Author: Clayton Cook.

As of 15^th March, the World Health Organisation announced that COVID-19 is a pandemic and the Australian Government has enacted its emergency plan. But amid stories about crazed behaviour – tasering for toilet paper and supermarket brawls – authorities are calling for calm. The critical message: stay alert but not anxious.  

With the constant changing restrictions, Townsville, and North Queensland need to consider the impact on businesses and your people seriously.  How you and your staff handle this virus may have negative outcomes for your business reputation (particularly with social media) - it is a risk.

As employers, we have additional responsibilities to ensure our employees are kept safe during this health pandemic. Working with our industry body (RCSA), we have implemented a new WHS Risk Management Guide specifically relating to COVID-19. This guide will be used to communicate employee safety protocols, employer rights and leave entitlements to ensure the best outcome for everyone involved.  Workcover Qld has also realised a page (24 March 2020) on Coronavirus (COVID-19) Workplace Risk Management.

We have received many enquiries from our clients about the challenges of understanding their rights and obligations in managing employees and so we have chosen to share our WHS Risk Management Guide. We strongly recommend your organisation develop and implement your own protocols however, you may wish to read our guide and consider the following practices:

• informing employees of the symptoms of the coronavirus;
• reinforcing or implementing safety policies and procedures;
• providing contact information for reporting coronavirus-related concerns; and
• remaining mindful of occupational health and safety regulations if respirators or face masks are offered to employees.

Other key points provided by the Australian Government emergency plan:

• Practise good hygiene to protect against infection and prevent the virus spreading. Wash your hands with soap and water. Don’t touch your face. Avoid shaking hands. Stay 1.5m away.
• If you’re travelling or returning to Australia, you'll now be required to self-isolate for 14 days. This applies to all travellers, including Australian citizens.
• If you experience the following symptoms, see your doctor – fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath.

If you're concerned call the Coronavirus Health Information Line for advice 1800 020 080.