The Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) has updated its guidance on workplace vaccination against COVID-19, urging employers across Australia to assist their staff to take advantage of vaccinations wherever possible.
In the FWO guidance COVID-19 vaccinations: workplace rights and obligations, the Office of the Fair Work Ombudsman encouraged employers and employees to work together to find vaccination solutions that suited their individual needs and workplaces.
“A collaborative approach in the workplace that includes discussing, planning and facilitating COVID-19 vaccinations is an important part of Australia’s vaccine rollout, because having a vaccine is one of the best ways to protect ourselves and our community against COVID-19,” the Office said.
It said employers could support their employees by providing leave or paid time off for employees to get vaccinated; helping ensure employees had access to reliable and up-to-date information about the effectiveness of vaccinations; and exploring other options such as alternative work arrangements where employees did not wish to be vaccinated, or did not yet have access to vaccinations.
“In some cases, employers may be able to require their employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19,” the Office said.
“Employers should exercise caution if they’re considering making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory in their workplace and get their own legal advice,” it said.
The Fair Work Ombudsman’s guidance can be accessed online at this PS News link.
