The role that OHS professionals and services are playing in transforming organisational and national systems and policies, for COVID-19 and future pandemics, is a key focus of World Day for Safety and Health at Work and Workers' Memorial Day tomorrow. Meanwhile, employers have been warned that flu vaccinations are particularly crucial this season.
Applying the hierarchy of controls, consulting workers and maintaining stringent workplace hygiene measures as coronavirus restrictions are eased, are among the new workplace principles agreed to by the National Cabinet. Meanwhile, employers are being urged to encourage staff to download the new COVIDSafe app.
Employers have been reminded of their WHS duty to take all reasonably practicable steps to protect workers from COVID-19, after ACTU polling found many workplaces still don't have proper social distancing, PPE and cleaning protocols. Meanwhile, the UK's work safety regulator has issued social distancing tips for distribution centres and other sites.
The moral distress essential workers experience from being unable to fulfil their duties and obligations properly in the COVID-19 pandemic can develop into mental health problems like PTSD, anxiety and depression if unsupported, according to UK researchers.
An employer has been ordered to reinstate an injured worker, pending the outcome of his disability discrimination claim, so he can maintain a connection to employment and access JobKeeper payments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Employers have been urged to resist intensifying work demands or ramping up surveillance of workers working at home because of COVID-19, to avoid worsening the mental health challenges already posed by the pandemic. Meanwhile, Tasmania has released a pandemic planning guide for workplaces.
