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Vaccination: progress but not 100% resolved
THE ISSUES AROUND which workers might, and which must be vaccination against COVID-19 are nearing some sort of clarity as the year ends.
The current default status is the “requirement for all workers [to be vaccinated] at businesses where customers need to show COVID-19 Vaccination Certificates.”
But this one size fits all approach still leaves some uncertainty, which
is why “a clearer and simplified risk assessment process” was to be released by Government during December to help employers decide if vaccination is required for different types of work.
For example, construction workers
on early childhood, primary and secondary educational facilities, prisons, and hospitals, are required by the Government to be fully vaccinated.
For other types of building and construction, employers need to conduct an assessment to decide whether work needs to be performed by a vaccinated worker.
In advance of the Government’s simplified risk assessment tool, “to give more sector specific guidance assessing whether work should be undertaken
by a vaccinated worker or work force,” CHASNZ has developed an assessment tool specifically tailored to the building and construction sector.
This tool has been included in the new CHASNZ COVID-19 Protection
Framework (Traffic Light) protocols now available on the CHASNZ website (www. chasnz.org/covid19).
Of interest to suppliers and merchants among these protocols is
the recommendation for Red Zones that delivery drivers “should remain in their vehicles if the load will allow it and must wash or clean their hands before unloading goods and materials.”
Retail NZ also confirms its view
that Red Zone retailers can mandate vaccinations for contractors and delivery drivers.
Looking for greater clarity sooner rather than later, some companies are already on the front foot with vaccinations.
At its November ASM, The Warehouse Group for example confirmed plans requiring all staff to be fully vaccinated and is encouraging them to do so financially.
“We have announced that from 16 January 2022 only team members who are fully vaccinated will be able to perform work for The Warehouse Group.
“Many of our team members work in locations which involve a high risk of contracting or spreading the virus and the vaccination is an important part
of managing the risk associated with COVID-19.
“As a Group, we have actively supported our team members by offering on-site workplace vaccinations, as well as
a one-off incentive payment of $100 to all fully vaccinated employees.”
Of the DIY retailers, we have seen a softer approach to vaccination so far.
Bunnings NZ Director Ben Camire says the company has hosted local
hubs “at a number of stores to support team member vaccinations – providing convenient access for those that wish to get vaccinated.”
Turning to Mitre 10 NZ, talking at the end of November CEO Andrea Scown says: “We’re engaged with our membership at the moment on what Mitre 10’s vaccination policy will be.
“We want to provide clarity for our teams as soon as we can, but we’re not there yet,” she says, adding “It’s taking a lot of time and consultation and talking with the membership.
“It’s a more complex thing to navigate in a cooperative than in a corporate.”
From the supply side, we know that Red Stag Timber has offered staff and contractors bonuses for those who get vaccinated and stay up to date with booster shots next year.
The company is paying the bonuses
– $2,000 this December and $1,000 in December 2022 – after being on track to achieve budgets without the need for last year’s wage subsidy.
“We decided to give it back” says group CEO Marty Verry, “and figure our staff will put it to better use locally than central government.”
6 NZHJ | DECEMBER 2021/JANUARY 2022
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