The National Cabinet has determined that a national WHS guidance on COVID-19 will be developed through Safe Work Australia and is intended to support business to operate safely within the COVID-19 environment.
The national Cabinet adopted COVID-19 Safe Workplace Principles to guide Safe Work Australia and ensure consistent business safety advice.
- All workers have the right to a safe and healthy workplace
- COVID-19 demands a focused WHS approach for businesses, workers, and workplaces
- To keep workplaces safe, businesses must work with employees to assess risks and implement controls
- As COVID-19 restrictions ease, businesses and workers must collaborate to ensure safe practices, social distancing, and hygiene.
- Businesses and workers must prevent COVID-19 transmission at work, following AHPPC advice and applying appropriate controls
- Businesses and workers must be ready to respond swiftly and safely to workplace COVID-19 cases
- State and territory WHS enforcement remains vital. Despite variations, a consistent national approach and clear best?practice guidance on COVID-19 prevention, mitigation, and response are essential
- Safe Work Australia will provide a central hub of WHS guidance and tools to help workplaces manage COVID-19 risks
- States and Territories provide WHS advice, education, compliance, and enforcement, using the SWA central hub
- The National COVID-19 Coordination Commission complements SWA and health authorities to help industries respond safely
Our team can assist you and are here to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
Please contact Julie Ring at julie.ring@abilitygroup.com.au if you need support.
Source: SafeWork Australia
Title: National COVID-19 Workplace Principles
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