29 Jun - 2 Jul 2021 / COVID-19

Construction Remains Essential Service in Queensland Lockdowns

This morning the Queensland Government announced another 3 day lockdown period for the local government areas (LGAs) of South East Queensland (incorporating Brisbane, Gold Coast, Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Moreton Bay, Scenic Rim, Somerset and Lockyer Valley) as well as Townsville, Magnetic Island and Palm Island.

The lockdown will be in place from 6pm today (Tuesday) through to 6pm Friday, 2 July 2021. This lockdown has been announced in response to 4 separate outbreak incidents in Queensland of varying concern.

We’re continuing to receive information about the requirements, but the below is the current information to follow at the time of this update. If we receive any further updated information regarding the construction industry, we will provide another update.

The construction industry is 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 if their work can be done from home. Talk to your Team Leader to make appropriate arrangements.

You may leave your home to attend work (if it cannot be done from home) but you must limit movements and stay within your local area whenever possible until the lockdown period has ended. Masks must also continue to be carried outside of your home and worn indoors.

If you do leave home to go to an area outside of those subject to the lockdown restrictions for essential reasons, you must continue to abide by the lockdown rules wherever you go.

Please ensure you read and follow all directions from the Queensland Government (detailed below). 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.

QLD Venues of Concern

Affected LGA Directions

These restrictions apply to anyone who is currently in the Queensland LGAs of: Noosa, Sunshine Coast, Ipswich, Logan, Redlands, Moreton Bay, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Lockyer Valley, Somerset, Townsville City (including Magnetic Island), Palm Island Aboriginal Shire.

Anyone who has been in the affected regions after 6pm Tuesday 29 June must also follow these restrictions (and any other local requirements), regardless of where they go.

The lockdown will start at 6pm tonight, Tuesday 29 June, and run until 6pm Friday 2 July.

The following restrictions will be enforced:

You can only leave your residence (which includes temporary accommodation such as a holiday rental) for limited permitted purposes such as:

> obtaining essential goods or services, including healthcare (including vaccinations)

> exercise

> attending essential work, education or childcare (if it cannot be performed from home)

> assisting vulnerable persons

You should stay in your local area wherever possible.

You can only have two visitors to your residence (excluding volunteers and workers).

You can exercise away from your home with your household group and/or one other person not from your household.

You must carry a face mask at all times when you leave home, unless you have a lawful reason not to. You must wear a mask in indoor spaces, such as:

> shopping centres and supermarkets

> hospitals and aged care facilities, if permitted to visit

> indoor workplaces (where safe to wear a mask and you can’t physically distance)

> public transport, taxis and rideshare, and waiting places or queues for this transport

> airports and travelling on planes.

Masks do not need to be worn in some circumstances, including children under 12 years, where people have certain medical conditions, and in workplaces where it is not safe to do so.

Masks may be removed when sitting down to eat and drink, undertaking strenuous exercise and for employment purposes.

Non-essential businesses are not allowed to operate. Cinemas, entertainment and recreation venues, hairdressers, beauty and personal care services, gyms and places of worship will all close.

Childcare centres will remain open.

Restaurants and cafes can provide take away or home delivery services only.

Funerals will be limited to 20 people, and weddings will be limited to 10 people, including the celebrant and the couple.

People outside of the lockdown LGAs can transit through those areas without stopping.

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

Tips to keep safe

To keep yourself and others safe, the Australian Government continues to encourage, where practicable, the below methods to minimise the spread of COVID-19.

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

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Alternative products must be considered and implemented on all projects.

The industry is shifting away from engineered stone due to the risks of respirable crystalline silica, which can cause silicosis and other silica-related diseases. Although the consultations are under way and there has been no official announcement by Federal or State Governments on the issue, the health and safety risks along with the uncertainty around this issue warrants a decision to ban all engineered products entering job sites nationally. The ban will take effect on 1 July 2024 and will extend to ALL engineered stone regardless of the silica content percentage. 

An update to this alert will be provided before the end of the year when the Federal and State Governments are expected to issue a formal decision on the ban. In the meantime, to mitigate the impact of potential delays and variations, the best approach is to inform the clients of the pending ban and to propose and seek approval for an alternative product. Similarly, ensure all future estimates have the stone specification qualified and priced accordingly.

Product alternatives going forward include:

Compact Laminates

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  • Extremely competitive pricing
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  • Heat resistance is an issue
  • Product not suitable for high end applications

Porcelain Surfaces

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  • Good warranty terms

Acrylic Solid Surfaces

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  • More expensive alternative
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Natural Stone*

  • Various silica content percentages
  • Variety of products at different price points available
  • Ongoing maintenance may be an issue
  • Unlikely to satisfy specific warranty requirements

*Although this alert does not directly impact natural stone, some types have high silica content so risk of using these on projects should be considered carefully.

For an up-to-date list of available products and their usability, click here.

More information

If you need additional support, please contact the Quality Team:

Phone 1300 HUTCHIES
Email QualityTeam@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au

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Check the detailed drawings from Elephant’s Foot and Wastech for different wall types (plasterboard, shaft-liner, speed panel, concrete, Hebel, and masonry).

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