With the recent news that Victoria has experienced a new cluster of COVID-19 at a meat processing plant — just as talk has turned to opening the state up after other states have done so — there is renewed interest in making sure that correct processes are in place to avoid an outbreak.
Implement elimination methods
Safe Work Australia has provided some advice around COVID-19 and reminds us that in order to comply with workplace health and safety laws, a workplace must do what is reasonably practicable to eliminate or minimise any identified risks.
“You may not be able to completely eliminate the risk of workers contracting COVID-19 while carrying out work. However you must do all that is reasonably practicable to minimise the risk of workers of contracting COVID-19.”
– Safe Work Australia
Although practicable measures ultimately depend on what kind of work and industry you are in, in general there are a list of measures to implement. Safe Work Australia recommends that employers:
‘• determine appropriate control measures in consultation with workers, their representatives and taking account of official information sources
• implement those measures and clearly communicate them to all workers, including providing clear direction and guidance about what is expected of workers
• provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment and facilities, and information and training on how and why they are requireto use them
• require workers to practice good hygiene
• require workers to stay away from the workplace if they are unwell and not fit for work, and encourage them to seek medical advice as appropriate
• seek advice from health authorities immediately if there has been a confirmed case of COVID-19 in your workplace
• limit access to the workplace by other people, unless necessary’
In addition, employees should be aware of what actions to take should they become unwell and their responsibilities to the workplace and their fellow employees.
Identify and control risks
Similarly, WorkSafe Victoria’s advice around COVID-19 involves identifying and controlling any and all risks.
“Employers also have a duty to consult with employees and health and safety representatives (HSRs), so far as is reasonably practicable, on matters related to health or safety that directly affect, or are likely to directly affect them. This includes consulting on decisions about how to control risks associated with COVID-19 in the workplace.”
– WorkSafe Victoria
In the identifying phase, this includes:
‘• monitoring expert advice as the coronavirus situation develops (for example, from the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS))
• reviewing infection control policies, procedures and practices, to ensure they are effective and are being followed
• educating and keeping employees up to date on new information
• talking to employees who may have travelled or have been in contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases.’
Once a risk or hazard is identified, the control phase includes:
‘• providing adequate facilities or products (such as hand sanitiser, where available) to allow employees to maintain good hygiene practices
• providing appropriate personal protective equipment, including information or training on why the equipment is required and how to safely use it
• where possible, avoiding shared use of phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment
• developing an infection control policy.’
If a worker believes they have been in contact with a COVID-19 case and/or are developing symptoms they must notify their employer, especially if they have been in the workplace.
Legalities
There are legal requirements for employers to keep everyone safe, particularly at a time like this. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act), employers are reminded that their duties include that they:
- provide and maintain a safe working environment
- monitor the health of employees
- monitor conditions in the workplace
- consult with employees and health and safety representatives on matters likely to affect them.
For more information on any of the above, please get in touch.
