There have been amendments to workplace health and safety regulations to deal with minimising the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and all worksites must prepare a safety plan by 15 June.
 
Most workplaces that kept operating should already have a lot of the control measures in place but there are minimum standards depending on the size of the workplace and the nature of the work performed there.
 
All workplaces must do the following:

• Do regular cleaning to a minimum standard and keep records of the cleaning
• Maintain screening and restrictions on entry of workers and visitors
• Observe minimum physical distancing standards and limit the number of people in enclosed spaces
• Instruct, train and supervise all workers in the risks and the control measures in place to control these risks
• Maintain records to demonstrate compliance with the minimum standards  

Some workplaces will be exempt from a number of the requirements because of the nature of the work done, but employers need to apply for the exemption and discuss it with staff.

As with all things workplace health and safety, every employer must consult with staff about any risk control measure, and COVID-19 regulations are no different.

The bottom line is there must be extra safeguards to protect workers from the virus no matter what their workplace is, and measures must be in place to make sure employees are coping with the extra stress of this situation.

Any member who want more info, or needs to discuss a plan that’s been imposed without staff input, please contact HACSUassist on assist@hacsu.org.au or 1300 880 032