🏗 Clarifications on Restart of Construction Activities

Safe Management Officer (SMO) Training:
✔️ Works can resume even if SMO has not attended training after BCA gives approval for restart
✔️ SMO must complete course within four weeks from BCA's approval
✔️ Training capacity for SMO course for construction expanded to 40,000 in the month of June
✔️ For construction account works, renovation & building works for landed properties, SMO need not attend training

AccessCode:
✔️ Workers with construction sector work permit & S-pass can start work if AccessCode in SGWorkPass app indicates a green status ✅
❗️If status is not green 2 days after BCA’s approval, please download go.gov.sg/bca-workers-sg-workpass-status and send it to BCA_SafeWorkForce@bca.gov.sg.

Find out more in BCA-Industry COVID-Safe Restart Webinar
➡️ https://go.gov.sg/tlg-covid-safe-restart-update-8jun-bca

[ICYMI] Dormitories cleared of COVID-19
📆 10 June 2020 - MOM's Press Release
✔️90 dorms cleared of COVID-19 (as at 9 June)
✔️40 dorms completed all necessary steps for its residents to resume work
✔️Some of the 5,500 dorm residents have resumed work

Steps to ensure workers from remaining dorms can resume work:
🚌 Dorm operators to arrange staggered pick-up/drop-off timing with employers
🏠 Employers to confirm or update residential addresses of workers on MOM database
📱Workers to download FWMOMCare and TraceTogether

MOM’s press release for more info:
➡️ go.gov.sg/mom-pr-cleared-dorms-bca

MOM’s status on cleared dorms
➡️ mom.gov.sg/covid-19/cleared-dormitories

[Sent on 13 June 2020]
Applications for all Renovation Works allowed from 15 June
🏠 >19,000 suspended home renovations approved to resume work

WHERE TO APPLY?
Companies that employ only Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents:
☑️Apply to MTI - covid.gobusiness.gov.sg

Companies that employ Construction Work Permit and S Pass Holders:
☑️Apply to BCA - go.gov.sg/bca-reno-construction-accounts (to be approved within 2 days if submission is in order)

☑️Apply to HDB (if applicable) as per usual for new renovation work permit (after BCA approves)

❌No need to re-apply if BCA has given approval earlier unless there are additional workers to be approved to resume work

❗️Companies must comply with MOM's Safe Management Measures at workplaces, and BCA's criteria on:
👷🏻‍♀️COVID-Safe Workforce
🚌COVID-Safe Accommodation & Transport

ACCESS CODE (Please note):
✅Upon BCA’s approval, it takes 2 days for workers’ AccessCode to turn “Green”.
✅AccessCode status in the SGWorkPass app must be “Green” before workers can start work
More on SGWorkPass:
➡️ go.gov.sg/bca-tlg-mom-faqs-sgworkpass

For more info
➡️ go.gov.sg/bca-advisory-resumption-all-reno-works
➡️ go.gov.sg/bca-pr-resumption-all-reno-works
➡️ go.gov.sg/bca-covid-19-faqs

[Sent on 15 June]
UPDATE ON MOM ACCESSCODE
❗️Workers must download the latest version of TraceTogether app by 17 June, 5pm.
‼️Otherwise, MOM AccessCode status may turn “Red” which would mean the worker will not be allowed to work.

Download TraceTogether App:
➡️ tracetogether.gov.sg

Other points to note:
✅ Workers with construction work permit & S-pass can start work if AccessCode in SGWorkPass app indicates a ‘Green’ status
✅ MOM AccessCode should turn ‘Green’ 2 days after BCA’s approval

For enquiries and assistance, pls email:
BCA_SafeWorkForce@bca.gov.sg

[ICYMI] WATCH: Senior Minister of State Dr Koh Poh Koon shares his thoughts on the complexity and scale of the ongoing operations to clear workers from dormitories in a systematic manner, as part of efforts to assist workers to resume work safely, for the well-being of themselves, their colleagues, and the community.

