After the Government’s announcement regarding mandatory use of face masks from 11:59 pm Wednesday 22 July, a further update has been made to the Building and Construction Industry Guidelines, now version 5.1, to respond to the new requirements.
 
For those within Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, face masks will be mandatory on building sites, as DHHS has termed, ‘whenever practical’. This means:

  • Wearing face masks is compulsory on work sites (unless you have a valid reason not to)
  • In our industry, scarves and bandanas will not be permitted (for safety reasons)
  • The term ‘face mask’ includes cloth masks and single-use face masks (commonly called surgical masks). Both masks are suitable for use to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • Cloth masks are any nose and mouth covering made of washable fabric. We recommend a cloth mask made of three layers of a mix of breathable fabrics to ensure adequate protection
  • For some onsite activities wearing a face mask may be impractical or introduce an additional hazard. Existing PPE such as welding helmets and disposable face shields could provide suitable protection, providing they are properly designed to cover the sides of the face and below the chin. Reusable PPE should be cleaned and disinfected after each use. Disposable face shields should only be worn for single use. Upon removal of this PPE, people should have a face mask available
  • While masks are mandatory onsite, masks are also mandatory for those travelling on public transport to work or in a vehicle with others.

 
If you are not a resident of Metropolitan Melbourne and the Mitchell Shire and are working on a building and construction sites outside of the lockdown zone, the Industry Guidelines stipulate that masks should still be worn:

  • When travelling to and from work where you cannot physically distance, and on public transport
  • Travelling in a vehicle with other people
  • Whenever travelling in a hoist or lift
  • In a confined space. Any uncertainty should be clarified with a health and safety representative
  • When operating an item of plant with another person.

 
To ensure we keep our industry safe and open it is essential that we all observe all government directives and operate in accordance with the Industry Guidelines.
 

Our team is here to help. If you have questions about how to apply these guidelines in your workplace, please call our OHS team on (03) 9411 4555.