GUIDANCE FOR EMPLOYERS ON GETTING BACK TO WORK
5 May 2020
As we finally move towards easing restrictions and restarting our economy, employers will be given industry-specific on safe operation.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the process last week, explaining the national workplace principles have been created by the COVID-19 Commission, Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter, and union representatives.
"This is all about getting Australians back to work and ensuring that when they go back to work, that they and their families can feel safe in going back to work, and to ensure that there are important principles in place," Mr Morrison said.
BUSINESS CONCERNS MUST BE ADDRESSED:
Employers will be more concerned than ever about fulfilling their workplace Health and Safety obligations, given the danger of employees becoming ill. It is essential that businesses feel able to open up, without fear of unworkable guidance or being unfairly liable.
On this, it has been made clear that:
Existing state and territory jurisdiction of WHS compliance and enforcement remains critical, a consistent national approach will be developed.
Safe Work Australia (SWA), through its tripartite membership, will provide a central hub of WHS guidance and tools that Australian workplaces can use to successfully form the basis of their management of health and safety risks posed by COVID-19.
INFORMATION:
This approach will continue to be developed, but see so far: Information for Workplaces here.
Industry-specific information will ultimately be available here
