With all of New Zealand currently in Level 4 Lockdown, it is timely to remind all our members of the COVID-19 advice and resources available to everyone.
The overriding message is that for building, construction, and maintenance services to be undertaken at Alert Level 4, at least one of the following must apply:
- That the work is required to address immediate risks to health and safety; or
- That the work relates to nationally important infrastructure.
In 2020, the construction sector did well in being compliant with these rules, which assisted the sector’s cause in negotiating workable protocols as we dropped down Alert Levels. The NZIOB urges the sector to act with the same level of integrity for this current Alert Level phase, A summary of current resources that can assist and/or provide clarity is provided below.
CHASNZ
- For Health and Safety protocols at different alert levels, visit the CHASNZ COVID-19 web page
- What to do if a worker on-site becomes a COVID-19 contact
MBIE BUILDING PERFORMANCE TEAM
- For COVID-19 guidance specific to the building and construction sector, including information on essential services, visit the MBIE Building and construction sector guidance | Building Performance website.
CONSTRUCTION SECTOR ACCORD
The Accord has issued a new recommendation to help public sector clients proactively manage the risks associated with COVID-19 in construction projects. The guidance includes advice on a culture of good risk management, risk management plans, who is best placed to manage COVID-19 related risk, identifying risks, assessing their impacts and quantifying them. It also includes an updated risk allocation table and sample contract terms developed by Kāinga Ora.
- Read the new guidance: COVID-19 Contracting Principles and Risk Management
MATES IN CONSTRUCTION
Our friends at MATES in Construction offer the following advice and resources during these challenging times.
How to offer support to your workforce:
- Reassure– with clear and regular communications. Listen and address any concerns with transparency.
- Support – tell them that they are not alone, there is support, whether it is for them, or for a mate that is struggling.
- Get the Facts – remind them that not everything we read on social media is fact. Use a trusted resource to stay up to date.
- Routine – advise them to make a schedule for their day and to eat healthily.
Remember – if you or a MATE is struggling, this is not the time to be doing it tough on your own! Call 0800 111 315 for advice on what to do.
The Lunch Room:
The Lunch Room has been set up by MATES in Construction to support everyone in the building and construction industry, to come together for a chat, and to help you to cope with any feelings of anxiety, stress and worries amid the uncertainty. It doesn’t matter which part of the industry you work in, or what your role is, everyone is welcome, and it's free. You can book as an individual or grab some mates and make a group booking. The Lunch Room is open at 1:00pm every weekday during Lockdown.
Get Moving with MATES:
Join the MATES team on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8:30am to start the day with an easy-to-follow free workout. Led by our very talented amazing Field Officers and former Personal Trainers, Lance Van Niekerk and Karon Vea, they will bring you some moves for all abilities. All you need is yourself, a water bottle and a sweat towel, and come along and join the MATES crew for some fun and physical activity. Click the link below to join on Zoom.
