Construction work to gradually resume after circuit breaker

Projects that must urgently resume for safety concerns can continue by 2 June.

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is allowing construction work to gradually resume after the circuit breaker period ends on 1 June, according to a press release.

Projects to be resumed in 2 June include those 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.

Before restarting, employers of these projects will be required to establish a daily tracking of their workers’ health status and conduct regular COVID-19 testing of their workforce, use the national digital check-in system SafeEntry and enforce strict safe management measures in worksites to prevent outbreaks, and provide safe accommodation and transport for the workers.

An audit and inspection regime will also be implemented, using technology solutions to check that resumed projects are strictly observing COVID-Safe practices.

The authority is still developing these criteria with the industry and the relevant trade associations and chambers (TACs).

Since the circuit breaker period began, most construction work has been suspended. BCA noted that only about 5% of the construction workforce are working on a very small number of critical infrastructure projects, and those that have to continue for safety reasons.

BCA expects about another 5% of the construction workforce to gradually resume work in June.