5 August 2021
Police enforcing construction site compliance + restrictions increased on essential construction work allowed + mask compliance
As we head into another day of lockdown in south-east Queensland, we’ve had reports of police enforcing compliance on construction sites – both regarding wearing of masks and other social distancing measures, as well as the kind of work that is allowed to continue. In order to ensure we keep the industry open, please ensure you are wearing masks at all times (unless it’s not safe).
“Essential” work restrictions tightened for occupied homes
In order to clear up any confusion, the Queensland Government has issued clarification around what constitutes essential work in occupied homes (all other construction, where unoccupied can continue as previously advised). This clarification means they have also tightened up what work is allowed in occupied residences.
In occupied homes, they have advised that only essential or emergency repairs and construction should take place and have supplied clarification on what this work is (specific examples are below). They have also advised that if you are part way through a renovation, work that ensures that the premises are safe, accessible, secure, and have functioning amenities such as kitchen, bathroom and laundry, are considered essential.
Unfortunately, while we had previously been advised by the Department of Energy & Public Works (DEPW) that non-essential outdoor work could continue on occupied premises, that is no longer the case. If the home is unoccupied, you can continue with external works. We are currently in regular contact with the DEPW and Minister de Brenni’s office and if this rule changes, we will immediately advise members.
We have had reports that some industry bodies are advising that all residential construction must cease – however, this is not the case. New building sites and other sites where there are no residents in attendance, work can absolutely continue.
Essential or emergency repairs include:
- a burst water service or a serious water service leak
- a blocked or broken toilet
- a serious roof leak
- a gas leak
- a dangerous electrical fault
- flooding or serious flood damage
- serious storm, fire or impact damage
- a failure or breakdown of the gas, electricity or water supply
- a failure or breakdown of an essential service or appliance on the property for hot water, cooking or heating
- a fault or damage that makes the property unsafe or insecure
- a fault or damage likely to injure a person, damage property or unduly inconvenience a tenant
- a serious fault in a staircase, lift or other common area of the property that unduly inconveniences a tenant in gaining access to, or using, the property.
All other repairs are routine repairs and should be delayed until after the lockdown has finished. If you are part way through a renovation, ensuring that the premises is safe, accessible, secure, and has functioning amenities such as kitchen, bathroom and laundry is considered essential.
Read the full list of restrictions and the essential work definition on the Queensland government website.
MASK UP!
We’ve also had reports of construction sites where workers are consistently not wearing masks.
We can only reiterate to avoid enforcement action by police and to keep the industry open, please ensure you are wearing masks at all times (unless it’s not safe).
We remain open for business and as always, are here to answer any questions you might have, so please feel free to call us on 1300 30 50 10.
For more information, head to the Queensland Health website.
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