COVID 19, Coronavirus Management

Major Projects Group acknowledges the status of this Worldwide Health Pandemic and its rapidly changing nature across Australia.

Here at Major Projects Group we value the Health Safety and Welfare of not just our employees but also those of our service providers, subcontractors and clients. We also respect and appreciate the friends, families and loved ones of all those associated with our business and the community in general.

What Major Projects Group is doing?

We are very much aware of our requirements to provide a safe and healthy workplace for our employees, visitors and guests and we will continue to do so at the high level that we have established whilst striving to constantly improve all facets for the continued benefits of our Major Projects Group family.

Here at Major Projects Group our focus will be on the health and welfare of all personnel as we send out communications to our employees, conduct Toolbox talks in the workplace and continually share the advice that is being handed down from the Australian Government and the World Health Organisation (WHO).

As a responsible company and a leader within our community we are also aware of the effects the COVID 19 virus is having on the world economy. Australia has been through one of the harshest droughts ever experienced across most of our country, many rural areas are still struggling to survive. We have also had the worst bush fire season on record with many Australians facing devastation and ruin through the loss of loved ones, properties, businesses and family homes.

Major Projects Group recognises the need to do our part in keeping the economy turning. Business must go on unless we are advised otherwise by our Government and the WHO.

We will take all necessary precautions as we continue trading across many sites Australia wide, our employees earning wages, spending money and paying taxes to keep our country moving.

Ongoing updates will be published and communicated across our work sites and electronically in line with the Australian governments and the World Health Organisations advise.

 

Scott Wyatt

National Manager – HSEQ

Major Projects Group

What is COVID-19?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause respiratory infections. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus from this family. The virus can spread from person to person through the air or contact with contaminated surfaces. 

Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat and shortness of breath.

Flattening the curve through social distancing!

With the pandemic already infecting hundreds of thousands of people in 130 countries, efforts to completely contain COVID-19 have failed. 

In less than a month, the global number of confirmed COVID-19 cases doubled from about 75,000 cases on Feb. 20 to more than 153,000 on March 15. With such a high infection rate, our health care system is in danger of being overwhelmed. 

Since we cannot stop the spread of the virus, the best option is to slow down its spread so that hospitals are able to cope with the numbers of seriously ill people. This is known as “flattening the curve.”

    Helping to “flatten the curve” is everyone’s responsibility. Practising basic hygiene is vital, but going a step beyond and beginning “social distancing” is also important to further reduce the risk of getting infected or infecting others.

    This involves:

        • Avoiding gatherings unless absolutely necessary.
        • Avoiding large gatherings altogether.
        • Leaving a gap of 1.5 meters between yourselves and others.
        • Avoiding handshaking and other unnecessary physical contact.
        • Use personal transport instead of public transport when possible.
        • Take particular care around seniors and people who could be more susceptible to the effects of the virus.

    Does flattening the curve work?

    In 1918 a strain of influenza known as the Spanish flu caused a global pandemic. Two cities in the U.S. handled the Spanish flu differently, with one practicing social distancing and the other not doing so.

    Officials in the city of Philadelphia, ignored warnings from infectious disease experts that the Spanish flu was already spreading in the community. The city instead moved forward with a large parade that gathered thousands of people together in one place.

    Drew Harris, a population health researcher at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia said in a recent article that “Within 48, 72 hours, thousands of people around the Philadelphia region started to die,” Harris said. Ultimately, about 16,000 people from the city died in six months.

    Meanwhile, in the city of St. Louis, officials quickly implemented social isolation strategies. The government closed schools, limited travel and encouraged personal hygiene and social distancing. As a result, the city saw just 2,000 deaths, one eighth of the casualties in Philadelphia.

    The city of St. Louis had successfully ‘flattened the curve’.

    If you think you have COVID-19 

    If you believe you have COVID-19, the Australian Department of Health recommends that you seek medical help from a doctor or hospital. Call ahead of time to book an appointment.

    You will be asked to take precautions when you attend for treatment. If you have a mask, wear it to protect others. Stay at least 1.5 metres away from other people. Cover your coughs or sneezes with your elbow.

    Tell the doctor about:

    • Your symptoms
    • Any travel history
    • Any recent contact with someone who has COVID-19

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