respectful conversation when someone you care about has fears or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, here are a few pointers about how to have the conversation positively and respectfully.
Ministry of Health NZ | Vaccine Hesitancy
Clinical Psychologist Rachel Prebble
It can be tricky to know what to do or say when someone you care about expresses fears or concerns about getting theCOVID-19 vaccination. Learn more from Clinical Psychologist, Rachel Prebble.
Ministry of Health NZ | How to start a conversation
Clinical Psychologist Rachel Prebble
Te Ao with Moana | Live Vax Facts with Māori Doctors
Dr Anthony Jordan, Dr Papaarangi Reid, Dr Rawiri McKree-Jansen, Dr Maia Brewerton
Four Māori Doctors take phone calls from the Public about COVID-19 and the vaccine. Most callers are unvaccinated. This clip features Dr Anthony Jordan, Dr Papaarangi Reid, Dr Rawiri McKree-Jansen and Dr Maia Brewerton, who are specialists in Māori public health, clinical immunology, allergies, immunopathology and medicine.
Ministry of Health NZ
COVID-19: Vaccine research insights
In 2020, Horizon Research, in association with the School ofPopulation Health, University of Auckland, was commissioned to survey NewZealanders’ attitudes and sentiment towards COVID-19 vaccines. This research is part of an ongoing series that looks into New Zealanders’ attitudes and public sentiment towards the COVID-19 vaccine.
Translations
Information and advice has been translated into 26 different languages and can be found here.
Working with industry and CHASNZ, the Accord has developed a Roadmap which would allow the construction sector and related activities to operate as safely as possible in all but the most extreme circumstances and it regards the COVID-19 Protection Framework (CPF) as consistent with the Roadmap approach.
If the three Auckland DHBs do not rapidly reach 90% double vaccination for the eligible population, and a move to the CPF is delayed, the Accord seeks more immediate changes for the construction sector. These would be supported by the safe working protocols in the Accord Roadmap:
“The Accord supports the strategy set out today to minimise and protect, and the sector is providing strong leadership to support the shift from elimination to suppression of COVID-19. However, the sector wants to see urgency in freeing up activity and movement where it is safe to do so, particularly in Auckland,” said Dean Kimpton, the Accord’s Transformation Director.
Learn more about the Accord Roadmap here.
CHASNZ are currently working to align the New Zealand COVID-19 Construction Protocols with the new COVID-19 Protection Framework.
The Government has announced the next stage of the COVID-19 response plan to provide a pathway out of lockdown and give vaccinated New Zealanders more freedom. The CPF introduces a new flexible 3-level approach to managing COVID-19 in the community:
COVID-19 Public Health Response Act 2020 retains the power to put in place wider lockdowns, as for Alert Levels 3 and 4, if pressure on the health system becomes unmanageable, or if there are new variants that evade our protection from immunity.
Next Steps
Throughout November:
More information can be found here.
[Updated 22.10.21]
Vaccination Myth Busting for the Construction Sector
Good, open conversations are key to making sure our workforce can make informed health decisions.
We asked Dr Tom to help us out with some of the tricky questions we are being asked by our workforce on site – check out the discussion here!
A big thanks to our friends at Mates and Onescope for joining in the kōrero
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The Government has introduced some changes to the Alert Level Order last night (28th September) to improve ease of access to QR codes for customers visiting a business or public facility.
Q. What are people in control of workplaces being asked to do differently around displaying QR codes?
The Government has introduced some changes to the Alert Level Order last night (28th September) to improve ease of access to QR codes for customers visiting a business or public facility.
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The changes that have been agreed to are that, people in control of workplaces must now ensure that:
These new requirements come into force on 11.59pm 5th October 2021.
[Updated 29th September 2021]
The Ministry Of Health would like to thank all those permitted workers who have undergone testing to comply with requirements for crossing Alert Level boundaries that came into effect on 11.59pm, 9th September. Testing is free for permitted workers who require a test to cross Alert Level boundaries.
