COVID-19 updates for building and construction

26 November 2021

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Tēnā koe,

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In this latest update, we provide information on the following three topics:

1. The COVID-19 Protection Framework

2. Vaccination requirements and CHASNZ new Traffic Light protocols 

3. Business travel documents for building and construction

 

The COVID-19 Protection Framework  

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The Government has announced the next stage of the COVID-19 response plan to provide a pathway out of lockdown and give vaccinated New Zealanders more freedom. 

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At 11:59pm on 2 December 2021, all of New Zealand will move to the COVID-19 Protection Framework (Traffic Light System). Auckland will move to Red, while settings for the rest of New Zealand are yet to be decided on.  At all levels, building and construction activity can continue.

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For more information about the requirements at each level see the COVID-19 Protection Framework for more information. 

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Vaccination requirements and CHASNZ new Traffic Light protocols 

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Workers carrying out building and construction work at early childhood, primary and secondary educational facilities, prisons and hospitals, are required by the government to be fully vaccinated.

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For other building and construction workers, employers will need to carry out an assessment to decide whether work needs to be performed by a vaccinated worker. 

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The Government will be releasing a vaccination assessment tool to assist employers to identify when it is reasonable to require vaccinations to manage COVID-19 in the workplace.  

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CHASNZ has developed a tool tailored to the building and construction sector, this has been included in the new CHASNZ COVID-19 Protection Framework (Traffic Light) protocols. This will be available for preview on the CHASNZ website see www.chasnz.org/covid19 for more information. 

Note that the new Traffic Light protocols will replace the current Residential, Vertical and Horizontal COVID-19 protocols, from Friday 3 December 2021. 

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Key features of the new CHASNZ Traffic Light protocols include:

• A simpler layout showing the protocols appropriate for each Traffic Light colour

• Links to key resources which can be printed out as posters

• Guidance on how to assist workers mental health at work or while isolating 

• Guidance on risk assessments on whether work needs to be carried out by a fully vaccinated worker 

• Guidance on controls to mitigate risk when vaccinations are not required  

• Guidance on what to do when COVID-19 presents on construction sites.

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Further resources and assistance will be available in coming weeks that cover practical uses of the protocols. The Traffic Light protocols are to be treated as working documents, which will evolve as requirements change.

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Business travel documents for building and construction

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Until 15 December 2021, travel restrictions under the alert level system are still in place and business and services should continue to follow all current Alert Level rules. Business travel documents are still required.

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For more information about the requirements about business travel that is permitted see General information relating to COVID-19.

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From 15 December 2021, people travelling out of Auckland to visit other parts of the country will need to be fully vaccinated, or have a negative test within 72 hours prior to their departure.  A Business travel document will not be required. 

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Ngā mihi nui
The Building Performance Team