Infrastructure NSW : Response to COVID-19

Commercial principles

Infrastructure NSW has worked with agencies and industry stakeholders to prepare a guidance document for commercial principles.

This guideline was prepared to support NSW Government agencies with resolving the impacts of restrictions on construction on the Government’s infrastructure program, and provides additional commercial principles and guidance to be adapted by delivery agencies on a case by case basis. It is also capable of being applied by State Owned Corporations and other tiers of government.

The original guideline was issued on 20 July.
An updated guideline was issued on 30 July.

Rapid antigen testing on NSW Government projects

The NSW Government has worked with industry to trial rapid antigen testing on a number of projects being delivered by the NSW Government as an alternative form of surveillance testing to Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing.

On 18 August, rapid antigen testing was approved for surveillance testing on sites, provided it is conducted in accordance with the framework and standard operating procedures developed by NSW Health.

The NSW Government will pay for rapid antigen tests on its projects that were part of the agreed rapid antigen testing pilot program. For ongoing testing, Government will pay for rapid antigen testing on its projects to the extent that it is mandatory to meet public health orders, or also more generally where there is agency agreement with head contractors to pay to make rapid antigen testing a standard procedure on a project.

Collaboration with industry

Our 10-Point Commitment to the construction industry sets out the collaborative approach we expect from all parties. The NSW Government’s Construction Leadership Group will monitor developments and continue to facilitate industry-wide discussions.

We encourage all contractors to speak with their client agencies regarding individual projects.

Email industry@infrastructure.nsw.gov.au with your contact details to ensure we have your latest information. If you’re contact details are current, you will receive email updates from us.

NOTE: Greater Sydney includes the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Shellharbour and Wollongong.

Who is permitted to work on a construction site in Greater Sydney?

All construction workers are permitted to work on construction sites in Greater Sydney.

A construction site is a place at which work, including related excavation, is being carried out to erect, demolish, extend or alter a building or structure, or at which civil works are being carried out, but not work carried out in relation to a dwelling in which a person is residing.

How many people are permitted to work on a construction site in Greater Sydney?

Construction sites are limited to no more than 1 person per 4 square metres of space indoors and 1 person per 2 square metres of space outdoors.

Are there any vaccination requirements to work on a construction site?

No. There are no longer any vaccination requirements for workers on a construction site in Greater Sydney or regional NSW.

Are there any mandatory surveillance testing requirements for construction workers?

While there are no mandatory surveillance requirements for workers, some sites may implement rapid antigen testing which has been approved by NSW Health.

A guidance document has been developed and can be found on the NSW Government website.

Who is responsible for implementing the COVID-19 Safety Plan on site?

The principal contractor or site occupier must complete the COVID-19 Safety Plan for construction sites in Greater Sydney. They are responsible for enforcing all requirements, including the wearing of face mask and physical distancing.

What penalties will be imposed for non-compliance to COVID-19 Safety Plans?

It is an offence not to comply with the COVID-19 Safety Plans for construction sites under the Public Health Order.

The maximum penalty for non-compliance is six months imprisonment and/or $11,000. On-the-spot fines of $2,000 for an individual or $10,000 for a corporation can be issued.

Can work take place on a construction site in regional NSW?

Yes, construction in regional NSW is permitted. Sites can have 1 person per 4 square metres indoors and 1 person per 2 square metres outdoors at the site at any one time.

A COVID-19 Safety Plan is recommended.

Email industry@infrastructure.nsw.gov.au with your contact details to ensure we have your latest information. If your contact details are current, you will receive email updates from us.

Alternatively, keep a look out on this website, where we will update our FAQs as new information comes to light.

Ask a question or raise an issue

Industry is encouraged to speak often and speak early with government client agencies to raise any concerns or ask questions in relation to COVID-19. We encourage all contractors to speak with their client agencies regarding individual projects.

If you would like to:

Raise any concerns about the current COVID-19 restrictions
Suggest additional information to be covered on this website
Register for INSW updates
Raise a specific issue

Please contact industry@infrastructure.nsw.gov.au

Please note that Infrastructure NSW is unable to grant exemptions to Public Health Orders.

More information can be found on COVID-19 restrictions can be found on the NSW Government website.

Response to COVID-19

Response to COVID-19

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