In English: go.gov.sg/bca-safe-restart-vid
In Chinese: go.gov.sg/bca-safe-restart-chinese

[Sent on 17 June]
REMINDER: DOWNLOAD LATEST TRACETOGETHER APP

❗️Workers must download and activate the latest version of the TraceTogether app by 19 June, 5pm (the earlier deadline has been extended)
🔹This is a requirement for the MOM AccessCode status on SGWorkPass app to turn/remain “green”.
❗️TraceTogether enables faster contact tracing of any COVID-19 cases
🔹Employers would have received reminders thru' phone calls, SMSes and/or emails

Other points to note:
✅ Remember to register workers' latest mobile no. with MOM at OFWAS (WP) and EPOL (S Pass).
✅ There are phones that are unable to support the TraceTogether app.
✅ For help on finding a suitable smart phone, leave your contact details at go.gov.sg/smartphone-for-FW for the Migrant Workers' Centre to get in touch with you.

Let us all do our part in the fight against #COVID19!

Download the app:
➡️ tracetogether.gov.sg

For enquiries and assistance:
📩 BCA_SafeWorkForce@bca.gov.sg

Read more: https://str.sg/JWw2

[ICYMI] WATCH: Minister Desmond Lee gives his take on how the industry, trade associations and chambers (TACs) and government agencies are working together to help the construction sector restart safely.

In English: https://go.gov.sg/bca-working-together-vid
In Chinese: https://go.gov.sg/bca-working-together-chinese

💪🏻Government will do all we can to help as many companies as possible to tide through this crisis
💻BCA as the one stop shop for construction restart info
📆 More regular updates on when workers are ready to resume work

[Sent on 19 June 2020]
[UDPATED] SWAB TEST REQUIREMENTS

Who needs to be swab tested?
See above image 👆🏻or visit go.gov.sg/bca-summary-swab-requirements

❗️While waiting for swab test, approved workers can be deployed to work if:
✅They have been working during circuit breaker
✅The AccessCode in the SGworkpass app indicates a green status (applies to construction sector workers)

Swab test schedule and results
📍Swab test schedule will be made known only to companies with approved workers required to go for swab test.
📅BCA will inform individual companies of the swab test schedule within 2 weeks from BCA's approval to resume work.
⏱Test results will be out within 1 to 4 days.
🦠Employers will be notified only if any employee has been tested positive.

An online system will be made available at a later stage for companies to schedule swab appointments for employees.

[Sent on 20 June 2020]
MOM Press Release:
Indicative Forecast for Clearance of Migrant Worker Dormitories

UPDATE ON CLEARED MIGRANT WORKERS
📆 As at 15 June, 75,000 migrant workers cleared of COVID-19 & staying in cleared premises
☑️ Inter-Agency Task Force systematically & progressively clearing all remaining dorms in coming months

INDICATIVE FORECAST FOR CLEARING OF DORMS:
✅👷🏼‍♂️The order of clearance based on various factors including:
🏥 No. of recovered workers originally from the dorm & who have been discharged;
🦠 the spread of COVID-19 in the dorm;
✔️inputs from BCA & EDB
(Timing of clearance subject to revision, as it depends on screening outcomes and adherence to safe distancing measures)

ENSURE WORK RESUMES SAFELY
🏗 All stakeholders – dormitory operators, employers, migrant workers – must make final preparations before approval is granted for workers to resume work
Click here for more info
☑️As workers resume work, regular testing allows for early detection & swift isolation of new infections to prevent clusters

Find out more from MOM's press release:
➡️ go.gov.sg/bca-tlg-dorm-forecast

[Sent on 23 June 2020]
HAVING MORE THAN ONE CONTRACTOR DURING RENOVATION WORK?
(This message is for renovation contractors)

Different teams of contractors can carry out their respective works during renovation work, but they must observe safe management measures.

