29 March 2021 / COVID-19

Construction Remains Essential Service in Greater Brisbane Lockdown

This morning the Queensland Government announced another 3 day lockdown period for the Greater Brisbane region. The lockdown will be in place from 5pm today (Monday) through to 5pm Thursday, 1 April 2021. At this stage, it is similar to the lockdown in January.

We’re continuing to receive information about the requirements, but below is the best information we have at the moment. As the Government releases more direction, we will provide you further updates.

There are also new restrictions in place for other parts of Queensland along with directions for anyone who has travelled from the Greater Brisbane region since 20 March 2021. Please read carefully below.

Hutchies has confirmed that the construction industry is still considered an essential service. Sites will remain open throughout the lockdown period.

However, it is vital that Hutchies’ people are fully implementing the necessary social distancing, hygiene and cleaning measures (detailed here).

In accordance with government directions, office based people should work from home where practicable during this period. Talk to your Team Leader to make appropriate arrangements.

If you live in Greater Brisbane and travel to a site or office outside of the region, the travel must be direct (no stops), and you must observe the same measures in place across Brisbane (summarised below).

When travelling into Greater Brisbane to a site or office (regardless of where you live), if returning home you must follow the same lockdown rules when you are home. Only leave for the four essential reasons and wear a mask when outside your home.

Everyone in Queensland must carry a mask at all times when you leave home and wear them in indoor spaces (including workplaces, except where not practicable on construction sites). It is also strongly recommended masks are worn outside when you cannot maintain 1.5 metres from other people.

Please ensure you read and follow all directions from the Queensland Government. Also continue to implement and follow all of Hutchies’ COVID-19 measures.

Hutchies will provide any other relevant updates to you via email or text message if necessary regarding the situation.

Get tested If you have any symptoms at all, get tested immediately and quarantine at home until you receive a negative result.

Summary of Directions

Greater Brisbane Directions

The Greater Brisbane region has been declared a hotspot. Anyone who has been in this region since Saturday 20 March must also follow these restrictions (and any other local requirements), regardless of where they are.

Local government areas include Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Ipswich, Redlands and Logan. The lockdown will start at 5pm tonight, Monday 29 March, and run until 5pm Thursday 1 April.

You must:

> Only leave home for essential reasons (exercise with family groups, shopping for necessities, healthcare, and work and school if this can’t be done from home) – construction is considered essential work

> Masks must be carried with you at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to

> Masks must be worn in indoor spaces – including workplaces, except where not practicable on construction sites

> It is strongly recommended masks are worn outdoors if you cannot maintain 1.5m distance from other people

Other new restrictions include:

> Schools will be closed except for children of essential workers > Cafes, pubs and restaurants will be open only for takeaway and delivery services

Restrictions for the rest of Queensland

New restrictions have been introduced for the rest of Queensland as a result of one infectious case visiting Gladstone between 25 and 27 March.

These include:

> Masks must be carried with you at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to

> Masks must be worn in indoor spaces – including workplaces, except where not practicable on construction sites

> It is strongly recommended masks are worn outdoors if you cannot maintain 1.5m distance from other people

> Gatherings at home is limited to 30 people

> Hospitality venues can operate under 1 person per 2 square metres, and all patrons must be seated > Hospitals, aged care homes, disability facilities and prisons will limit visitors

Restrictions for travellers

If you have travelled (either personally or for work) from anywhere in the Greater Brisbane region since 20 March 2021 (shown below), you are also subject to these new restrictions, regardless of where you are now.

There may also be extra requirements in the state / territory in which you have travelled to, so ensure you check what you need to do (links to each government COVID site are included at the end of this email).

At a minimum, you must observe the restrictions in place for the Greater Brisbane region.

Advice

As outbreaks continue to occur, Hutchies is tracking all state and territory updates across Australia daily. All relevant information is being provided to teams in affected areas, and updated on Hutchies’ Toolbox.

If you are unsure about any current restrictions or measures in place (including border controls), or need to know what is relevant to you or Hutchies’ broader workforce, feel free to contact us via coronavirus@hutchies.com.au.

