Non-essential construction work during the ACT Covid-19 lockdown

The ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr, announced a lockdown for the ACT on 12 August 2021 for seven days.

WorkSafe ACT in partnership with the Australian Federal Police have detected residential construction work and trades being undertaken illegally over this lockdown period.

Work Health and Safety Commissioner, Jacqueline Agius, and the WorkSafe ACT Inspectors are actively on the lookout for non-essential work to support the public heath directions over the lockdown period.

“WorkSafe inspectors will be conducting random inspections of construction sites on weekends along with our business as usual inspections during normal business hours.”

“WorkSafe ACT continues to ensure health and safety of ACT workplaces to both continue to provide essential services and to ensure the safety and security of those workplace that must close.”

One of the few reasons that Canberrans can leave home during this time is for essential work. All construction sites were provided a grace period to ensure the safety and security of these sites over the coming week. While maintaining safety and security of these sites may require a worker to attend a site, inspectors continue to find non-essential work being undertaken.

“WorkSafe ACT continues to regulate workplaces during the lockdown and we are working closely with industry and unions to do so.”

Commissioner Agius said that the only reasons that construction can be undertaken over this period is if it is emergency work or work that maintains safety and security.

“We are out in the ACT and on the ground as we are needed.”

“If non-essential work is found by an inspector, there will be consequences. All work on commercial and residential construction sites must cease to support breaking the chain of infection in the Territory.”

Commissioner Agius said that the inspectorate continues to fulfill its role as the work health and safety regulator during the lockdown period.

“We are available both over the phone and by email to respond to any workplace issues as normal. You can contact us and we can, and will, respond accordingly.”

WorkSafe ACT can be reached on 13 22 81 during business hours, after hours on 0419 120 028 or email at worksafe@worksafe.act.gov.au

Media contact

WorkSafe ACT Media and Communications Team
worksafe@worksafe.act.gov.au
0414 997 976