As the spread of the coronavirus appears to be under control in Australia, the government, businesses and employees are all keen to get things going again. With this in mind the state governments are starting to consider how to relax some of the restrictions put in place to curb the spread.
Irrespective of the governments change in policies it is still the responsibility of the employer to ensure all workplaces are safe and healthy environments for employees, customers and clients.
To ensure all employers are fully informed, the government has released updated information and guidance for employers to consider when looking at a larger scale return to work. To make it easy, the information is categorised into industry sectors and the guidance provided is specific to the industry segment. Guidance provided covers not only the responsibilities of the employer, but also the employee.
Guidance covered includes things like ;
- WHS duties and responsibilities,
- Risk Assessments
- Emergency Planning
- Social distancing
- Hygiene and cleaning
- PPE – masks, gloves etc.
- Training
- Mental Health and family and domestic violence.
As workplaces start to plan a return to a more normal operating situation, it is essential that the WHS must be considered with the issues raised (physical or mental) by COVID-19 in mind.
For more detailed information on your industry please go to
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces
If you need assistance with interpreting or implementing any of these policies, E.L Blue’s WHS experts can give you a hand.