11 May BUSINESSES NEED TO DEVELOP COVID SAFE PLANS FOR WORKPLACES

A three-step plan was finalised on 8 May 2020 to gradually remove baseline restrictions and make Australia COVID-safe.  A summary of the steps can be accessed here – https://www.pm.gov.au/sites/default/files/files/three-step-framework-covidsafe-australia.pdf

For businesses, the Prime Minister has advised this means taking the time to prepare and develop a plan to operate in a COVID safe way to protect customers and workers.

On 5 May 2020, the Chair of the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission, Mr Neville Power, briefed National Cabinet on the importance of a proactive and consistent approach to supporting businesses and workers to safely return to work – drawing on the National COVID-19 Safe Workplace Principles that had been agreed by National Cabinet on 24 April 2020.  The Principles can be accessed from the Safe Work Australia website – https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces/other-resources/national-covid-19-safe-workplace-principles

National Cabinet agreed that Safework Australia would be the single source of information, which will allow businesses to plan with confidence and consistency, and advised that a toolkit is being developed for businesses to use, to help them be work ready in a COVID-19 safe environment.

Currently, Safework Australia has a “COVID-19 resource kit” to help businesses through this time. This includes a range of resources for business to download and display in their workplaces, including checklists, infographics, fact sheets for industry and posters on handwashing, hygiene and physical distancing.

Businesses can access the resource kit via the following link: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/collection/covid-19-resource-kit

New information is continuing to be released and we will keep you up to date on any further resources released by Safe Work Australia to assist businesses to be prepared for reopening, to protect their workers and protect their business.

If you need assistance developing a plan for your business, HR Law are here to help.