From 11.59pm, 16th September, compliance checks by Police will be undertaken at the boundary and permitted workers must provide the following documents if stopped at an Alert Level boundary:
If stopped, permitted workers who don’t have the above documents will be turned around at the boundary.
Employers are reminded that they must have processes in place for compliance of their workforce to this testing requirement and they need to ensure all affected workers are aware they must be tested to cross the boundary and are provided with the opportunity, as far as is reasonably practicable, to get tested.
More details about testing requirements for permitted workers crossing Alert Level boundaries can be found on the dedicated page for boundary surveillance testing on the Ministry of Health’s website. This page also includes supporting documents for employers and workers.
Registering for saliva testing
Saliva testing is available as a testing option through Asia Pacific Healthcare Group (APHG). More information about saliva testing and permitted travel can be found on the Ministry of Health’s webpage, or you can go to https://covid19salivatesting.co.nz/ to sign up for saliva testing.
The APHG site contains useful information including a list of frequently asked questions relevant to both employers and permitted workers, a worker information pack and a link to their Saliva Testing App.
The Saliva Testing Information Sheet provides further details to support workers who wish to use this option. It includes information on how to sign up for saliva testing, downloading the Saliva Testing App, finding the nearest collection points and how to do a test. Also attached is a poster that you can put up in your workplace to promote awareness of saliva testing as an option to meet this testing requirement.
Permitted workers who wish to register for saliva testing will need to have their NHI number available. A quick way to find your NHI number is by looking at:
You can also call the Ministry of Health’s 0800 number to find our your NHI number – 0800 855 066.
Locations for pick-up and drop-off
for saliva testing
A list of existing locations where saliva testing kits can be collected and dropped off can be found on the Ministry of Health’s website.
APHG also have a list of currently available public test kit pick-up and test drop-off locations here. This is updated regularly and is broken down by region.
New collection points near the border will also be added to this list as they become available. For large companies who wish to provide saliva testing onsite for their employees, APHG can work with you to meet your specific requirements.
Private provision of saliva testing onsite for employers who choose to engage and pay for that provision themselves is also available. The provider needs to be IANZ accredited and ideally linked to the national database for the processing and recording of test results.
Testing sites
To safeguard areas of New Zealand at lower Alert Levels and to ensure COVID-19 is contained - surveillance testing of permitted workers crossing the Alert Level boundary is going to be implemented immediately. The Ministry of Health Testing permitted workers crossing alert level boundaries – Employers flowchart can be found here.
The Ministry of Health has set up a Community Testing Centre (CTC) at the Gull station at Hampton Downs (south of Mercer), South Auckland to support demand for the testing of permitted worker crossing Alert Level boundaries. This site includes provision for saliva sample drop-off facilities.
Swab testing is also available as a testing option for permitted workers crossing Alert Level boundaries. This is available at CTCs and at GP practices. For a list of testing locations go to the Healthpoint website.
He waka eke noa - we are all in this together
By undergoing this additional testing, and/or supporting your workers to do so, you are doing your part to keep COVID-19 out of our communities. Thank you for all that you continue to do to keep yourself, your colleagues and your whanau safe.
[Updated 21 Sept, 2021]
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Construction workers who may be required to work during Alert Level 3 and 4 can now book their workers for priority COVID-19 vaccinations.
Businesses can book by calling the COVID-19 Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26.
You will need to tell the call-taker:
· You are booking an essential worker(s) working under Alert Level 3 and 4, so that their vaccination(s) can be prioritised
· The approximate number of people who require vaccination.
This will assist helpline staff in directing your group to the right location. All calls are free, and the team are available every day from 8am to 8pm and interpreters are available if needed.
Remember - the vaccine won’t stop you getting COVID-19, but with two doses you are far less likely to fall seriously ill and less likely to transmit the virus to others. Once you are vaccinated, you must continue to follow the advice for each COVID-19 Alert Level – wearing masks, social distancing, sanitising your hands and staying home if you are sick.
FAQs
If I am already booked in for a vaccination, should I cancel it and rebook as an essential worker?