👷🏻‍♂️Employers should assess and evaluate the measures that must be taken to ensure safe distancing and ensuring that the risk of COVID-spread at workplaces is minimised for the workers.

🚧 This include measures such as having staggered rest, arrival and exit times (especially for a small workplace like renovation sites).

Please refer to our FAQs for more info.

[Sent on 24 June 2020]
Construction Restart Navigator

Need to restart works but not sure where to begin? Check out our one-stop navigator for all your restart needs, including forms and FAQs! ✅

Download both English and 华文版 here:
go.gov.sg/bca-navigator-restart

[Sent on 24 June 2020]
[ICYMI] Dormitories cleared of COVID-19
📆 23 June 2020 - MOM's Press Release

31 more dorms have been cleared of COVID-19. These comprise 27 Factory-Converted Dorms & 4 Construction Temporary Quarters. In addition, 4 Blocks for Recovered Workers (BRWs) in 3 Purpose-Built Dorms (PBD) have been cleared. These residences house about 3,700 residents.

Progress in clearing dorms and workers of the virus
💪🏻 In total, 163 dorms and 18 BRWs in 11 PBDs have been cleared
💪🏻 About 79,000 migrant workers have been cleared as of 22 Jun, including those staying in govt-provided accommodation facilities

Preparing workers to resume work
✅ Dorm operators, employers & migrant workers must make preparations to complete all three steps, before workers can resume work
✅ 106 out of 163 dorms & 8 out of 18 BRWs have completed these steps as of 22 Jun
✅ Some of the 17,000 residents in these dorms have resumed working
🤝 Forward Assurance and Support Teams are working closely with stakeholders to complete the steps & clear remaining dorms (refer to list of cleared dorms & dorms to be cleared)

More details: https://go.gov.sg/updatefwdorms24jun

[**Superseded**] The information in this post has been superseded with the removal of 'Grey' status. Please refer to the post on 12 July 2020 instead.

[Sent on 27 June 2020]
💡What do the MOM AccessCode colours mean for the construction sector?

Team BCA has deconstructed the info to explain what the AccessCode colours mean.

See image above or click here to find out more.

Useful links:
📱SGWorkPass mobile app
📱TraceTogether mobile app
📱FWMOMCare mobile app

🖥BCA’s website - to resubmit an application or modify your earlier approved application
✉️Email BCA_SafeWorkforce@bca.gov.sg for further assistance

[Sent on 27 June 2020]
BCA MEDIA RELEASE — $1.36b Construction Support Package to help firms resume work quickly and safely

💰Additional financial support for construction firms
⚖️ Maintain business sustainability
💊 Support businesses to be COVID-safe
💵 Assist with cashflow

For more info:
➡️ Support Measures for built environment firms affected by COVID-19 (Infographic within)
➡️ BCA Media Release

[Sent on 29 June 2020]
WHO NEEDS TO APPLY TO BCA TO RESTART WORKS?

Companies involved in:
✔️Construction Projects & Supply Works
✔️Landed Housing Projects
✔️Construction Account Works that employ Construction Work Permit (WP) & S-Pass (SP) Holders
✔️Renovation Works that employ Construction WP & SP Holders (those involved in suspended reno projects already approved for restart need not reapply)

Like any other business, companies that do not deploy construction WP & SP holders and do not carry out Construction Projects & Supply Works:
❗️Required to obtain MTI’s approval (not BCA’s).

This includes:
💻 Resumption of administrative works in corporate offices
🛠 Works on non-construction sites (e.g. maintenance of equipment, repairs & rectifications, delivery/receiving of materials)
🔧 Works involving emergency household services (e.g. to fix water pipes / electricity / cable / aircon issue etc.)

How to check status of application?
📆Please allow up to 5 working days of processing time.
⏱Applications for renovation works will be approved within 2 working days if the submission is in order.
📄BCA will get back to you on the application status after it has been processed.