Ask a question

Good Hygiene

Wash your hands often for 20 secs & use hand sanitiser in between

Coughs & Sneezes

Cover a cough or sneeze, wash your hands & dispose of any tissues safely

Don't Touch!

Avoid physical contact & don't touch your eyes, nose & mouth

Social Distance

Maintain 1.5 metres distance from people where practicable

Regular Cleaning

Clean work areas, common facilities (kitchens, bathrooms etc) & frequent touch points often

Symptoms

Stay home & get tested if you have the symptoms (even if you think it’s ‘just a cold’)

Follow Directions

Display, read and follow all of Hutchies’ posters and signage around sites and offices

Face Masks

In high risk situations or when you cannot social distance, wear a face mask

Stay Informed

Monitor Hutchies’ Toolbox for the latest information and advice

Symptoms

COVID-19 is the disease caused by the coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. These can range from the common cold to more serious diseases.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may include:

Fever

Coughing

Shortness of Breath

Sore Throat

If you need advice, call Australia’s COVID hotline 1800 020 080 (24 x 7)

Symptom checker

Coronavirus Information

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24 March / Training

Funded Spots Available for Certificate IV in Work Health and Safety

This qualification applies to individuals working in, or wishing to transition into, a work health and safety (WHS) role who provide a broad range of technical knowledge and skills and have some limited responsibility for the output of others.

The qualification applies to those working as supervisors, WHS personnel, and workers in other WHS-related roles who manage risks effectively, apply relevant WHS laws, and contribute to WHS within the workplace in known or changing contexts with established parameters.

The specific nature of this course will include contextualisation of Hutchies’ Policies, Processes, Procedures, and Systems relating to on-site hazard identification, risk assessment and hierarchy of control measures within the scope of its operations.

Units of competency for the Cert IV WHS that we will cover are:

BSBHWS412 Assist with workplace compliance with WHS Laws
BSBWHS413 Contribute to Implement & Maintenance of WHS Consultation & Participation Processes
BSBWHS414 Contribute to Risk Management
BSBWHS415 Contribute to implementing WHS Management Systems
BSBWHS416 Contribute to Workplace Incident Response
BSBWHS417 Assist with Managing WHS Implication of Return to Work
BSBWHS418 Assist with Managing WHS Compliance of Contractors
BSBWHS431 Develop Processes and Procedures for controlling Hazardous Chemicals in the workplace
BSBCMM411 Make a Presentation
BSBWRT411 Write Complex Documents

Funding is available for eligible Queensland participants via CSQ.

For course inquiries call / email Warren Belford on 0427 337 379.

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22 March / Event

2025 Hutchies Training Awards

Please join us for a night of celebration to recognise Hutchies’ brightest learners

Every year we identify an exceptional apprentices, cadets and continuous learners from Hutchies’ training and professional development programs.

Date and Time

Saturday, 22 March 2025
5.30pm for 6pm start

Location

Western Districts Rugby Football Club
65 Sylvan Road
Toowong QLD 4066
view map

Enquiries

Michelle Buckland
0447 758 566
training@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au

RSVP

Places are limited - please confirm
your spot by
Friday, 14 March 2025

3 - 8 March / Weather Alert

Tropical Cyclone Alfred / Preparations for South East Queensland

With the threat of Tropical Cyclone Alfred tracking towards SEQ and forecast to make landfall from Thursday onwards, it is extremely important that we prepare our projects the best we can.

If all projects between Bundaberg and Byron Bay could today start the process of storm / cyclone preparations.

This should be completed and documented using the Inspections > Site Shut Down - Cyclone Preparation Checklist F-084-C tab located on HammerTech.

Please note, any project that has an erected tower crane will also need to ensure they have updated documented advice from their crane engineer outlining the correct weathervane radius, this should be specific to your project.

Hutchies' owned and managed cranes can coordinate this through Bradley Beck, all third party supplied cranes will need to actioned with their nominated representatives.