Working Safely in Construction During COVID-19

Summary

This video script outlines key safety measures to mitigate COVID-19 risks on building sites. It emphasizes adhering to government social distancing rules, limiting site access to essential workers, and enforcing hygiene protocols like frequent hand-washing and cleaning shared tools. The script also stresses the importance of PPE (personal protective equipment), minimizing on-site overlap by controlling worker schedules, and facilitating contactless deliveries. Regular inspections, toolboxes, and induction sessions ensure workers stay informed on the latest COVID-19 protocols and any updates on government guidelines. Overall, the focus is on maintaining a safe and efficient work environment during the pandemic.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ensure compliance with government social distancing criteria by limiting access to the site to essential workers only.
• 😀 Apply the one person per four square meter rule for work in enclosed or internal spaces on-site.
• 😀 Limit visitors to the site, including third parties like inspectors or real estate agents, unless exceptions are made.
• 😀 Keep individuals with cold, flu, or COVID-19 symptoms off-site until symptoms subside or a negative test is provided.
• 😀 Enforce a 14-day self-isolation policy for those returning from overseas or interstate, and for those in close contact with a confirmed case.
• 😀 Provide adequate hygiene facilities, including handwashing stations and cleaning supplies, and implement regular cleaning of common areas and shared tools.
• 😀 Ensure proper PPE, including gloves, masks, and eye protection, is worn according to the tasks being performed.
• 😀 Minimize on-site overlap by limiting the number of workers each day and scheduling sub-trades to reduce crowding.
• 😀 Stagger worker breaks and facilitate contactless deliveries as much as possible.
• 😀 Conduct regular inspections and toolbox discussions to ensure the latest COVID-19 government measures are followed.
• 😀 Inform workers of the steps to take if someone on-site is suspected to have the virus or has been in close contact with a confirmed case.

Q & A

What is the first step in ensuring safety on a construction site according to the script?

The first step is to meet the government's social distancing criteria, which includes limiting access to the site to essential workers and applying the one person per four square meter rule in closed or internal spaces.

Why is it important to limit visitors to the construction site?

Limiting visitors, including third parties like building inspectors or real estate agents, minimizes the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and helps ensure only essential workers are present on the site.

What should be done if a worker shows symptoms of cold, flu, or COVID-19?

Any worker displaying symptoms should be kept away from the site until their symptoms pass or they provide a negative test to the site supervisor.

What is the 14-day isolation policy mentioned in the script?

The policy requires any person returning from overseas or interstate, or anyone in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case, to self-isolate for 14 days before returning to the site.

What hygiene measures should be implemented on the site?

The site should provide adequate cleaning products and facilities for workers, enforce regular hand-washing, disinfect common areas and shared tools, and increase ventilation in areas where internal work is being performed.

What types of personal protective equipment (PPE) are required on the site?

PPE should include gloves, masks, and eye protection, which must be appropriate to the task being performed to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure.

How can project scheduling help reduce the number of people on-site?

Project scheduling can minimize overlap by limiting the number of workers on-site each day and staggering shifts to ensure designated work zones are maintained, reducing crowding and exposure.

What is the purpose of regular inspections on the site?

Regular inspections ensure that the procedures are being followed correctly, including controlling the number of people on-site and maintaining safety standards to minimize COVID-19 risk.

How can the site reduce the risk of exposure during deliveries?

Facilitating contactless deliveries and making orders and site deliveries as contactless as possible help minimize the chance of exposure from external sources.

What role do site inductions and toolbox discussions play in COVID-19 safety?

Site inductions and toolbox discussions provide workers with up-to-date information about the latest COVID-19 government requirements, risks, and procedures, ensuring everyone stays informed and safe.