Minimising the risk of COVID-19 exposure introduces new safety risks on building and construction sites. The Australian Government has released building and construction industry specific advice on dealing with these risks. The advice is available from Safe Work Australia (SWA) and covers topics including:

• Industry-specific control measures to managing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 (including social distancing and hygiene)
• Keep workers informed
• Consultation and communicating with workers
• Further information and resources

The Federal Safety Commissioner, David Denney, said, ‘The advice provides practical guidance to building and construction companies in protecting their workers and the public from COVID-19’. He encouraged all companies accredited under the WHS Accreditation Scheme to familiarise themselves with the advice.

The model Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws require employers to take care of the health and safety of their workers and others at the workplace. This includes:

• providing and maintaining a work environment that is without risk to health and safety; and
• adequate facilities for workers in carrying out their work.

Employers must identify risks at the workplace, and where possible eliminate or minimise those risks.

The Australian Government Department of Health also has a range of educational COVID-19 posters and other resources companies may find useful.