8 minute read
COVID-19: working under the new Traffic Light System
In December 2021, Construction Health and Safety New Zealand (CHASNZ) released the revised COVID-19 Protection Framework Protocols and Guidelines for the Construction Industry.
Advertisement
As of 3 December 2021, the new Traffic Light System (TLS) protocols replaced the individual Residential, Vertical and Horizontal Alert Level protocols, which were developed for the first COVID-19 lockdowns in early 2020.
The COVID-19 Protection Framework Standards are the starting point guide for the construction industry. They indicate what actions need to be taken to plan for and work under restrictions that may be required to be implemented on-site. The Framework protocols are live working documents, and will be updated to coincide with the changing Government requirements. There are two versions of the Protection Framework, a shorter version and a longer (complete) version. Both contain the protocols with links to the resources and documents you need to guide you on how to apply the protocols on-site. The difference is the longer version contains all the resources you need (so you don’t have to click through to them via the links).
Pages two to four of this document take you through each zone/ colour of the ‘Traffic Light System’ (TLS) and identify what controls a business will need to implement under the TLS to operate.
The following page five suggests additional controls that can be implemented where a risk assessment has been undertaken and vaccination is not required on-site. These suggestions are found on top of the controls listed in the red, orange and green alert levels. While not mandated controls, these suggestions aim to support safer site operations, that can be implemented where necessary, based on the outcome of individual site risk assessment(s).
In addition, on page six you will find a page of ‘Supporting Resources’, allowing you to access the specific information you want and need in one place. It contains a list for employers and managers who are wanting to implement these protocols on-site, a list of guides for employees, alongside some helpful services and links. Lastly, ‘Site Signage’ page seven, gives you access to all site signage you will need on-site. You can select the required sign to download and print.
The longer (complete) version (COVID-19 Protection Framework for Construction plus supporting resources)
If you have downloaded the longer version, you have access to all of the information mentioned above, with the additional supporting resources such as: • risk assessment flowcharts – all sites should undertake a risk assessment of their activities; this includes the risk of COVID-19. The risk assessments will help establish if a site requires vaccination to be mandated • contact type definitions - a breakdown of the contact types • contact classification process – information on what the worker should do • response plan flowchart • managers checklist • COVID-19 vaccination information • personal health flowchart • cleaning and hygiene and returning home after work guidance • safe practices when using face masks and gloves on site • a usable sign-in register • mental health how to guides, tips and assessments for employers and employees • posters and site signs • Frequently Asked Questions The above New Zealand COVID-19 Construction Protocols document should be used in conjunction with the COVID-19 – Standard for New Zealand Construction Operations document. These documents can be found and downloaded at: www.chasnz.org/covid19 or under the COVID-19 section of the NZCB members’ only Toolshed: www.nzcb.nz/members/covid-19-health-safety/
COVID-19 Response Plan Flow Chart
START Worker presents with symptoms
Worker is a [close/ casual] contact of a confirmed COVID case Worker receives positive rapid antigen test (RAT)
Worker has PCR test for other reason Stand-down, isolate and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test
CLOSE WORKER GUIDANCE
Stand down and isolate
Assess Close and Casual Contacts for last 48 hours
FULLY VACCINATED
Isolate and get a PCR test immediately Get additional PCR tests on day 5 after last exposure or onset of symptoms Isolate until negative result of day 5 test or for 7 days, whichever is longer
UNVACCINATED
Isolate and get a PCR test immediately Get additional PCR tests on day 5 and day 8 after last exposure or onset of symptoms Isolate until negative result of day 8 test or for 10 days, whichever is longer PCR result
POSITIVE
Was the worker on-site 48 hours before time of test?
YES
CASUAL
See COVID-19 contact type definitions within the NZ COVID-19 Construction Protocols booklet
FULLY VACCINATED
Return to work but monitor for symptoms for 10 days If symptoms develop, stay home and get a PCR test immediately – isolate until a negative result is received
UNVACCINATED
Isolate and get a PCR test immediately Get a second PCR test on day 5 Isolate until negative result of day 5 test or 7 days after last exposure, whichever is longer If symptoms develop after day 5, isolate until you get a negative test result
NEGATIVE Business as usual (BAU)
NO WORKER: Stands down and isolates
SITE: Resumes BAU
SITE GUIDANCE
Can you identify the Close and Casual Contacts?
YES NO
Follow WORKER guidance Notify site and ask them to monitor for symptoms Clean shared facilities Treat all workers as Close Contacts Follow WORKER guidance Notify site and ask them to monitor for symptoms Clean shared facilities Instigate surveillance testing if available
Reporting rule: Report one Event for each positive case, but list out the number of close contacts
Manager’s checklist
CHECK DETAIL
Don’t forget your normal health and safety obligations still apply. These Protocols are in addition to your usual health and safety controls.
