Advice to Organisations on COVID-19
As organisational leaders, our members know that the health, safety and wellbeing of their workers and their families, as well as that of their clients and customers, are of the utmost importance. We have provided some general information below that may help our member organisations during this unprecedented and difficult period.
WHS Responsibilities
As leaders of a PCBU, ESE members have a general requirement to eliminate risks to health and safety, and to minimise risks so far as reasonably practicable. Keeping this framework in mind is in fact reassuring – use the same processes you have in place to manage other risks in your business in the same way.
Tips for Managing the Risk
- Conduct a risk assessment, considering your specific workplace/s and the latest information
- Consider the mental health issues in your risk assessment
- Consult, engage and communicate with your workers (including contractors) about the risk controls
- Connect with your HR team as the controls may impact/be impacted by HR processes
- Implement the controls, including health and hygiene practices
- Keep up to date as best you can and review the risk assessment at least weekly
- We may not get this 100% right, 100% of the time, but taking a risk management approach demonstrates our due diligence to minimise harm
To limit the risks within your team, (both physical and mental) focus on strong levels of clear communication and support, undertaking risk assessments on potential exposure and practicing high levels of hygiene. Continue to monitor what is needed daily, as circumstances continue to change. Understand that the actions we take affect the broader community and this is not about individuals, it’s about taking action to look after all of us.
If you have any questions about COVID-19, this 'COVID-19 Latest Updates' page from NSW Health covers a range of topics including information on; protecting yourself and others against COVID-19, what you can and can't do under the current rules, what financial support is available, as well as other important news and resources. Alternatively, if you are a member of the ESE, contact us here to send us a message with whatever questions you may have and we will endeavour to respond as soon as we can.