Safe Work Australia (SWA) has expanded its website to include a toolkit for employers and workers containing the latest industry-specific information on how to stay safe from COVID-19.
Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations, Christian Porter, said the gradual easing of social isolation rules made it essential to have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information about workplace safety.
“The SWA website brings together all the information businesses and workers need into one centralised hub, providing users with fast and easy access to detailed guidance that is directly relevant to their specific industry,” Mr Porter said.
“That includes guidance about physical distancing, personal protective equipment, worksite cleaning, how to conduct risk assessments and design emergency plans, as well as providing case studies to help explain how to manage the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace.”
He said developing the toolkit was a key recommendation of the National Cabinet, which recently released a set of national guiding principles to help get the economy safely up and running again.
Minister for Small and Family Business, Senator Michaelia Cash, said it was important for small business operators to think about their particular circumstances and how they will operate when they reopen.
“We know the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on lives and the economy, which is why it’s so critical that businesses start to prepare now for how they will operate safely as lockdown restrictions ease,” Senator Cash said.
“Each industry and business will be different, so I would encourage every business to think about their unique circumstances, consult their peak body, check out SWA’s new website and start preparing now,” she said.
She said development of the SWA guidance involved extensive consultation with SWA members, comprising State and Territory workplace safety bodies, employer groups and unions.
Senator Cash said the SWA website would be regularly updated as restrictions were gradually eased.
The Safe Work Australia website can be accessed at this PS News link.