It depends on how far in advance your vaccination is scheduled for. If your appointment is within the next two weeks, we suggest you keep it. If, however, it is more than a month away, you might want to rebook as an essential worker. Call the COVID-19 Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26 and talk to them before making any changes to existing bookings.
As of 1st September 2021, vaccinations are open to everyone over the age of 12 so, if you are already booked, it might be that your existing appointment is sooner.
If I am an essential worker and want to book my appointment, can I book it online?
It’s best to book your vaccination through the COVID-19 Vaccination Healthline on 0800 28 29 26. That way you are guaranteed to be prioritised for the first available appointment.
Where can I get more information about the vaccine?
Getting accurate information about the COVID-19 vaccine and the rollout programme is important. Visit the Ministry of Health website and view the Vaccination Information here.
See Karawhiua.nz for trusted information about vaccination in Te Reo Māori and English. Karawhiua is a unifying campaign for whānau, hapū, iwi, and Māori communities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Thank you for the work you’re doing as an essential worker during lockdown and thank you for helping keep New Zealand safe.
[Image courtesy of Gustavo Fring]
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A Task Analysis is a hazard management tool that helps you identify hazards and the appropriate controls before you carry out a specific task or job. Completing a Task Analysis will help reduce the risks on-site by walking you through assessing the work before you start and putting the correct processes in place to make sure you do it safely.
The HazardCo TA is an easy-to-use guide that gives you options to choose from:
All workers involved in the work should discuss the Task Analysis so they understand exactly what work is being done, how it will be completed and the controls that will be used to keep everyone safe. It’s fundamental and should be done before any high-risk work gets underway.
Ensure you complete the appropriate COVID-19 Task Analysis for the Alert Level you are working in, you can also use this as your COVID-19 Plan. Make sure you share it with your team and each time there is a change to the document.
Use the HazardCo Task Analysis for Alert Level 4
Use the HazardCo Task Analysis for Alert Level 3
Use the HazardCo Task Analysis for Alert Level 2
Use the HazardCo Task Analysis for Alert Level 1
Each District Health Board around New Zealand is rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine and you may have seen pop-up drive-through vaccine centres in your area.
'Evidence currently shows the effectiveness of 2 doses of the Pfizer vaccine against illness due to Delta infection is about 88%, and the protection against hospitalisation due to Delta infection about 96%.'
Essential construction workers such as plumbers, electricians, glaziers and roofers (who could be called out for emergency work in Alert Level 4) can utilise the pop-up drive-through vaccine centres and do not require any prior bookings.
In Auckland, Airport Park & Ride and Trust Arena site are both good options even during Alert Level 4. Most vaccination centres request that you:
You can find more information about regional vaccine centres here.
The COVID-19 Standard for New Zealand Construction Operations document includes the following requirement ‘Vaccinations are now widely available for most New Zealand workers. Businesses should ensure that their workers understand the importance of vaccination as a prime protection against becoming severely ill because of the virus.’
If you are an employer of a small/medium specialist trade and would prefer to arrange a work bubble group vaccine, email info@chasnz.org
You can find out more about the COVID-19 vaccine here.
[Image courtesy of Towfiqu Barbhuiya]
The COVID-19 Delta outbreak can evolve rapidly and businesses should familiarise themselves with official Government requirements which supersedes all industry guidance.
The protocols are updated to reflect Government requirements as and when these change happen so please check regularly that you have the most up to date versions of the protocols by visiting here www.chasnz.org/covid19
Keep up to date by subscribing to CHASNZ updates.
This information is based on the COVID-19 Public Health Response (Alert Level Requirements) Order (No 9) 2021 effective from 11:59pm 17 August 2020. Alert Levels and Public Health Orders may be updated by the Government at any time.Building, construction and maintenance services may be able to operate during COVID-19 Alert Level 4 restrictions if they meet the Government criteria of Alert Level 4 businesses and services.
Find out what health and safety measures you must have in place under all COVID-19 Alert Levels.
Under all Alert Levels operating businesses must put appropriate health and safety controls in place, including physical distancing. Every operating business must record details on these measures in a COVID-19 control plan.
