Regardless of your location, you must abide by your specific state or territory’s restrictions. Some regions may have the virus under control, while others remain at risk. Because interstate travel is returning without a universal vaccine, staying diligent is essential for every business owner. To remain compliant, the first step is to conduct a COVID-19 workplace risk assessment in Australia. This process is vital for identifying potential hazards and protecting your staff.
How to Conduct Your Workplace Risk Assessment
When evaluating your environment, identify which employees are returning from travel or have had contact with confirmed cases. Consider your customers as well. Next, analyze your work activities. Do people work in close proximity? Are there shared workspaces or required physical contact?
Rate your transmission risk on a scale of 1 to 10. A workplace with no physical contact will rank lower than one requiring close interaction. Additionally, identify if you employ vulnerable people or work with at-risk demographics, such as the elderly. Combining these factors helps determine the overall severity of your risk profile.
Implementing Effective Control Measures
Once your COVID-19 workplace risk assessment in Australia is complete, implement controls to minimize danger. While elimination is ideal, it is not always possible. Every office has different needs. You might replace face-to-face meetings with video conferencing or install Perspex sheeting at reception desks.
Other practical steps include:
- Providing hygiene stations with antibacterial hand wash.
- Informing staff about social distancing protocols.
- Determining if masks and gloves are necessary for your specific industry.
- Consulting regularly with employees to identify new areas of concern.
Managing Costs and Legal Obligations
You have a legal obligation to manage risks as much as is reasonably practical. If your transmission risk is minimal, your out-of-pocket costs will likely be low. However, high-risk workplaces must prioritize protection regardless of cost. Absorbing a small expense now is better than bearing serious consequences later. Many modifications are inexpensive if you think creatively about safety strategies.
Health and Safety for Off-Site Employees
Your health and safety obligations remain the same regardless of where work is performed. This includes employees working from home or at client premises. You should perform a risk assessment in consultation with these off-site workers to identify and implement appropriate controls.
Addressing Employee Safety Concerns
Start by talking to any employee who feels unsafe. Many people have heightened concerns due to personal health or family vulnerabilities. An honest conversation helps you identify the root cause. If working from home is an option, continue that arrangement.
If your COVID-19 workplace risk assessment in Australia shows that risks cannot be fully mitigated, find alternative tasks for the employee. If a staff member refuses to return without a reasonable excuse after these discussions, you may need to begin disciplinary procedures for unauthorized absence. Contact us at 1800 577 515 to discuss these specific legal steps.
Monitoring Employee Health
It is your responsibility to keep the entire team safe. Encourage unwell or exposed employees to stay home. If a worker displays symptoms, you can ask them to leave, take personal leave, and get tested immediately. For further advice on handling leave refusals, call our Help Line at 1800 577 515.
If someone in your workplace is diagnosed with the virus, follow the official Safe Work Australia guidance. We are here to help you navigate these complex safety requirements. discussing what happens when you return employees from stand-down.
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