Vaccination is an additional protection for all workers against COVID-19 including the Delta variant. Communicate the facts and benefits to workers included at:
See the latest government guidance for travel under the COVID-19 protection framework at: QUICK REFERENCE
https://covid19.govt.nz/covid-19-vaccines/get-thefacts-about-covid-19-vaccination/
https://covid19.govt.nz/travel/
Have an up-to-date site plan that is communicated and agreed with the appropriate persons. This plan must be aligned to the New Zealand COVID-19 Construction Protocols.
Each contractor must have a plan detailing the steps they will take to mitigate risks,including those presented by COVID-19. The details of the plan must be communicated to appropriate workers before they start work.
You must have a COVID-19 response plan in place to identify processes for dealing with suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases.
Maintain a sign-in register and of all workers in the event of an exposure to COVID-19. COVID-19 Response Plan Flow Chart on previous page
https://www.sitesafe.org.nz/globalassets/guides-andresources/protocol-resources/sign-in-register.pdf
Stay in contact with workers who may be in isolation or working remotely. Assist workers to access mental health and wellbeing information. New Zealand Certified Builders offers all members FREE help through EAP Services each year. EAP Services is New Zealand’s leading employee assistance programme.
Hold Toolbox Talks regularly to keep workers up to date with COVID-19 protocols as we move between stages. Ensure all workers understand when additional PPE may berequired due to COVID-19 and that workers have access to the correct PPE as per the Ministry of Health PPE Guide and WorkSafe guidelines.
When the site moves between levels, all workers must complete a re-induction to the site with the COVID-19 Controls Plan before coming on-site.
Establishment of communication channels for workers to raise any concerns about the effectiveness of COVID-19 controls or identify improvement opportunities.
Confirm that higher risk workers have been identified as per the COVID-19.govt.nz guidelines and that they have discussed with their employer and or health advisor ways to keep safe while at work, if they cannot work from home and want to return to work.
Review mental health tips to use on-site available in the COVID-19 Construction Protocols resource section. https://www.nzcb.nz/members/health-wellbeing/
Ministry of Health PPE Guide and WorkSafe guidelines
COVID-19 Construction Protocols booklet (pages 2–5)
www.COVID-19.govt.nz
COVID-19 Construction Protocols booklet resource section (page 6)
What to do if your staff won’t reveal their vaccination status to you?
Generally, a worker does not need to disclose (or prove) their vaccination status to a business.
If certain work cannot be done by an unvaccinated worker, a PCBU (or business) can ask a worker about the worker’s vaccination status. If the worker does not disclose (or provide evidence about) their vaccination status, the business may assume the worker has not been vaccinated for the purposes of managing health and safety risks. However, businesses should first inform workers of this assumption, and what will happen if the worker is not vaccinated or does not disclose their vaccination status.
Employees cannot be redeployed or disadvantaged for refusing to disclose their vaccination status, unless particular work cannot be done by unvaccinated employees. New legislation (an amendment to the Employment Relations Act 2000) is now in effect. This means employers are now required by law to provide:
• a minimum 4-week notice period if employment agreements are terminated because an employee is not vaccinated, and their role requires it • reasonable paid time off for an employee to get vaccinated. For more information and guidance on vaccination requirements in the workplace can be found under the ‘Vaccines and the workplace’ section of the Employment New Zealand Website: https://www.employment.govt.nz/leaveand-holidays/other-types-of-leave/coronavirus-workplace/
Stressed? Find yourself yelling or snapping at your workmates?
What to do when you are stressed out and can’t think straight:
1. Stop what you are doing – remove yourself from the situation immediately 2. Take a few minutes for yourself – take a walk around the block 3. Talk to someone and tell them you don’t feel so good right now, or that you need their help Need to talk to someone right now about any of the issues below?
• Feelings of anxiety, stress or depression • Family challenges, relationship issues • Parenting problems, elder care support • Conflict and tension with colleagues, managers, partners • Pressures placed on you in the workplace or personal situations • Coping with serious illness, trauma, grief or bereavement • Building resilience during times of change and uncertainty • Preparing for retirement or redundancy • Frustrations and confusion over your career direction • Living with addictions and minimising their impact on your life • Addressing financial matters or personal legal concerns.
New Zealand Certified Builders offers all members FREE help through EAP Services each year. EAP Services is New Zealand’s leading employee assistance programme. For more information on what is available visit https://www.nzcb.nz/members/health-wellbeing/ or contact the National Support Office on: 0800 237 843.
