Construction Activities Gradually Resume in Phase One: Safe Re-opening

Written By: Henny Maherah

Following the commencement of Phase One: Safe Re-opening on 2 June 2020, the multi-ministry task force announced that construction activities can resume under certain conditions. These provisions will ensure the safety of workers while allowing the completion of key projects stalled by the circuit breaker measures.

Priority Construction Sites Identified

Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Chief Executive Hugh Lim announced that specific construction sites have been identified as a priority due to time and safety constraints. Numerous Build-To-Order (BTO) flats are included within this priority list.

Since April 2020, only 20,000 migrant workers have been working in smaller development sites. In Phase One: Safe Re-opening, another 20,000 workers, or 5% of the construction workforce, will be allowed to work.

Safety Precautions in Construction Sites

Developers must seek approval from BCA before construction activities can resume. To get permission, these developers need to enforce these four safety measures:

1. Designated transportation

Designated transportation must be given to ensure “safe cohorting” of workers within the official safe distance. If the workers are using an open-air vehicle such as at the back of the lorry, the maximum capacity of commuters must be halved.

2. Education for migrant workers

Mandatory orientation must be held to ensure that all migrant workers are aware of new safety measures. Information regarding safety measures must be available in the native languages of migrant workers in all mediums.

3. Tasks assigned within zones

Workers must be grouped into zones according to the nature of their tasks. Specific roles and responsibilities must be assigned such that no cross-deployment or interactions between zones and worksites will occur.

4.Supervision of workers

Employers are to appoint safety management officers to help implement these rules in all worksites. Technology-enabled devices should also be deployed to enforce safe distancing practices and provide automated updates of worker’s health status. These devices include the SafeEntry QR Code system and drone-equipped vehicles for added surveillance.

Updates on your property development

Many home buyers are concerned that their flats might be affected by the delays in BTO launches and completions that the Housing and Development Board (HDB) announced recently. Flat buyers can get updates on the completion dates of these projects on their My HDB Page account.

How else has the property market been affected by COVID-19? Find out more through the Ohmyhome COVID-19 FAQs.

Source: Today Singapore