REMINDER – COVID-19 Health Management Plans

Despite the fact that Australia has managed the COVID-19 situation well, we see how easy it is for breakouts to occur, and they continue to do so.  It is no time for complacency and it is alarming to hear that many agricultural workplaces do not have a COVID-19 health management plan in place.

There continues to be an ongoing risk to health and safety from COVID-19 – an effective planning is crucial to minimise the spread of COVID-19.

Generally you will be guided by your State Health directives – not all State public health directions will be the same in each state/territory, so it is important you review the directions which apply to your workplace. Even if public health directions don’t apply to your workplace, you must still do all you reasonably can to meet your WHS duties and limit the spread of COVID-19.

SafeWork Australia provides a range of industry-relevant advice and resources to assist with your ongoing management of the risk of COVID-19.

SafeWork Australia – COVID 19 in the Agricultural workplace

https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces/industry-information/agriculture/covid-19-your-workplace?tab=tab-toc-employer

Workplace Checklist     

COVID-19_Workplace-Checklist_12June2020.pdf (safeworkaustralia.gov.au)

WHS Duties and the COVID-19 vaccine

For most small businesses, it is unlikely that a requirement to be vaccinated will be ‘reasonably practicable’. Don’t implement a mandatory vaccination policy without first talking to your workers and seeking advice. With the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines, it is important to understand what you can and cannot require.  SafeWork Australia has released a fact sheet to assist:

COVID-19_Vaccination_factsheet_small_business_19_March_2021.pdf (safeworkaustralia.gov.au)