Resources companies have been urged to implement a string of extra precautions to protect fly-in-fly-out and drive-in-drive-out workers, in camps or "on the move", from COVID-19. Meanwhile, ACT employers have been directed to conduct coronavirus risk assessments and ensure their contractors comply with hygiene rules.
Delineating tasks and separating teams are some of the many strategies a Singaporean hospital is taking to protect frontline workers from coronavirus, shedding light on how to prevent the occupational transmission of the disease.
Workers testing positive for COVID-19 can breed a lot of fear and anxiety, both for the infected workers and their colleagues, and workplace leaders need to ensure their response is clear and strong, an organisational psychologist says.
Disposable and reusable respirators play a crucial role in protecting workers from hazardous substances, but the fit-testing process can actually expose them to viruses like COVID-19, meaning employers must implement special fit-testing measures for the pandemic, the UK Health and Safety Executive has warned.
Coronavirus controls and restrictions have been stepped up across the country, with exemptions for certain workplaces and workers, while the ACTU's "name and fame" list of businesses providing special paid sick leave to staff is rapidly growing.
Keeping communications upbeat, holding virtual team meetings and reminding workers their EAPs are there if they need them, are key strategies for overcoming the harmful social isolation workers could experience working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic, a safety and injury management expert says.
Laws establishing a new safety regulator and transferring "serious" resources cases to the Work Health and Safety Prosecutor have passed in Queensland, with amendments. Meanwhile, a timely Bill mandating vaccinations for healthcare workers has passed in Victoria.
