ASGA COVID update - Installation on multiple worksites permitted

Julie Rochester, ASGA President and Mick Harrold ASGA Vic Chair, provided the following update late Thursday night.

The Association is comprised of a diverse range of businesses, some of whom will classify as essential services and some will not.  Some will be marginal.  That is why the Association cannot give advice to membership as a whole.  However, the Association has provided as much information as possible for member companies to make their own appropriate independent decision.

Late Wednesday there was a seemingly minor change that has a significant impact on operations of a number of members.  Multiple worksites are now officially allowed to be visited by our employees. This opens installation up in many areas where it was not allowed only 24 hours ago.  This has the effect that some members can now install on Large and Small Scale Construction Sites subject to the Head Builder meeting their obligations.  You need a work permit on you at all times.  You also have to keep a log of all of the worksites that you or your staff have visited.

A new document was released Wednesday night seeking to clarify some of the grey areas.  The document – https://djpr.vic.gov.au/significant-projects/responding-to-coronavirus-covid-19 – seems to remove the restrictions on construction sites, but we have spoken to the Victorian Government this morning and they confirm that these rules which only allow about 25% of staff on large construction sites still exist.

Before providing more detail, we need to make the following point:  many members will not be affected (benefit from) this decision.  If your business principally focuses upon vehicle wraps or banners, then this is of no relevance to you.

We also sought clarification on the following catch all phrase:  Ancillary and support businesses are able to open on-site to ensure the necessary production, supply, manufacture, repair, maintenance, cleaning, security, wholesale, distribution, transportation or sale of equipment, goods or services required for the operations of a Permitted Work Premises, or for Closed Work Premises where there are safety or environmental obligations.  The business cannot operate on-site for any other purpose.

We wanted to know if this allows ALL work to continue for "Permitted Work Premises".  The Government was at pains to point out that there is still a need for the works to be "Essential" to the business.  So essential signs on Permitted workplaces is the rule they are promoting.  But who decides what is Essential?  The answer to that seems to be Business Victoria.  We were told that if you are not sure as a business owner if the sign is essential, then you must ring them to get a clarification.

Business Victoria:  13 22 15

https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/business-industry-stage-4-restrictions-covid-19

The above is merely information that the Association has received from the relevant Government bodies.  It is not meant to be legal advice about the particular circumstances of your business.  Remember that significant fines can be issued if your business is found to be in breach of the law.  We advise you to carefully consider the rules and the risks before proceeding.

The Association hopes you all keep safe and well in the weeks and months ahead.