Covid-19 for your workplace

March 12 2020

Now that we're in Alert Level 1, the construction industry has published a revised standard and protocols for ongoing operations. View the Construction Health and Safety NZ (CHASNZ) standard and protocols

Changes from Alert Level 2 to Alert Level 1 are:

  • The relaxing of physical distancing requirements on site

  • Workplaces and workers are still encouraged to maintain one metre; however, this is not a hard requirement

  • Construction sites are still required to sign in and out workers to assist with contact tracing should this be necessary

  • Personal hygiene should be maintained; this means workers should regularly wash hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser

  • Workplaces should maintain regular cleaning of common areas such as bathrooms, meeting rooms and surfaces

  • Workers should only come to work if they are free from flu and cold symptoms

  • Emergency response plans are still to be in place

These changes are consistent with the government's golden rules for Alert Level 1 which are:

  • If you're sick, stay home. Don't go to work or school. Don't socialise

  • If you have cold or flu-like symptoms, call your doctor or Healthline and make sure you get tested

  • Wash your hands. Wash your hands. Wash your hands

  • Sneeze and cough into your elbow, and regularly disinfect shared surfaces

  • If health authorities tell you to self-isolate, you must do so immediately

  • If you're concerned about your wellbeing or have underlying health conditions, work with your GP to understand how best to stay healthy

  • Keep track of where you've been and who you've seen to help contact tracing if needed. Use the NZ COVID Tracer app as a handy way of doing this

  • Businesses should help people keep track of their movements by displaying the Ministry of Health QR Code for contact tracing

  • Stay vigilant. There is still a global pandemic going on. People and businesses should be prepared to act fast to step up Alert Levels if we have to

  • People will have had different experiences over the last couple of months. Whatever you're feeling — it's okay. Be kind to others. Be kind to yourself

ACE New Zealand member research 

In April we surveyed ACE New Zealand members to understand:

  • The immediate impacts of COVID-19,
  • What is driving these impacts, as well as
  • Member attitudes regarding the future of our sector

We heard from 138 member firms who employ more than 11,000 staff. This represents a response rate of approximately 64% of member firms and market coverage (as measured by fulltime equivalent employees) of more than 80%

It’s safe to say that COVID-19 has had a significant impact. Both in terms of cash flow and service demand. 

Read the research