Critical steps for keeping your business COVID safe

Workplace safety challenges continue to change as COVID-19 infection clusters erupt in densely populated areas, while businesses attempt to return to ‘new normal’ operations in various parts of Australia. Many businesses will be juggling multiple premises and staff working environments, including working remotely (or working from home) and working in a mobile capacity.

For organisations managing the risks of people in business workplace premises, be that employees, contractors and the public, this checklist provides guidance to help ensure safety first and foremost during this COVID health crisis.

While every business has different questions and needs, according to Gallagher Head of Workplace Risk Vivienne Toll, systematic, documented risk management approach is key to ensuring workplace safety.
 

Key areas of focus for business risk management

Government guidelines for COVID Safe businesses reflect these core areas and encourage all organisations to have a documented COVID Safety Plan. The New South Wales Government has created a useful downloadable template which provides a basis for planning.
 

1. Exclude potentially infected people

• Bar entry to staff, visitors and customers who appear unwell or are displaying related symptoms.
• Remind employees of their leave entitlements if required to self-isolate.
• Provide clear instructions and training to employees in regard to safety protocols: distancing, protective hygiene, face masks and getting tested.
• Post clearly displayed conditions of entry to premises for any visitors, including the need to record their attendance.
   

2. Keep records for infection tracking

• Keep the names and contact details of everyone (including staff, contractors and couriers) attending the premises for at least 28 days. Use only for tracing COVID-19 infections and treat as confidential personal information.
• Make employees aware of the COVIDSafe app and the role it plays in contact tracing for infection containment.
• Cooperate with health authorities if you are contacted in relation to COVID-19 at your workplace and be aware of your notification obligations if you become aware of a case of infection.
   

3. Logistically enable physical distancing

• Put plans and systems in place to monitor and control the numbers of workers and customers on the premises at one time. Assign people to specific work stations and remind them of the need to maintain 1.5 metres distancing at all times.
• Use flexible working arrangements where possible, such as working from home and attending the premises in staggered shifts to reduce peak periods.
• Consider installing Perspex barriers or other physical controls to protect people at high risk interaction points and service counters.
• Use phone or
•  video technology for meetings.
• Request contactless deliveries and payment options where practical.
• Require and facilitate with supplies and scheduled cleaning and sanitising of contact surfaces on your premises.
• Set air-conditioning to external airflow rather than recirculation.
• Have strategies in place to manage gatherings that may occur immediately outside the premises, such as entryways and lifts.
   

4. Enable workplace hygiene

• Provide hand sanitiser at multiple locations throughout the workplace.
• Supply detergent/disinfectant surface wipes to clean workstations and equipment such as monitor, phone, keyboard and mouse. This should be done daily.
• Ensure bathrooms are well stocked with hand soap and paper towels, and have posters with instructions on how to wash hands. Disable blow dryers.
• Frequently used and common contact areas should be cleaned daily with detergent or disinfectant. Cleaners should wear personal protection: masks and gloves.

5. Be aware of your duty of care obligations to provide a safe and healthy work environment

• Under the Work Health and Safety Act, employers must address health risks identified at a workplace by either eliminating or minimising them as far as practicable. This includes threats to mental health such as work-related stress.
• Document protocols for COVID-19 risks, including the logistical measures you have taken, the communications to your staff and your response plan to incidences of infection.
• For workers’ compensation claims for infection with COVID-19 at work, some industry sectors are considered to be high risk for transmission. These include service providers such as transport, entertainment, hospitality, education, retail, healthcare and community services such as police, fire brigades, courts and prisons.
   

How we can help

Our flexible, adaptive approach to understanding your organisation’s workplace risk management needs and statutory compliance means that we work with your circumstances and help you make necessary adjustments to stay abreast with requirements and health and safety standards.

See Gallagher National Head of Workplace Risk, Vivienne Toll explain how our award-winning Workplace Risk practice can help your business return to work safely and the changing dynamics that workplaces have been facing to adapt during COVID-19.
 

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Connect with an expert

Further reading

Return to the workplace - a business 4 step guide

Protecting your people during COVID-19

Your COVID-19 workers compensation questions answered

Additional information

How to make your business COVID safe

Business and industry — coronavirus (COVID-19)

Employers' duty of care — how far does it-go?

Protecting employees and customers during coronavirus

iCare coronavirus information information for employers
 

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