Coronavirus & Precautions In The Workplace

On Wed 11/03/2020 the WHO Director-General declared the rapidly spreading coronavirus outbreak a pandemic.  A pandemic is defined as an epidemic occurring over a very wide area, crossing international boundaries, and poses major health, social, and economic risks.

While the virus (SARS-CoV2) causes mild respiratory infections in most (approximately 80%) of those infected, 15% develop severe illness and 5% need critical care. At this time, 114 countries have reported that 118,000 have contracted COVID-19. Approximately 4,300 people have died

Describing the situation as a pandemic does not change the threat posed by this virus however, it will have significant ramifications for employers in Australia.

Federal, State and Territory governments in Australia have activated their health emergency response plans to contain the societal impact of the spread of this infectious disease.

Private employers must urgently consider the employment, labour and OHS and challenges this global health crisis brings.

With regards to the employment and labour issues, the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) encourage employees and employers to work together to find appropriate solutions that suit the needs of individual workplaces and staff. This may include taking different forms of leave, working from home, or taking extra precautions in the workplace.

Employers need to manage various employment issues including:

• Business continuity
• Labour management including leave entitlements and travel restrictions

Such challenges may need Industrial Relations legal advice.

Resile and its team of Occupational Health experts can assist employers and their workforce in this serious challenge at the interface of health and work.

We are offering assistance to our clients and currently providing:

• Weekly email updates from our Chief Medical Officer
• Developing protocols for staff returning from international travel, had close contact and/or have symptoms of COVID-19
• 24/7/365 telehealth and case management
• Review and update of policies and procedures
• Review or development of pandemic plans
• Risk strategy and communication at an executive level

We are here to support our clients at this time in making evidence-based, simple and government aligned decisions.

If you, or your team would like any further information about our services please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team. Enquiries should be directed to [email protected] or call 0733396075 to speak to one of our Occupational Health experts.

For more information on COVID-19 head to:

• https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
• https://www.health.gov.au/resources/collections/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-resources
• https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-pcbus
• https://www.who.int/dg/speeches/detail/who-director-general-s-opening-remarks-at-the-media-briefing-on-covid-19—11-march-2020
• https://www.fairwork.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media-releases/website-news/coronavirus-and-australian-workplace-laws#health-and-safety-information