Supporting essential workers during the ACT COVID-19 lockdown

Following yesterday’s announcement extending the ACT lockdown until the 2 September 2021, it is important the ACT community continue to support one another during this challenging time.

One of the few reasons people can leave their homes is to undertake essential work. As essential and frontline workers work to support us, it is crucial that as a community, we support and respect them to do their job safely.

Work Health and Safety Commissioner, Jacqueline Agius, and the WorkSafe ACT Inspectors are working closely with the ACT Government and ACT Policing to support the health and safety of essential workers over this lockdown period.

“I would like to sincerely thank all of our essential workers conducting critical work during this difficult time. Our healthcare workers, supermarket workers, hospitality workers, teachers, cleaners, emergency services, and of course our staff here at WorkSafe ACT, who are all working to keep us safe in our mission to break the chain of transmission.”

While many people in the ACT share this sentiment of gratitude towards essential workers, there are unfortunately a few people in the community who are acting inappropriately and, in some instances, aggressively, towards essential workers.

Commissioner Agius expressed her disappointment upon receiving reports of harassment and abuse towards essential workers.

“Verbal threats and abuse, along with yelling and swearing that create a fear of violence are all forms of work-related violence and are completely unacceptable. We are working closely on the ground with the AFP and incidents of this nature will be dealt with accordingly.”

While essential workers are crucial in keeping us safe, as a community, it is important that we conduct ourselves in a respectful, safe, and kind manner.

“Essential workers are being pushed to their limits each and everyday throughout this crisis. Everyone is doing their best in these challenging circumstances. It is our role to step up and show them kindness and respect as we navigate this together.”

If you experience or witness an incident at a workplace, you must immediately contact WorkSafe ACT on 13 22 81, or after hours on 0419 120 028 and follow the instructions provided by the WHS Inspector.

If a worker or anyone at a workplace is in immediate danger, call 000.

Media contacts

Adelaide Haynes adelaide.haynes@worksafe.act.gov.au
0477 601 188