What to do if a worker tests positive for Covid-19 – Victoria

As you head back to work after the break it’s important to make sure your building sites are Covid safe to minimise the chance of transmission and downtime. If someone you work with tests positive for Covid-19, here’s what you need to know.

Keep your sites Covid safe:  

• Make sure everyone scans in and out of site each day using the HazardCo App. This will let you know who was on site and when, if someone tests positive for Covid-19. The App will also ask all workers a number of declarations about if they have Covid-19 or should be isolating.  
• Covid check in marshals are no longer needed, however it’s mandatory that every worker scans into site each day using the Service Victoria App.
• You must continue to check the vaccination status of workers. Use the Vaccine Register in the HazardCo App.
• All workers must be vaccinated with two doses. The third booster shot isn’t mandated for construction yet, however you should encourage workers to get their booster as soon as it’s available.
• Support your workers to get tested and stay home even if they only have mild symptoms such as a runny nose or sore throat.
• Reduce the chance of COVID-19 transmission by improving work site ventilation. Open doors and windows, turn on air conditioning units and ceiling fans, and add a portable fan to areas that don’t receive any airflow.
• Consider keeping groups of workers rostered on the same shifts at a single site and avoid any overlap of workers during shift changes where it is practical to do so.
• Maintain a distance of 1.5m where possible.
• Masks must be worn when working inside.

What to do if a worker, contractor or site visitor tests positive for Covid-19:

• Complete this Covid-19 Risk Assessment to work out your next steps. View the Victorian government Contact Assessment pdf

• Based on the Covid-19 Risk Assessment, contact the affected Workplace Contacts and let them know if they have symptoms they must use a rapid antigen test (at home test), or get a PCR test if they can’t access a rapid antigen test. This is your responsibility as the principal contractor.
• The Victorian government strongly recommends Workplace Contacts without symptoms use a daily rapid antigen test for 5 days.
• Submit an Incident Report in the HazardCo App, select Illness as the “Type of Incident”.
• Check if you need to report an incident to WorkSafe Victoria, and remember that you can give our advisory team a call for advice if you’re unsure.

• Send this checklist for positive cases provided by the Victorian Government

Check out the HazardCo Confirmed Case guide

We’re here to support you, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with our advisory team if you would like further information on the Covid-19 restrictions and how they impact you. Give us a call on 1800 954 702 or email info@hazardco.com.