The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) announced on 15 May 2020 that they will allow construction work to resume in phases after the circuit breaker period ends on 1 June 2020.
Construction projects are to resume gradually starting from 2 June 2020. These include projects that cannot be left idle for too long due to safety concerns, and critical and time-sensitive projects, such as MRT and Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS) tunnelling projects. Previously suspended residential renovation works will also be allowed to resume.
“All works will require approval from BCA before they can restart. Migrant workers in the construction industry must be tested before they are allowed to return to work. In addition, construction projects must put in place adequate safe management measures,” said BCA.
Employers are required to establish a daily tracking of their workers’ health status and conduct regular COVID-19 testing, use the national digital check-in system (SafeEntry) and enforce strict safety management measures at worksites to prevent outbreaks, and provide accommodation and transport for their workers.
Audit and inspection regimes will be implemented to ensure the safe practices are followed. BCA is also working closely with the industry and the relevant Trade Associations and Chambers (TACs) to develop these criteria.
“BCA has been engaging the industry and TACs on the additional precautions and safeguards that need to be put in place for a safe restart of construction projects. We recognise that such measures are an additional imposition, and we are heartened that companies do see the need to protect their workers, and to prevent further outbreaks of COVID-19 which may halt work, and derail the restart. BCA will work closely with the industry to help companies to be ‘COVID-Safe and restart ready’, so that more projects can resume over the next few months,” said Hugh Lim, CEO of BCA.
– Construction+ Online
