On site COVID-19 testing builds confidence for construction workers

More than 100 tradies and staff at construction sites around Tasmania have put their hand up for a coronavirus test at work, helping them feel safer back on the job.

CORONAVIRUS testing has began rolling out across 21 Tasmanian construction sites this week in an industry effort towards economic recovery and peace of mind.

Some 150 asymptomatic tradies and staff on site have so far volunteered to test for COVID-19 to paint a statewide coronavirus picture, while those presenting symptoms are tested and quarantined at home.

CFMEU organiser Kevin Harkins said workers’ co-operative spirit was “fantastic”.

“We were a little bit worried that some of the guys wouldn’t want to buy into it but it’s been very successful so far,” he said.

Nurse Vicky Liu tests CFMEU State Organiser Kevin Harkins at a construction site at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

“It just gives construction workers confidence that the industry’s in a strong position to continue onward from here and add the economic value to the Tasmanian community.”

Incolink’s decision to roll out mobile testing facilities through Tasmanian and Victorian sites comes as an unemployment spike hits the industry with slowed work and limits on workers allowed on site at a time.

TasBuild CEO Michael Irwin said he was happy to have been tested for the safety of the community.

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“It’s a little bit of discomfort but it’s over pretty quickly and it’s just something we’ve got to do,” he said.

Mr Irwin tested negative, with those tested receiving their result within 72 hours and positive testers eligible for Incolink’s COVID-19 payment.