COVID Update: Victoria, 28 May 2021

We are getting many emails and phone calls from members concerned with conflicting information regarding the ability of workers to continue with work at an occupied residence. The latest guidelines for business are listed here:

Construction sector guidance | VICGOV

Construction and manufacturing are both listed on the authorised workers list and there is nothing that specifically says that you cannot go into a residence to complete scheduled work however the acting premier did say in his update today that work is not to be completed on homes that are currently occupied. While there are exceptions around essential services and infrastructure, a lot of our residential work will fall into this grey area around what is essential and work should therefore be completed on a case by case basis.

The guideline that allows residential work to continue is open to interpretation. It states approved work is “essential infrastructure and essential services that are required to maintain or protect human health, safety and wellbeing (whether provided by a public or private undertaking), and including construction, maintenance and repair of such infrastructure” and the subjective element is what can be determined as essential.

No further clarity has been forthcoming so we advise you to err on the side of caution and recommend that if jobs in homes with residents can be postponed then you should focus on jobs where there is no-one residing for the next week. If the job is an emergency (or can be classified as essential) then you are able to proceed with the work as long as you adhere to all other COVIDSAFE requirements.

COVIDSafe Principles for business

  • Every Victorian business that is open must have a COVIDSafe Plan.
  • Businesses should apply the Six principles of COVIDSafe workplaces.
  • It is mandatory for customer-facing industries that require checking-in to use the free Victorian Government QR Code Service.
  • Businesses are responsible for ensuring workers and visitors always check-in and that electronic records are up to date. 

I hope this helps – please do not hesitate to call if you need further information. We are trying hard to get the information to you as soon as it comes to hand.

Try and have a good weekend and look after yourselves and each other,

Melissa Baker
National Industry Development Manager
Australian Glass and Window Association