A.G. Coombs Group Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The A.G. Coombs Group is committed to the health and wellbeing of our employees and service providers, and our customers.
Government Directives
The Commonwealth Government enacted its Coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency response plan in February 2020 and is operating on the basis the virus is a declared pandemic. We closely monitor and follow Commonwealth directives.
State and Territory Governments may have different responses and we closely monitor these and respond appropriately.
Provider of Essential Services
Essential services maintenance as provided by the A.G. Coombs Group is required under building-related Essential Services legislation in all State and Territory jurisdictions, and includes:
- Regular and ongoing maintenance and inspection of building Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning, Fire Protection and Electrical systems identified as required for the safe operation of a building in a fire event, and
- Regular and ongoing maintenance and operation of cooling tower systems to control microbial growth to prevent public health risk.
The Australian building construction and building services industry has proactively advocated to all Governments, the importance and essential nature of the services provided to buildings in order to keep them operating safely and effectively, particularly in identified critical facilities including healthcare, government and civil defence, and telecommunications and data processing, and pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing facilities.
As a leading specialist building services provider, A.G. Coombs is also working closely with industry associations and government bodies to disseminate information to assist building owners, operators and occupants in the pandemic situation
COVID Safe Plans
A.G. Coombs Group companies have COVID Safe Plans; Safe Work Method Statements and Instructions in place for our worksites, field operations and workplaces.
Site work: Since the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have implemented, reviewed and regularly updated our COVID Safe Plans. These Plans cover our worksites, including on-site construction. Where and when required we have Site-Specific High-Risk COVID Safe Plans and comply with the site-specific requirements of our customers.
Servicing and Field Work: We have COVID Safe Plans for our maintenance and technical personnel and work closely with our customers and industry partners to ensure we comply with any specific site requirements.
Subcontractors: All subcontractors engaged by A.G. Coombs Group companies are required to undergo a pre-qualification process. Sub-contractors are required to confirm their compliance with any COVID Safe Plan applicable on sites where they conduct work for A.G. Coombs Group companies, including daily screening and Government mandated check-in requirements.
Facilities: All A.G. Coombs Group company facilities are operating under a COVID Safe Plan.
Our COVID Safe Plans are available on request.
Operational Guidelines and Personnel Support Services
The A.G. Coombs Group is committed to the health and wellbeing of our employees and service providers, as well as our customers. Our personnel are provided with the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), instructions and training on its effective use, and guidelines to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
- Washing your hands often with soap and water.
- Using a tissue and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Trying not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Avoiding close contact with others; such as touching and handshakes.
- Provision of hand sanitiser at our locations and posters communicating the above advice.
- Application of social distancing guidelines.
- Use of recommended face coverings where social distancing guidelines cannot be met.
Along with access to up-to-date advice sources including https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
Our personnel and their families have access to our Employee Assistance Program, and we actively promote the availability of Industry and Union programs, such as Incolink and Mates in Construction.
Any business-related air travel is by exception and subject to Government restrictions at the time.
Our operational approach depending on the pandemic circumstances and Government directives at the time includes a range of tactics including the splitting of functional teams and enacting a remote working regime for non-field or site personnel, significant upgrades to IT infrastructure, supply chain activities and other special arrangements to support our extensive site teams and service technicians.
Where our office locations are in use to support site and field personnel, we have limited face to face meetings and are applying government social distancing guidelines together with other COVID Safe protocols.
We are complying with industry guidelines and particular client and/or site requirements for site access and on-site activities.
Our personnel are required to complete a detailed Daily COVID-19 Screening questionnaire together with logging their locations using the local State and Territory Government QR code Check-in systems throughout the day.
Work Permits
Where and when required our Permitted Workers are issued a Worker Permit to be carried when travelling to or from work (including to worksites). Our personnel must not use this Worker Permit if:
- They have symptoms or potential symptoms of COVID-19
- Have tested positive to COVID-19 and are required to self-isolate
- Have been in close contact of someone who has tested positive to COVID-19
Supply Chain, Sub Contractors, Suppliers and Access to Spare Parts and Consumables
The A.G. Coombs Group is working closely with our clients, sub-contractors and suppliers to ensure that we continue to deliver our services, and to identify and manage possible supply chain issues and other implications.
We are regularly communicating with our sub-contractors and service providers requiring their assurance that they have the recommended COVID Safe protocols and that they continue to monitor and apply government directives and advice.
We have regular contact with our suppliers of key replacement systems components and typical consumables and to date have been assured that there is adequate availability of these parts and materials. We actively monitor this situation.
With general parts and consumables, there are often multiple alternate supply sources.
Where we have contractual requirements to hold defined spares and or consumables, these are in place.
To access further COVID-19 information resources, visit our COVID-19 Building Services Resources page.