14 September 2020 / COVID-19

Social Distancing

We Social Distance Here

Until there is a vaccine for coronavirus, the medical advice is that social distancing is the best weapon we have in preventing the spread against COVID-19.

The below practical steps are the best ways to maintain social distancing:

  • Keep 1.5 metres distance from others where practicable
  • Don’t shake hands to greet others (elbow tap instead)
  • Avoid non-essential face-to-face meetings (hold meetings via video conferencing or phone calls instead)
  • Hold meetings outdoors (ie pre-starts / inductions / toolboxes etc)
  • Reduce the number of people in shared areas (lunch rooms, amenities etc) – remove chairs and mark out positions to keep people 1.5 metres apart
  • Reduce the number of people in hoists
  • Promote good hygiene for hands, sneezes and coughs
  • Eat lunch in your work space or outside rather than in the lunch room
  • Don’t congregate in shared areas unless 1.5 metres of space between each other can be achieved (or wear face masks instead)
  • Increase ventilation through open doors / windows or adjust air conditioning (with more regular maintenance of filters etc)
  • Don’t share food, lighters or pens etc with each other
  • Regularly disinfect surfaces that people touch (including handrails, bathrooms, shared tools etc)
  • Implement one way travel around sites where possible (ie up / down stairs, one way signage in tight corridors etc)
  • Clearly mark out queuing areas (such as entries, hoists etc) with lines or ‘X’ to spread people out
  • Mark out lunch room tables and remove excess chairs to avoid too many people in the crib room
  • Avoid crowds – if you see a crowded space, don’t enter (or wear a mask if you need to be there)
  • Stay at home if you are unwell with any cold or flu symptoms (and get tested) – notify your Team Leader 

Regular reminders and communication of these important preventative measures will help to keep everyone safe, prevent the spread of coronavirus and keep construction sites open.

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Examples

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The Benefits

Creating a physical distance between yourself and others is one of the easiest ways to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Although a lot is still unknown about how exactly the virus spreads, recent research has demonstrated that spacing out helps minimise risk. In fact, the more distance the better. 1.5m has been recognised in Australia as a baseline because it is reasonably practical for people to achieve and lines up with other research about other viruses.

This is because the virus is carried in what’s known as respiratory droplets, which enter the air after someone coughs, sneezes or talks. The virus is then spread to others who are in close proximity to the infected person.

Essentially, the closer you are physically to someone with COVID-19, the more likely you are to also become sick. This is also why hugs and handshakes should be avoided at the moment, and masks should be worn when you are unable to physically unable to stand less than 1.5m from others.

Support

If you need help, reach out

Hutchies HelpCOVID-19 Health InformationEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)
Reporting potential cases or general Hutchies advice.
Hutchies' COVID-19 Hotline
Phone 07 3335 5015
Email coronavirus@hutchies.com.au
This hotline can provide guidance if you have questions about COVID-19.

Australian Government COVID-19 Hotline
Phone 1800 020 080 (24x7)
This confidential service is open to Hutchies' people and immediate family members.

Converge International
Phone 1800 687 327


For general information on the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), call the Australian Government's Coronavirus Health Info Line on 1800 020 080.

For the latest updates on COVID-19 in Australia, visit:

Australian Governmenthttps://l.hutchi.es/AusHealth
Smart Travellerhttps://l.hutchi.es/SmartTravel
New South Waleshttps://l.hutchi.es/cvNSW
Northern Territoryhttps://l.hutchi.es/cvNT
Queenslandhttps://l.hutchi.es/cvQLD
South Australiahttps://l.hutchi.es/cvSA
Tasmaniahttps://l.hutchi.es/cvTAS
Victoriahttps://l.hutchi.es/cvVIC

Mental Health

Hutchies has also created a resource to help maintain positive mental health during what has been a tough year for everyone.