Do you know what to do if a Worker on-site becomes a COVID-19 contact?
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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]
Currently not applicable. For archived purposes only. For Vertical (Commercial) and Horizontal (Civil) Construction
Currently not applicable. For archived purposes only. For Residential Construction Protocols
Currently not applicable. For archived purposes only. For Display Home and Selection Centre Limited Operation
CHASNZ is a key supporter and promotor of Mates in Construction New Zealand and our CHASNZ CEO, Chris Alderson was the inaugural chair of Mates and currently sits on the Board.
CHASNZ co-funded the recently published MATES research into the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the research was to try and understand how our construction workforce was dealing with the pandemic and what industry and businesses could do to help.
It is not surprising that the results of the research have shown a worsening of mental health driven by COVID-19. Higher workloads, adapting to new and challenging protocols as well as pressures from inevitable delays all were factors that contribute to this worsening trend. Concerns were raised over workers' physical health, sleep and time for self-care. We also found that employers could do more in checking in with their workforce regularly.
The full report can be viewed here.
The industry is in for more challenging times over the coming months with impacts from Omicron meaning even more delays and disruption on our sites. What we need to do now is prioritise the mental health of our workers. MATES have many free resources for businesses to use:
MATES in Construction 0800 111 315
Freephone or text 1737 to communicate immediately with a trained counsellor.
In an emergency dial 111 if you think they, you, or someone else is at risk of harm.
Other helpful numbers:
Lifeline 0800 543 354 (text 4357)
Youthline 0800 376 633
Samaritans 0800 726 666
MATES also released the External Research Report ER65 (2021) - Construction industry suicides: numbers, characteristics and rates last year.
Employees are entitled to reasonable paid time away from work during their normal working hours to receive a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, including a vaccine booster. Employees, however, are not entitled to paid time off to take their child or children for their COVID-19 vaccination.
Find more COVID-19 Resources here.
New Zealand’s COVID-19 Protection Framework - Construction Protocols | Version 1.1 updated 13 December 2021.
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HazardCo has developed an easy to use COVID-19 Site Safety Plan for each traffic light setting to help the construction industry navigate these tricky times. This should be completed for all building project you are undertaking as well as for your business.
Use the HazardCo COVID-19 Site Safety Plan (Red) - site operations under red
Use the HazardCo COVID-19 Site Safety Plan (Orange) - site operations under orange
Use the HazardCo COVID-19 Site Safety Plan (Green) - site operations under green
If you have any questions or require any further clarification, give our HazardCo Advisory Team a call 0800 555 339.
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To download these resources, click on these titles or individual posters below:
How To Manage Feelings And Emotions
Mental Health Tips For Managers To Use On Site
How To Start A Conversation About Mental Health
Knowing How To Spot The Invitations
Working From Home: Tips For Success
Steps To Carry Out A Welfare Check For Employees That Are Self-Isolating
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Construction sites operating in the wake of the Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic need to ensure they are protecting their workforce and
minimising the risk of spread of infection. Here is a Cleaning and Hygiene Guide.
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As FAQs continue, here's a sample of the most common FAQs to date. More FAQ's for the Traffic Lights system are coming soon.
Q What period would be reasonable to request sub-contractors to provide a negative COVID-19 test?
A Negative PCR test within 72 hours of coming on site has been an approach used in other situations. On a weekly basis the test could take place on a twice weekly basis.
Q Which increased surveillance would you suggest?
A Other surveillance methods using RAT testing will become more common and time efficient as well as simple health declarations - ensuring and reminding workers they are well.
Q Do you refer to unvaccinated workers or the whole site where a risk assessment has been carried out and the site/activity does not require vaccination to be mandated - additional controls for non-vaccinated sites should be implemented?
A It is intended that if vaccinated and unvaccinated workers are intermingling on the same site then controls should apply to the whole site as their is an increased risk of transmission for all.
Q On the 'Stop this is a vaccinated site' poster, it mentions “Please prepare to present My Vaccine Pass or complete the My Vaccine Pass Declaration on Sign in”.
Is there a link to the Vaccine Pass Declaration on sign in or do we make our own one?
A There is no official declaration and use of the CVC is recommended - however if a declaration is used it could be added to sign in as a term and condition of entry that the person agrees to. The signage is simply guidance that businesses may choose to use or not.
Q: Why does MOH refer to the 15 minute time of work within physical distancing?
A: The intended use of the 15 minute rule by MOH was to take into account accidental encounters where people in the workplace unintentionally come into contact. It is not permission to do jobs without physical distancing for less than 15 minutes without controls in place. WorkSafe endorse these protocols and expect all to comply with them, more information here.
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Part A
Example risk assessment for whether specific role(s) or class of roles be fully vaccinated*
Part B
Example risk assessment for whether a business or business unit should be fully vaccinated*
Part C
Example risk assessment for whether a specific worksite site should only be accessed by
fully vaccinated people*
*In the case of a medical exemption, a separate risk assessment should be performed on a case by case basis to see whether
a person can do the work.
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 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.
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.
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.
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