Important COVID-19 update: Priority vaccinations for construction workers and construction site compliance blitz

Due to ongoing concerns around the spread of COVID-19 in the construction industry, the Victorian Government has announced a priority COVID-19 vaccination program and compliance blitz.

COVID-19 priority vaccination program for the construction sector

Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect the workforce from further outbreaks of COVID-19 and will give us more options in dealing with this pandemic. Getting vaccinated protects you, your colleagues and families and our entire community.

To increase vaccination coverage among construction workers, Victoria will open the doors of four major vaccination centres to walk-ups without a booking, every day from today until 26 September.

The Ford Campbellfield site, the Heidelberg Repat, Eagle Stadium in Wyndham, and the former Bunnings in Melton will open for walk-ups for construction workers from 8am until 11am over the next fortnight.

The Ford and Repat sites will open again for walk-ups daily between 5pm and 8pm, with the Wyndham and Melton sites open for walk-ups between 5pm and 6pm on Thursdays and Fridays. Pfizer will be offered to attendees under the age of 60.

Some 20,000 priority Pfizer appointments will made available to construction workers at all sites across Victoria (excluding drive-through sites).

Workers should book an appointment via the Coronavirus hotline, 1800 675 398, this week, to ensure they receive priority access. These priority appointments will be available through to Sunday 19 September.   

AstraZeneca walk-ups will be available for construction workers at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre each afternoon from 3pm, for a fortnight.

The Victorian Government will also provide Incolink, an industry fund supporting construction workers, with unlimited supply of AstraZeneca for its COVID-19 construction vaccination program.  

Anyone who works at a site where civil works, building or construction activities take place, including contractors and architects working onsite, will be eligible.

It’s important to remember any Victorian, including construction workers, can also book to get vaccinated with their local GP or selected pharmacists across the state.  

COVID-19 compliance blitz at Victorian construction sites

A four-week blitz will be carried out by the State Government’s Industry Enforcement and Engagement Operation, in partnership with the Victorian Building Authority and Worksafe.

Given the increased public health risks, the joint operation will have a ‘zero tolerance’ approach.

The blitz will be supported by additional engagement with the construction industry, including targeted engagement with small to medium size construction businesses to support sub-contractors in understanding their obligations under the CHO Directions.

QR Code check-in and face masks are mandatory on construction sites

Construction workers are reminded that they must check-in on site using the Victorian Government QR Code Service.

Face masks must be worn indoors and outdoors, unless you have a lawful reason not to.

Regularly check current exposure sites and take appropriate action if you have visited any of these locations.

The Victorian Government’s $450 Coronavirus (COVID-19) Test Isolation Payment is also available to eligible Victorians who are unable to work while waiting for COVID-19 test results.

For more information about how the construction sector is operating, a dedicated construction sector guidance page, including FAQ, has been established and updated.

For a detailed overview of all restrictions, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au

Thank you for doing your part to keep Victorians safe and construction open.