Browsing: Coronavirus, COVID-19 | Page 40

Renewed calls for a Federal paid pandemic leave scheme have followed Victoria's revelation that nine in 10 Victorians with COVID-19 continued going to work or the shops after they first experienced symptoms. Meanwhile, heavy vehicle industry workers have been urged to lead by example on coronavirus control measures.

• Workplace COVID-19 controls encouraged by awards shift;
  
• Injury prevention program covers 40,000 workers, and growing; and
  
• Major workers' comp changes commence in NT next week.

With growing calls to mandate the use of face masks to protect workers and members of the public from COVID-19, occupational medicine experts have examined the research on airborne transmission and outlined a "hierarchy of provisional inhalation exposure control measures".

Safety regulators and police will target workplaces and enforce the use of face masks under a Victorian plan to tackle the concerning increase in COVID-19 cases in the State. Meanwhile, Safe Work Australia has released a checklist for complying with WHS laws while transitioning workers back to usual workplaces during the pandemic.

• High-risk occupations overlooked in COVID-19 pandemic;
  
• Warnings issued after crane and hose deaths; and
  
• Another WHS regulator issues white card safety warning.

With one Australian state going back into COVID-19 lockdown and a resurgence of cases in other jurisdictions, a doctor has urged employers to remain vigilant to the fact that workers' health can deteriorate from stress, grief and lack of exercise.

Doctors have spoken out against a "false dichotomy" obstructing the safe return to normal working arrangements as COVID-19 restrictions ease, while researchers have warned that a special subset of workers needs extra protection in the pandemic.

• NSW employers warned on COVID fines and enforcement plans;
  
• Comcare issues reminder on coronavirus notifications; and
  
• SA relaunches WHS audit prompted by fatalities.

Safe Work Australia has urged employers to access a free program that addresses the WHS risks associated with prolonged sitting and includes tools for those working at home for the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Victorian police are targeting businesses that breach pandemic restrictions, with coronavirus cases soaring in the State.

Legal researchers have called for employers to use workplace investigations to eliminate s-xual harassment risks instead of silencing complainants, and warned that COVID-19 is making it harder to detect poor behaviour. Meanwhile, studies have identified links between unsupportive leaders and poor health from bullying and harassment.