COVIDSafe workplaces, industry restrictions & updates

All states & territories require or encourage workplaces to have some form of a COVIDSafe Plan (or similar). A COVIDSafe Plan sets out:

• your actions to help prevent the introduction of COVID-19 in your workplace

• the type of personal protective equipment (PPE) required for your workforce

• how you will prepare for, and respond to, a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in your workplace.

Good practice COVIDSafe principles include:

• ensure physical distancing (1.5 metres)

• wear a fitted face mask that covers the nose and mouth

• practice good hygiene

• keep good records and act quickly if staff become unwell

• avoid interactions in close spaces

• create workforce bubbles.

The rules around COVIDSafe workplaces continue to evolve. Public health directions differ between each state and territory and for different businesses or industries, so it is important you review the directions that apply to your workplace (scroll to the bottom of this article for links to the directions in your jurisdiction).

Reminder: Each time COVIDSafe requirements change, employers should review their COVID plans and processes.

All Australian organisations and employers who are responsible for a workplace must take action to meet your work health and safety duties and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. For example:

▶︎ Have a COVIDSafe plan in place that is regularly updated

▶︎ Collect records of all workers, subcontractors, customers and clients attending the work premises

▶︎ One worker per four square metres of enclosed workspace or in shared areas

▶︎ Ensure that workers are in good health - workers cannot work if they are unwell and employers must not require workers with symptoms to work

▶︎ Regularly clean your facilities, shared spaces and provide additional cleaning supplies

▶︎ Undertake risk assessments for cleaning and the potential closure of your workplace in certain situations.

Enforceable government directions can change, so we encourage you to regularly check the links below for more information:

Fair Work Ombudsman

• COVID-19 vaccinations: legislation and public health orders

Australian Capital Territory

• ACT Government - ACT Public health directions

• ACT Government - Business resource kit (go to COVID safety plan guidelines)

New South Wales

• NSW Health - Public health orders

• NSW Government - COVID-19 Safety Plan

Northern Territory

• Northern Territory Government - Chief Public Health Officer directions

• Northern Territory Government - COVID-19 Safety Plan checklist

Queensland

• Queensland Health - Chief Health Officer public health directions

• Workplace Health and Safety Queensland - Work health and safety plan for COVID-19

• Queensland Government - COVID Safe checklists and factsheets

• Business Queensland - Industry COVID Safe plans

South Australia

• Government of South Australia - Emergency Declarations and Directions

• Government of South Australia - COVID-Safe plan form

Tasmania

• Tasmanian Government - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Resources (under the heading 'Current Directions')

• WorkSafe Tasmania - COVID19 Safety plan templates and checklist

Victoria

• Victorian Department of Health and Human Services - Restriction levels

• Business Victoria - COVID-19 industry guidelines

Western Australia

• Western Australian Government - State of Emergency declarations

• Western Australian Government - Business tools and information

If you need further assistance or information, please contact us today.