One of the control measures is physical distancing – which means keeping one metre between workers on construction sites. Where tradespeople are working in other people’s homes or workplaces, they must stay two metres away from people at the location. Your control plan must also show how you will meet hygiene requirements such as washing hands and equipment and the measures in place to allow for contact tracing.
Learn about the COVID-19 pandemic, getting vaccinated, and what the future holds for Aotearoa New Zealand.
In early 2020, a new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) spread quickly around the world. It caused a serious disease called COVID-19, which has since killed over 4 million people.
To protect those we love, Aotearoa New Zealand went into lockdown. We also introduced Alert Levels, managed borders, contact tracing and started sanitising our hands and wearing face coverings to stay safe.
Getting vaccinated is the next step to gain more protection against the virus, which will lead to more certainty for the future. Find out more with NZ Vaccine Facts:
Episode 1: COVID-19 and why vaccinations are important
Episode 2: What is a virus and how do vaccines work?
Episode 3: What is an mRNA vaccine?
Episode 4: Do vaccines work when a virus changes?
You can check locations of interest to see if you need to get tested. Find locations of interest here.
The lockdown period may have given some much needed downtime to many, but as we gradually start the process of returning to work and get used to more new protocols, MATES want to make sure that wellbeing and conversations around mental health are at the top of the list at your toolbox talks. As you head back onto site you may see some of the team struggle or be anxious about what is happening. Working with MATES you have already started the journey toward better mental health on site, you have the tools in your toolkit and this induction pack includes some helpful reminders to use when guiding the conversation on site.
The Lunch Room is open to everyone in the Construction Industry looking to get together with your mates for a chat during the COVID-19 crisis. Join MATES for support, information and kōrero during this uncertain time. Meetings are available daily 1pm and it's very easy to join. All you need to do is hit the register now button and select a time. The group will be meeting online via Zoom.
Join the MATES team on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8:30am to start the day with an easy to follow FREE workout.
Lastly, the Guide to Mental Health in Construction for Managers, is a short document that talks about the why, what and how of mental health across the industry. This document can be shared across organisations to help support those who are supervising their teams better understand and help workers dealing with mental health issues.
The Alert Level Boundary map provides indicative Alert Level 3 and 4 boundary lines that will come into effect at 11:59pm on Tuesday 31st August 2021. The boundaries are subject to change and may be updated to align with the Health Order, read more here.
Construction businesses wanting to travel and work between regions with different Alert Levels will be assessed and approved to do so. You can find out more about the permitted travel here.
To safeguard areas of New Zealand at lower Alert Levels and to ensure COVID-19 is contained - surveillance testing of permitted workers crossing the Alert Level boundary is going to be implemented immediately. The Ministry of Health Testing permitted workers crossing alert level boundaries – Employers flowchart can be found here.
[Updated 21 Sept, 2021]
CHASNZ has received queries from industry regarding the current Alert Level settings relating to gathering sizes at the workplace.
As per the detailed alert level tables available on the government COVID-19 website there are restrictions on gatherings such as weddings, birthdays, funerals and tangihanga. These exist under Alert Levels 2 and 3 as well as regional variations such as in Auckland currently.
Workplaces, education facilities, public transport and supermarkets are not considered public gatherings – and therefore these restrictions on gathering sizes do not apply to the workplace.
The workplace is considered an environment where extra controls are in place such as enhanced hygiene, sign in and out as well as physical distancing.
Workplaces must adhere to physical distancing rules as set out in the COVID-19 construction standard and protocols. As such, physical distancing restrictions may reduce the number of workers within a set area, however there is no overarching gathering limit.
The protocols provide further guidance on how physical distancing should be achieved on site, such as changing shift patterns and reducing the number of people on site. Each site should plan their own work to achieve physical distancing relative to the environment and circumstances at the place of work.
For queries regarding COVID-19 please email info@chasnz.org
Over the last two weeks, we have seen the construction industry get in and do the right thing during these trying times. Particularly in Auckland, our people have quickly reverted to the procedures put in place to protect us all when chances of COVID-19 community transmission are higher.
