Australian work safety authorities are issuing advice on how to keep staff safe from COVID-19.

Australia’s WHS laws require a ‘person conducting a business or undertaking’ (PCBU) to ensure the health and safety of their workers and others at the workplace. This includes providing and maintaining a work environment that is without risk to health and safety.

Safe Work Australia says depending on the workplace, an appropriate range of actions may include:

  • Closely monitoring official Government sources for current information and advice
  • Reviewing and promoting your organisation’s policies and measures for infection control
  • Ensuring workers are aware of the isolation/quarantine periods in accordance with advice from the Australian Government Department of Health, including information on when staff should not attend work
  • Providing clear advice to workers about actions they should take if they become unwell or think they may have the symptoms of coronavirus, in accordance with advice from the Australian Government Department of Health and state or territory health department
  • Eliminating or minimising international work travel, in line with the travel advice on the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website
  • Providing regular updates to workers about the situation and any changes to organisational policies or procedures
  • Contingency planning to manage staff absences
  • Providing workers with information and links to relevant services should they require support

Comcare and the state-based WHS regulators have issued guidance as well.

Comcare - Comcare has issued guidance for workers and employers on work health and safety and workers’ compensation in relation to the coronavirus outbreak. The information includes advice on WHS obligations, managing risks and compensation coverage.

SafeWork NSW - Coronavirus

Worksafe Victoria

Queensland - WorkCover QLD- Coronavirus (COVID-19) workplace risk management 

Northern Territory - NT Worksafe - Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

Tasmania - WorkSafe Tasmania - Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)