COVID-19 update - 7 May 2020

7 May 2020

Your latest regular update. We'll continue to bring you the information you need, as it's available. Today we will answer common questions about hand sanitiser, provide clarity on display home inspections, our calls for stimulus measures and a shout out to businesses who are thinking outside the box in response to COVID-19.

^{This COVID-19 member update is unlocked and free to all in the interests of the building and construction industry. Did you know members have exclusive access to information and our team of experts who are on hand to assist in a range of ways? Need more specific COVID-19 advice relating to contracts, WHS, employment conditions or the relief measures? Members can contact us or learn how to join so you can speak with our experts and get free advice.}

*Due to the changing nature of COVID-19, this information may no longer be correct. Please check state and federal government information for up-to-date guidance.

Rumour alert: hand sanitiser

We're here to help bust myths. If you hear or read something that doesn't sound right, let us know and we can investigate and find the answer. Chances are, we've probably been asked the question already.

Two of the most common questions our WHS team have received relate to SDS and SWMS for hand sanitiser.

The good news? We've got clarification on these issues from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) who have made it clear that an SDS is not required if hand sanitiser is in domestic quantities and incidental to your work. A SWMS is only required if you are manufacturing your own sanitiser.

We've also got a series of FAQs, resources and helpful links that cover common questions and scenarios.

Real estate inspections - 6 person rule 

The government recently provided a further health directive that provided clarity regarding open for inspection rules for display homes.

Inspections remain by appointment only, and may be conducted with a maximum of 6 people including the real estate agent inside the building at any one time, with no more than one person   per 4 square metres.

Display homes open

Master Builders display villages remain open, in line with these inspection rules.

Easing of the stay-at-home restrictions should give homeowners who are looking to build the confidence that they are allowed to travel for the purpose of visiting a display home. For those who have already started, they can now have the confidence to travel for product selection purposes.

We’ll continue our push for further relaxation of gathering rules such as those regarding home inspections, particularly as we can demonstrate, as an industry, how we can keep staff and visitors safe.

Stimulus to combat COVID-19 fall out

We continue to push calls for stimulus measures to address the looming crisis that faces our industry.

Our latest media statement and interview with CEO, Grant Galvin, reinforced that many builders in Queensland have reported a significant drop in enquiries and new contracts, with south east Queensland seemingly the hardest hit.

Featuring a number of members from around Queensland, the statement continues our calls for swift and decisive action from the Queensland Government. We want to safeguard thousands of jobs and small businesses and our targeted campaign calls on the Queensland Government to supercharge and fast-track their stimulus measures even further.

We've received lots of airplay in print, radio and TV channels across the state. Check out some of the coverage on 7 News Brisbane, WIN News Townsville, and 7 News Gold Coast.

Let’s get creative with a new look grant to boost new home builds, a program to fund home renovations to make homes more energy efficient and bring forward public spending on buildings, like schools and hospitals.

Lobbying resources for members

In addition to our media activities, radio campaign and social media posts, we've prepared a resource pack for members to use to help spread the word.

The pack includes a flyer, social media tile and digital banner.

Share the details far and wide

1. Email a copy of the flyer to your local and state member of parliament, the Premier or Mick de Brenni MP.
2. Share with your clients, customers and your employees.
3. Add our digital banner to your emails and newsletters with a link to our Lobbying campaign page.
4. Share our Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter posts to your own followers.

Let's tell everyone why it's so important to keep building going.

Innovation alert!

Have you been doing something different or innovative in your business, or generally thinking outside the box in response to COVID-19?

We want to hear from you!

Tell us how you're getting creative to ensure your business survives the impact and implements the new rules.

Got a budding Master Builder at home with time on their hands?

Have you got a budding Master Builder at home that loves Lego and has some spare time on their hands? The Budding Master Builder challenge is for them!

Their task? Build their own Lego house and enter our building competition. It's easy.

1. Print the plans or draw your own design.
2. Grab some Lego and get building!
3. Send in your entries and we'll give them and the Master Builders member a shout out on social media.

Two entries will receive a $50 Kmart voucher (T&Cs apply).

COVID-19 impact survey

Master Builders Australia is again seeking feedback from the industry. Survey results will be used to deliver evidence based calls for stimulus and assistance from all levels of government.

Resources

We're trying to make it easier with loads of resources available:

• Health Disclosure Form (clients) - use this when visiting clients and private premises
• Health Disclosure Form (visitors) - use this form for visitors coming to your site or business
• Notice to supply to clients - use this to confirm for clients you are authorised to attend
• COVID-19 site sign - use this to educate your workers on the guidelines
• COVID-19 site sign (public) - use this to reinforce to the public and workers on the measures you are taking
• Keep your distance checklist - use this to ensure you are following all the recommendations
• COVID-19 entry authorisation sign – use this for sites without constant supervision of visitors entering at the gate. Visitors can use this as a health self-assessment
• Digital banner (PDF or JPEG) – use this banner in your advertising and newsletters to demonstrate to customers and stakeholders that you are following the COVID-19 rules.

We're here for you

We've got the information you need on:

• Contractual information for site shutdown or program delays
• How to deal contractually with a product delay
• Safety & hygiene practices
• Employment conditions
• Common employment FAQs
• Relief and stimulus packages 
• Mental health and well-being

Help and advice

As usual, our staff are here to help. Whether you've got a question about protecting your business contractually, an employment or a health and safety question, our specialists are here and available to talk you through the options - get in touch.

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