Understanding your obligations as an Employer during COVID-19
Understanding the requirements of reporting COVID-19 cases to WorkSafe is an important element in keeping your employees safe, and your workplace operating smoothly.
Here’s what you should know:
What is the change?
On 28 July 2020, the Occupational Health and Safety (COVID-19 Incident Notification) Regulations 2020 commenced in Victoria and will apply for 12 months. New incident notification requirements apply for workers with a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis in Victoria and who attend the workplace while infectious.
What do I need to do?
If you have workers in Victoria, you are required to notify WorkSafe Victoria immediately when you become aware that:
- an employee
- an independent contractor, or
- an employee of an independent contractor
has received a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and has attended your workplace within the infectious period.
The “infectious period” means the 14 days either before the onset of COVID-19 symptoms or a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis until the date that the worker receives clearance from isolation from the Department of Health and Human Services.
If in the unfortunate circumstances that you need to notify a COVID-19 incident to WorkSafe Victoria, please call the Advice Team on 1300 651 415 to discuss next steps.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Businesses failing to comply with the new incident notification requirement face a maximum penalty of up to $198,264 or up to $39,652 for an individual.
How can we help you?
If you need help understanding the above, please contact the Employsure Advice Team on 1300 651 415 or email advice@employsure.com.au.
If you have any other questions regarding COVID-19 business support or economic relief funding please contact our STS team today.
