Safety Work Environment Risk Assessment
With vaccinations stepping up in Australia, the threat of COVID-19 appears to be on the decline. But until everyone is vaccinated, employers will need to take every precaution to ensure a safe work environment. This means effective risk assessment and safety measures that protect employees in the greater Caloundra area and across the Sunshine Coast.
Currently, the vaccinations are focused on the most vulnerable members of the Australian population, namely those most vulnerable to the virus and those on the front lines who stand the greatest threat of exposure. This means seniors and health workers inside the country, but also those who contact people from outside Australia, such as port of entry workers, hotel employees, and staff that deal with international travel.
Vaccinations Phases on the Sunshine Coast
The initial phase of the vaccinations focused on the most vulnerable population across the Sunshine Coast and the nation. The next phase increased the number of people receiving the vaccination by ten-fold. The focus is on those over the age of 70, those with underlying health conditions, workers who are at high-risk, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people above the age of 55.
While the following phase of vaccine distribution will reach to those over the age of 50, Aboriginal and Torres Strait islanders between the ages of 15 and 55, and other workers who are in critical positions.
As the number and types of vaccines becomes more available, it is hoped that by the middle of the year that everyone who has a chance to get vaccinated will do so. In addition, as the vaccines are being spread around the world with new vaccines coming into use, the threat of COVID-19 will diminish significantly to the point where hopefully a return to normal will be possible.
Safety Management Systems for Businesses in Caloundra
For business owners in Caloundra a site dedicated safety management system should be introduced, they will need to strike the appropriate balance between safety and productivity to ensure that their employees are protected. A risk assessment is recommended, so that employers who are considering making their employees become vaccinated understand the limits of their power. The Safe Work Method Statements be put in place and followed up. Courts may not look kindly on letting employees go just because they refuse to become vaccinated.
For employers, this means initiating the SWMS and creating a plan that educates their employees. While accounting for those who for health or other reasons cannot or will not take the vaccine.
It is imperative that your team understands the processes thoroughly by providing the best in training and PPE for health and safety . The risk of COVID-19 cannot be overlooked even if the virus is diminishing across Australia. Genuine safety measures are needed to ensure the protection of your team and the individuals that they come in contact.
Correct safety means a work environment that maximizes protections for everyone involved. This means for businesses in the Caloundra area effective risk assessment that minimizes the spread of COVID-19. With vaccinations ramping up, the threat of COVID-19 diminishes. But that does not mean employers can become lax in their duties. This means working with your employees to ensure that they are comfortable and if they can work from home, employers should offer them the flexibility to do so.
Contact Ross at HRB Consulting. Ross will be happy to come to your workplace to inspect your safety management system.
