The Commonwealth workers’ compensation insurer and claims manager Comcare has developed a range of guidance resources to help employers support their workers as they transition back to their usual workplaces.
Releasing the material Comcare said the diversity of working environments in its jurisdiction meant a single approach to transition was not practical and each organisation’s transition plan would need to be tailored to their particular circumstances.
“The plan should be tailored to meet relevant industry or geographic circumstances and respond to changing COVID-19 risks as restrictions change over time,” Comcare said.
“Restrictions will ease at different speeds across the economy, with each State and Territory making decisions based on their public health situation and local conditions,” it said.
Comcare said transition plans should consider risk management in an evolving environment; workers mental health and wellbeing; maintaining a COVID-safe workplace; and transitional arrangements for workers based on individual circumstances.
“Organisations should develop and start to implement a transition plan to return workers to the usual workplace,” it said.
“The plan should focus on the continued delivery of critical functions and ensuring workplaces are safe for all workers.”
It said that organisations should maintain clear and ongoing communication to assist their employees and ensure a successful transition back to workplaces and full operations.
The new Comcare resources include links to each State and Territory’s COVID-19 advice; Safe Work Australia’s nationally-consistent work health and safety guidance; the National Mental Health Commission’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan; and the Australian Public Service Commission’s (APSC) Preparing for a COVID-safe transition for APS workplaces circular.
The latest Comcare guidance can be accessed at this PS News link.
