The obligations that will be cracked down on include ensuring plant and equipment is restarted safely and in line with manufacturer specifications, providing training and supervision for staff on performing tasks and using equipment safely – especially where practices have changed or there are new workers, WorkSafe Victoria said.

Every safety inspection will now include an assessment of COVID-19 preparedness to ensure businesses meet social distancing requirements and have good hygiene practices and a COVID-safe work plan, it said.

As Melbourne’s restrictions were recently eased and allowed many businesses to reopen, workplaces now no longer need to be involved in a permitted activity to open.

WorkSafe Victoria health and safety executive director, Julie Nielsen, said that in the excitement to get back on the job, it’s important that “employers seriously take stock of health and safety risks in their business.”

“Many businesses have been closed for a long period, but that is no excuse for failing to protect workers from being injured or harmed while on the job,” Nielsen said.

“Employers should take the time to review their health and safety processes and consult with their workers or health and safety representatives about controls in place to keep everyone safe.”

Some considerations all businesses should consider when reopening a workplace include:

• Ensuring there are appropriate controls to manage the risk of coronavirus
• Ensuring training is up to date for all returning staff
• Providing adequate supervision and instruction to all workers where work practices have changed or there are new workers who are unfamiliar with the workplace
• Ensuring plant and equipment is restarted safely and in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines
• Removing risks like trip or fall hazards

WorkSafe Victoria has said that since the pandemic started, its inspectors have made more than 15,000 workplace visits and enquiries and issued more than 460 notices relating to COVID-19.

Common issues discovered by WorkSafe Victoria included:

• Workers not working from home where possible
• Inadequate personal protective equipment
• Failing to enforce social distancing
• Poor hygiene controls
• Lack of health screening
• Not having a procedure for when a worker tests positive to COVID-19

“We are urging employers: don’t be complacent, don’t rush, take health and safety seriously and ensure you meet your obligations,” Nielsen said.

“Employers that fail to protect their workers and members of the public will face tough penalties under the State’s OHS Act.”

How we can help

For more information on Health, Safety and Wellbeing support and assistance please contact us on 03 8662 5333 or hsw@victorianchamber.com.au to discuss how we can assist.