Across the country, regulations and codes are rapidly changing as tradies continue to adapt to working during a pandemic. With regulators coming down hard on workers in breach of health and safety laws, we’ve compiled a list of regularly updated websites to help keep your business COVID compliant. We also hear from an industry group about how tradies are navigating a path through the crisis and from one tradie who has successfully adapted his operations.

It took a global pandemic to confirm what we’ve all known forever: trades provide an essential service. The ‘essential service’ status has meant that trades have continued to operate through the crisis, even in the hardest hit parts of the country like Melbourne and parts of regional Victoria. But all those employed in a trade must follow guidelines presented from Safe Work Australia – which differ across the states – to ensure they are working in a COVID-safe environment. According to Master Builders Association CEO Denita Wawn, workers across the sector have met the challenge to keep their workplaces safe in these unprecedented times. “Builders and tradies care deeply about the safety and wellbeing of their communities and they are complying with the latest government advice so they can provide building services to their communities,” Wawn said. Wawn also stated that 370,000 residential building businesses have been placed under huge pressure because of the COVID-19 crisis. While encouraged by the efforts of trades to comply with safety rules, Wawn is calling on all Australians to support the sector. We are encouraging the public to make the time now to book an appointment with their builder to plan their new project … and continue on with their building project or renovation.”

“Builders and tradies care deeply about the safety and wellbeing of their communities and they are complying with the latest government advice so they can provide building services to their communities,”

Master Builders Association CEO - Denita Wawn

If you fail to prepare you are preparing to fail, or so the saying goes. That has never been more relevant than when keeping your business going through a global pandemic. Sydney-based builder Jonathan Hayes, managing director of Tailored Construction Group, has applied this saying to his operations to keep his business prospering through this crisis. For Hayes, that has meant being informed of the Work Health and Safety guidelines and having a COVID-safe plan to reassure his clients and to remain on the right side of the law. “Our Employees  are well aware of safe practices such as hand sanitising before and after meetings,” Jonathan says. “We’re still able to attend the homes of people wanting quotes provided we keep a safe distance. Jonathan’s staff make certain that they keep their tools clean, practice social distancing, avoid handshakes and, most importantly, stay home if they’re crook. This approach has given confidence to current and prospective clients and seen Hayes continue to accept jobs on online service directories throughout the pandemic.