Coronavirus: Tradies take a hammering: site numbers cut by 75pc

The number of workers allowed on large construction sites in Melbourne will be slashed by 75 per cent.

Macard Built construction workers in Melbourne. Picture: David Caird

The number of workers allowed on large construction sites in Melbourne will be slashed by 75 per cent, with staff banned from working across multiple sites.

For small-scale construction, such as homes, there will be a maximum of five workers allowed onsite, including the supervisor, under industry restrictions introduced as part of the Victorian government’s stage-four lockdown.

Referring to the construction sector as “the lifeblood of the Victorian economy”, Premier Daniel Andrews said on Monday the ­restrictions were part of a “pilot-light phase”.

“They’re not being turned off completely,” he said. “They are dramatically reducing the number of people they have working for them and their output over these next six weeks.”

Construction of essential infrastructure will continue, as well as repairs to homes for safety reasons. As well, time-sensitive construction, such as new schools, will be exempt from the restrictions but will have to prepare a COVID safety plan.

Master Builders Victoria CEO Rebecca Casson said the decision to scale back construction was devastating but said she would work with the Victorian government to ensure it was as brief as possible. “The detail of how much impact this move will have on our industry will be assessed over the coming days,” she said. “There are many unanswered questions.”

Workplaces allowed to keep operating will be required to have extra personal protective equipment as well as staggered shifts and breaks.

Fiona Nield, Victorian executive director of the Housing ­Industry Association, welcomed the decision to define construction as essential, saying there were 60,000 homes being built. “Allowing housing projects to continue will save jobs, limit the risk of longer rental costs and loan charges for homeowners, and ensure that Victoria’s housing supply keeps up with demand,” she said.

The Victorian branch of the CFMEU posted on social media: “Please standby for further information while we unpack the Premier’s announcement. Stay safe during these unprecedented times.”

On Friday, the Multiplex Premier Apartments site, known as Beyonce, in Melbourne’s CBD construction site in Melbourne’s CBD was shut for deep cleaning after 12 people tested positive for the coronavirus. About 20 workers were ordered to undergo testing for the coronavirus and self-isolate for 14 days.