Andrews Government safety squad uses inspection to ensure work continues on major projects
A crack squad are using surprise inspections and strict penalties to enforce social distancing Melbourne’s major transport projects and keep work moving in the industry. Here’s how it’s working.
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A crack squad are using surprise inspections and strict penalties to enforce social distancing Melbourne’s major transport projects and keep work moving in the industry.
The Andrews Government’s “safety squad” have been hired to regularly ensure COVID-19 restrictions are enforced at the Metro Tunnel, West Gate Tunnel, level crossing removals and more than 100 other road and rail projects.
The regular inspections will ensure the state’s infrastructure pipeline continues to keep workers employed throughout the pandemic.
The government has also set up a Big Build Industry Consultative Panel of contractors, unions and project heads chaired by Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allan.
The panel will meet regularly to address any issues around construction projects across the state.
Major Transport Infrastructure Authority Director-General Corey Hannett said more than 15,000 Victorians were employed under Victoria’s infrastructure program.
“I’ve never seen anything like this is in my life and we cannot afford to become complacent,” he said.
In the first three weeks of the program, the safety squad held more than 400 inspections.
Work crews are separated into groups to minimise the risk of spread and staff regularly have their temperature tested so that authorities can act quickly.
Mr Hannett said current restrictions had also reduced disruptions for people moving around Melbourne and helped deliver projects like level crossing removals early or on schedule.
The construction industry is one of the biggest employers in Victoria, and we are doing everything we can to support our workforce and ensure that construction can safely continue to build both our road and rail projects and support jobs,” Ms Allan said.
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