There is an increasing number of infected persons in Australia, the workplace is a hub and one of the largest points of gathering of persons on a daily basis. The magnitude of the impact is not yet known, with many employers who do not believe it is an issue that requires attention. It does, because it has the potential to cripple your supply chain, and it will not be the last of such viruses to emerge.
There are 3 significant elements to which employers must remain alert ;
- Compliance with WHS laws & the obligation to manage the Health and Welfare of workers & its wider network community
- Compliance with Employment & other related Laws, management of quarantine measures, payment and treatment of leave, working with employees who are / may be stranded, or intending to go overseas.
- Impact on supply chain & continuity measures
It is difficult to know what to do to manage the possible outbreak of persons infected in the workplace and how far you can go before some breach of legislation unwitting occurs. As a start employees must be provided with regular updates that come to hand about the virus, more specifically to provide employees with a guide to follow that continues to raise awareness and provides for control measures should an employer suspect and employee becoming infected.
KMB has prepared a simple to follow and understand 3 part Framework for Employers and their employees. It consists of;
- Preventative Measures Brochure ( for display in the workplace in areas where employees commune and amenities). It provides details about how employees should manage their own health & prevent infection of others in view of the virus
- Quarantine Measures ( issued to employees) – advises employees of the employer’s right to quarantine based on various factors that may come into play
- Employer’s Guide Framework (employer use) – details employment, IR and other applicable laws for management of the situation & follows on to address subcontractors, associates etc with whom your organisation & its people come into contact.
If you have not yet developed this internally and would like KMB to supply this Framework and or assist with the development of such a program from your organisation, please respond by direct message and we will be happy to be of service to you.