Association News
Six principles of COVIDSafe workplaces
October 26, 2020
Every Victorian business that is open must follow the six principles to ensure a COVIDSafe workplace.
It is also mandatory for every Victorian business to have a COVIDSafe Plan. High-risk industries must have a specific High Risk COVIDSafe Plan in order to operate.
Ensure physical distancing
- Ensure workers and visitors are 1.5 metres as much as possible
- Display to show patron limits at the entrance of enclosed areas where limits apply
- Ensure employees work from wherever possible
- Apply the four square metre to configure shared work areas and publicly accessible spaces.
Wear a face mask
- Ensure all workers and visitors entering the worksite wear a face as per public health advice
- Provide adequate face masks and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to workers who do not have their own.
Practice good hygiene
- Frequently and regularly clean and shared spaces, including high touch communal items such as doorknobs and telephones
- Make soap and hand sanitiser available for all workers and customers throughout the worksite and encourage regular handwashing.
Keep records and act quickly
- Support workers to get tested and stay home even if they only have mild symptoms
- Develop a business contingency plan to manage any outbreaks
- Keep records of all who enter the workplace for contact tracing.
Avoid interactions in enclosed spaces
- Move as much activity outside as possible, including meetings, tearooms, lunch breaks, locker rooms, and serving customers
- Enhance airflow by opening windows and doors.
Create workforce bubbles
- Keep groups of workers rostered on the same shifts at a single worksite and ensure there is no overlap of workers during shift changes.
Victorian Government Authorised Officers are closely monitoring and inspecting businesses to ensure they are following these six principles. There are significant penalties, including fines and prohibition notices, for businesses that fail to comply.
You can find out more here.