💡TIP: Use our Self-Check Tool to find out if your company has everything in order to resume works.

[Sent on 1 July 2020]
[ICYMI] 78 more dorms cleared of COVID-19
📆 30 June 2020 - MOM's Press Release

78 more dorms have been cleared of COVID-19. These comprise 72 Factory-Converted Dorms & 6 Construction Temporary Quarters. In addition, 3 Blocks for Recovered Workers (BRWs) in 3 Purpose-Built Dorms (PBD) have been cleared.

Progress in clearing dorms and workers of the virus
💪🏼 241 dorms and 21 BRWs in 14 PBDs cleared of COVID-19
👷‍♂️ 87,000 workers have recovered/been tested to be free from the virus as of 28 Jun, including those staying in govt-provided accommodation facilities

Preparing workers to resume work
✅ Dorm operators, employers & migrant workers must make preparations to complete all three steps, before workers can resume work
💪🏼 176 out of 241 dorms & 16 out of 21 BRWs have completed these steps as of 28 Jun
🤝 FAST are working closely with stakeholders to complete the steps & clear remaining dorms (refer to list of cleared dorms & dorms to be cleared)

More details: https://go.gov.sg/updatefwdorms30jun

[Sent on 3 July 2020]
[ICYMI] Additional support for projects delayed by COVID-19
Government agencies will co-share, on an ex-gratia basis, 50% of the prolongation costs for public sector construction contracts and tenders which closed before 1 June 2020. The amount is capped at 1.8% of the awarded contract sum.

Main contractors may submit claims for the following prolongation cost for delays which are accompanied by certified Extensions of Time due to COVID-19:
✅ Plant and equipment costs
✅ Site maintenance costs
✅ Other costs such as extension of project insurance and performance bonds and storage, etc

Click here for more info

[Sent on 7 July 2020]
Shared from SG Ministry of Manpower's Telegram

[Update] 384 more dormitories cleared of Covid-19

384 more dorms have been cleared of Covid-19 as of 7 Jul 2020. These comprise 1 Purpose-Built Dormitory (PBD), 345 Factory-Converted Dormitories and 38 Construction Temporary Quarters. In addition, 23 Blocks for Recovered Workers (BRWs) in 5 PBDs have been cleared.

Progress in clearing dorms and workers of the virus
💪🏼 625 dorms, 44 BRWs in 17 PBDs cleared of Covid-19
👷‍♂️about 180,000 workers have either recovered or been tested free from virus as of 6 Jul 2020

Improved features on AccessCode from 12 Jul 2020
✅ Migrant workers can:
• check why their AccessCode is “Red” by scanning QR code on work pass cards
• tap on AccessCode colour bar to find out which conditions they have not met
✅ AccessCode colours simplified to only Green and Red colour codes
✅ Employers can check AccessCode details of workers through new Safe@Work eService

Preparing workers to resume work
🤝 Dorm operators, employers & migrant workers must make preparations to complete all three steps
🤝 FAST are working closely with stakeholders to complete all necessary steps and clear remaining dorms (refer to list of cleared dorms/dorms to be cleared)

More details: https://go.gov.sg/updatefwdorms7jul

[Sent on 8 July 2020]
💡Need assistance for BCA Academy's COVID-Safe Training courses?
You can submit admin requests directly here:

For the Safe Management Officers (SMO) Course for Construction:
1️⃣Course withdrawal
2️⃣Reschedule class
3️⃣Expired/Suspended Online Storefront Account

For the Built Environment COVID-Safe Training for Workers:
1️⃣ Revision of Workers handphone number
2️⃣ Correction of workers’ name/FIN number
3️⃣ Workers unable to log in using their FIN/NRIC and the password given
4️⃣ Workers did not receive SMS more than 5 days after application had been made
5️⃣ Workers cannot see their course after they have logged in

COVID-Safe Training Navigator
Click here for useful links on COVID-Safe Training courses