Better Safe Than COVID
Ten helpful tips for constructions workers on site.
Who could have forecast the unusual times we find ourselves in.., But in it we are, and with the Construction Industry considered an essential services, it’s important we all exercise good hygiene and safety practices to ensure the spread of coronavirus does not come into the work sites. We have compiled a list of ten tips and resources to continue to work safely.
1. Wash it Good
You’ve heard it countless times, but we are saying it again. Wash your hands! Not a quick wash either, you need to wash for 20 secs to ensure the job is done properly. If that’s not an option, for reason like no plumbing, then use hand sanitiser. If you can’t find any, order it from Brisbane Distillery Company who have made their own and are now selling it in bulk.
2. Too Close to Call
No one is joking on this one. Social distancing means staying 1.5 metres apart. If you reach your arm out and touch the person beside you than you are too close. This is a hard rule to follow as it can slow down productivity, but it’s an important one.
3. A Little Elbow Grease
If you need to cough, do it into your elbow. Or cough into a tissue, but then throw the dirty tissue away! Immediately! Then wash your hands (see above).
4. Three’s a crowd
Limit workers on site at all times. Supervisors should be extra diligent with schedules to ensure staff, subcontractors, and deliveries are spread out and on a necessary basis.
5. Cut Footloose
Habits are hard to stop, none more so than the handshake greeting. This is a breeding ground for disaster, so instead opt for the foot tap instead. It’s a lot more fun in our opinion.
6. The Heat Is On
We hope this one is a bit of a no brainer – but if you have a temperature or show any signs of sickness. DO NOT COME TO WORK. If you suspect you have Coronavirus call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 and ask for further advice.
7. Don’t Be A Tool
Once you have finished using any tools on site, ensure you clean them with disinfectant. This includes benches, door handles, steering wheels, bathroom areas… Literally anything you touch.
8. Protect Then Serve
We have a responsibility to our clients before they come to site, to advise them how many people will be there, if anyone has been unwell, and what our safety measures for that site are. We also want to ensure staff remain safe too, so Supervisors are encouraged to ask them to confirm they haven’t been unwell or in contact with anyone that is in the past 14 days.
9. Rise and Sign
There are some helpful signs to put up in the workplace to help remind workers how to stay safe, here are some that might be useful:
Australian Government - Keep Your Mob Safe – You’re your Hands:
Master Builders - Preventing the spread of Covid19 on Site
Master Builders – This worksite is preventing the spread of Covid19
10. If These Walls Could Talk
If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your Supervisor. This is new territory for everyone, but we are in this together so be sure to keep open communication. Please also be aware it’s not uncommon for people to experience anxiety and depression during a crisis. If you are struggling with your mental health, please do not hesitate to call any of these numbers at any time if you need someone to talk to.
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyondblue 1300 224 636
Mates in Construction 1300 642 111