High vaccination rates in Australia along with increased international vaccination coverage will help reduce the risk, along with baseline measures of staying home when unwell, physically distancing where possible, good hygiene and wearing masks as recommended.

Once the Omicron wave in early 2022 stabilised, Australia entered the final phase (Phase D) of the National Plan, which saw a shift away from government-prescribed responses to greater individual and business responsibility.

There is a clear expectation from governments that businesses will manage COVID-19 as ongoing WHS and HR matters within their workplaces.

As winter sets in, COVIDSafe controls will not only help protect workers from transmission risks from COVID-19, but also seasonal viruses such as the winter flu, and provide productivity benefits due to reduced absenteeism.

ACCI’s COVID Winter Guide helps workplaces navigate areas such as:

• COVID-19 vaccines, booster status and treatments, and influenza (flu) vaccine advice
• COVID-19 travel and certification
• Supporting someone with long-COVID in the workplace
• Workplace COVID-19 response – actions for businesses
• Rules for household contacts/close contacts
• Managing COVID-19 positive cases, close contacts and workers with symptoms
• Work Health and Safety duties
• Control measures including stay at home, ventilation, physical distancing, cleaning and hygiene, masks and PPE
• Information and training, incident notifications
• COVID-19 vaccine claims scheme.

View the guide here

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra said: “Business is very mindful of the current challenges and committed to doing everything it can to safeguard staff.

“We have encouraged our members to adjust their workplace practices to help stop the spread of the virus.

“This includes ensuring there are flexible working arrangements in place and providing masks for staff who wish to wear them.”

More information

The material in this guide is of a general nature and should not be regarded as legal advice or relied on for assistance in any particular circumstance or situation.

Employers should, at all times be conscious of their particular legal obligations that will apply under the Fair Work Act 2009, respective State and Territory WHS legislation and Workers’ Compensation legislation, enterprise agreements, awards, contracts and policies and should seek further advice where necessary.

The Victorian Government recently outlined mask and working from home recommendations, rules around vaccinations and extended its ventilation program for workplaces.

To discuss your specific workplace situation, call our Health, Safety and Wellbeing team on 03 8662 5333 or email hse@victorianchamber.com.au. For assistance on any aspect of your employment obligations, please call the Victorian Chamber Workplace Relations Advice Line on (03) 8662 5222.