The recent cluster outbreak has reminded us just how quickly this disease can spread and that we can’t drop our guard. It is also a timely reminder that we can’t get complacent about our Covid-19 health and safety controls either. We need the whole industry to pull together and do the right thing to maintain public and government confidence in our ability to work safely during these heightened risk levels.
The Alert level protocols and tools and resources, developed by our industry and available on www.chasnz.org/covid19, provide a standard way of managing COVID-19 in our construction related businesses. The establishment of these protocols were a key part of getting Government support for our industry to work at Alert Level 3.
We know that most businesses have been doing a good job in applying the protocols but we are aware that it is a constant challenge to maintain them over time, especially if workers see other businesses or even members of the public not applying a similar high standard.
You can use these check sheets when explaining how you are controlled COVID-19 to clients, visitors, building inspectors or even WorkSafe. They do not replace the protocols but help make it easier to check you are doing it right every day.
You can access these check online sheets below:
Download "Weekly COVID-19 Protocols Checklist - Level 2"
Download "Weekly COVID-19 Protocols Checklist - Level 3"
We have also had questions from clients around what they should be expecting from their builder or tradesperson. We have developed this one-page guide for clients you can use when asked questions about COVID-19 and what controls should be in place.
Download "What to Expect at Levels 2 and 3" Checklist
Clients can access further information online about what to expect during Alert Levels 3 and 2 from my builder or tradesperson here and they are attached to this update.
If you do have concerns about protocols not being followed you can forward these issues to https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19/covid-19-compliance/
CHASNZ: Info@chasnz.org
Site Safe: comments@sitesafe.org
Registered Master Builders Association: rmb@masterbuilder.org.nz
New Zealand Certified Builders Association: info@nzcb.nz
Master Plumbers: info@masterplumbers.org.nz
Specialist Trade Contractors Federation: graham@grahamburke.co.nz
These Display Site Operating Instructions can be used on your site during COVID-19 Alert Level 1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ud4rh-Rk9g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-g0FATkspc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fB7566w1Je4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egJQ6_whyX4
The PPE shortage created by flow-on effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is likely to continue for the foreseeable future. PPE is an essential part of work health and safety risk management for some types of work, such as healthcare. PCBUs should have a plan to manage the PPE shortage.
24 March 2020: This document provided by MBIE outlines key messages for the shift in approach under alert level 3
These posters are available to download and use for your business.
COVID-19 Site Infographic A3 - JPG version (1.1MB)
COVID-19 Site Infographic A3 - PDF for PRINT version (44KB)
COVID-19 Site Poster A3 - JPG version (1.5MB)
COVID-19 Site Poster A3 - PDF for PRINT version (29KB)
This sign in register can be downloaded and printed for use in your workplace.
Under alert level 3 all businesses that are permitted to resume operations need to have a COVID-19 safety plan that sets out how they’ll operate safely. For businesses operating as an essential service under alert level 4, a start up plan is not required. However, the controls they have in place need to continue once we transition to alert level 3.
With the Government having announced the date New Zealand moves from COVID-19 Alert Level 4 to Level 3 as Tuesday 28 April, Concrete NZ has prepared guidelines to assist builders and contractors with ordering and the delivery of ready mixed concrete to building sites.
Please feel free to share this document with your membership.
This guidance is part of Concrete NZ’s wider set of COVID-19 protocols to support a safe return to construction work under Alert Level 3 and below.
Concrete NZ has already issued protocols for concrete industry activities under Alert Level 3 - Staying Safe On & Off Site - COVID-19 Protocols for the Concrete Industry.
The Concrete NZ documents supplement the CHASNZ guidance developed in conjunction with industry participants and endorsed by the Construction Sector Accord - COVID-19 Standard and Protocols for New Zealand Construction Operations.
As with the CHASNZ Standard and protocols, the Concrete NZ guidance is ‘living' and will be updated as best practice develops and further industry feedback is received.
As part of Pandemic preparedness and our commitment to health, safety and wellbeing, visitors and contractors should answer the questionnaire as part of their condition of entry to site as part of the Visitor Approval Process. This document can be downloaded and printed for use in your workplace.
