Construction worker rules and restrictions

With the introduction of new vaccination requirements for Authorised Workers from Local Government Areas (LGAs) of concern from Monday 6 September, there has been some confusion around what this means for those who work in construction, who were already subject to vaccination requirements.

To make sure it’s clear we have set out below exactly what the rules and restrictions are for construction workers. These are the rules and restrictions that are in place right now and will continue to be in place from Monday.

Permits to travel for work

  • Any person who enters an LGA of concern to work at a construction site is required to register for travel.
  • Construction workers who live in an LGA of concern are required to register for travel to work outside their LGA of concern.
  • Greater Sydney workers who are authorised to travel to work at construction sites more than 50km outside of Greater Sydney must follow the rules for testing and follow the rules for regional travel registration.

You are able to register for these required permits on the Service NSW website now. Please read more in our guide to applying for a travel permit.

COVID-19 vaccination requirements for construction workers who live in an LGA of concern

If you live in or are temporarily staying in a local government area of concern, you must not enter or remain at a construction site in Greater Sydney unless you have;

  • had 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine or
  • had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at least 21 days ago or
  • had one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine within the preceding 21 days and has been tested for COVID-19 within the preceding 72 hours (3 days) or
  • a certified medical contraindication and has been tested for COVID-19 within the preceding 72 hours (3 days)

If you are required to have a COVID-19 test to enter or remain at a construction site, you must have a COVID-19 test once every 72 hours. Construction workers can request a COVID-19 vaccination exemption for medical reasons.

Evidence of vaccination or exemption

You must;

  • carry evidence of your vaccination, COVID-19 test, or medical exemption and
  • produce that evidence to your employer, the occupier of a construction site, a police officer or an authorised officer, if requested and
  • carry proof of your address.

Evidence of your vaccination can include an;

Evidence of your COVID-19 test can include an SMS text message or email from the testing organisation. Evidence of your medical exemption must be from a medical practitioner in the form approved by the NSW Chief Health Officer.