Victorian construction workers will get dedicated mobile testing facilities under a new initiative to tackle COVID-19, supported by the State Government.
Incolink, a joint enterprise of employer associations and industry unions for Victoria and Tasmania’s construction industry, launched the scheme on Wednesday 29 April, supported by the Victorian Government.
It is being rolled out at West Side Place, being built by ProBuild. Incolink’s health bus was joined by a range of industry partners helping to fund and support this initiative.
Incolink CEO Erik Locke said the State Government had approved the Incolink Health Bus to test workers for COVID-19 on construction sites.
“Incolink is delighted to deliver this initiative funded and backed by our industry and the State Government. The health and safety of workers is paramount. This initiative will help construction continue to operate and ensure we can be at the forefront of the recovery of the economy,” Locke said.
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“The involvement of the State Government and our industry partners has allowed us to commence this initiative quickly, allowing all those on-site workers and contractors on and off the tools access to testing. Widespread testing will give workers and the community confidence in the safety of our industry.”
Testing will be undertaken in partnership with Incolink’s existing bus partner, the Australian Prostate Centre (APC). Their team of GPs and nurses will supervise and conduct the nasal and mouth swabs approved by the State Government.
Workers will receive a result within 48 hours. Any worker showing symptoms of COVID-19 is already encouraged not to attend work. If they arrive at testing with symptoms, they will be immediately seen to determine whether they should be sent home or to a medical clinic. Any positive test by the worker will be notified to Government and the worker will be required to self-isolate for a period of 14 days. The impact on other workers from a positive test will be determined by reference to existing industry guidelines on managing social distancing and COVID-19 and which have been approved by the State Government.
Any Incolink member who is unable to work due to COVID-19 will be eligible for the Incolink COVID-19 payment.
“As a pivotal workforce in the Australian economy, this testing regime is an important initiative to keep workers informed about their health and safety and enables prompt action if necessary,” CBUS CEO David Atkin said.
“Workers are persevering despite the challenges of COVID-19 and it is important we look out for one another as our members will be at the frontline of the recovery.”
Builders and workers can register to have the Incolink Bus visit their workplace at http://incolink.org.au/covid19-testing/