Purpose
To ensure the health and safety of all Health at Work employees, reduce the risk of introduction and spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the work premises, and abide by the requirements of the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Scope of the policy
This Policy applies to all Health at Work employees of Health at Work, and all contractors, and suppliers who attend Health at Work’s premises.
COVIDSafe Plan Principles
COVID-19 Vaccination requirements for onsite visits
Prior to accepting a Health at Work onsite job, the Provider is required to notify Health at Work, if the attending staff member or contractor, is fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or if not, has a medical exemption. The acceptance of a medical exemption for onsite attendance, will be at the discretion of, and subject to, client approval.The Provider is required to provide evidence of the COVID-19 vaccination (or medical exemption) via email health.assessments@healthatwork.net.au in advance of attending the site. If this is not received, the job will automatically be cancelled and payment forfeited. All vaccination records will be stored in a secure manner, not kept for longer than necessary and only used for the purpose(s) for which it is collected
Policy Application
All employees should at all times take every reasonable care while attending work. It is expected that additional caution is taken when travelling for leisure, attending events or large gatherings of people in a social or business setting.
The following policies outline the Health at Work’s response to:
Individual Self Reporting
Should an employee suffer a known exposure to COVID-19 as a result of close or casual contact with a confirmed case, show symptoms, or test positive for the virus, it is expected that they self report immediately. Close contact means greater than 15 minutes face-to-face, cumulative, or the sharing of a closed space for more than two hours, with a confirmed case without recommended personal protective equipment (PPE).
Leave
Where an employee is required to self-isolate, or is directed into quarantine, and are unable to work from home, they will be able to access leave as per the leave policy and procedure. Where an employee does not have sufficient Personal / Carers Leave or Annual Leave then they will be required to take Leave Without Pay.
Post Diagnosis
Where an employee has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and completes the self-isolation or quarantine period they will be required to present a doctor’s clearance certificate prior to returning to work.
Non-compliance
Any breach of this Policy will be taken seriously and will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
How to identify risks and/or raise a concern
If an employee identifies a risk of exposure to the spread of COVID-19, or has a concern, they are to escalate it immediately to the Director. Supporting organisations are: WorkSafe and Department of Health & Human Services.
APPENDICES
Appendix A - If an employee becomes unwell
If an employee is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or has been in close contact with a confirmed case, will need to be tested immediately.
While waiting for test results it is expected that an employee self-isolate – this means not attending work or moving outside their home. Evidence of a negative test result is required to be provided to the Director before returning to the workplace.
If an employee tests positive they are required to immediately report their positive status to the Director
The Director, must:
Appendix B – Cleaning Process & Checklist
Sanitising regularly (minimum daily when onsite) is essential to stopping the spread of COVID-19.
Regular sanitizing includes wiping down workspaces, desks, and common areas after use with alcohol wipes of disinfectant at regular intervals.
If working from the Health at Work premises, cleaning is required the end of the day.
Cleaning Process
How to safely clean
After cleaning: