Physical distancing and attending the workplace

Physical distancing is an effective way of slowing the spread of workplace infectious diseases such as the COVID-19 virus.

Physical distancing means keeping away from others. For example, for COVID-19 a space of at least 1.5 metres is recommended where possible.

As it may not always be practicable to physically distance, as the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), you should consider if there are other things you can do to help minimise transmission. For example:

  • for rideshare, passengers should sit in the rear seat of a vehicle
  • have contactless deliveries, that is, leave deliveries outside homes without needing to sign
  • encourage customers to use contactless payment options, and
  • limit access to the workplace to people who do not need to be there, including children and other relatives of your workers.

Unwell workers attending the workplace

You should implement a policy requiring workers to stay away from the workplace if they are unwell and not fit for work. Encourage them to seek medical advice as appropriate.

Under the model WHS laws, you can require workers to comply with a direction to remain away from their usual place of work if its reasonable for you to require them to do so. This can be to stay at home, or work from somewhere else. However, you also need to consider the worker’s entitlements under workplace instruments, such as an enterprise agreement or award. For help, contact the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Stopping work

A worker can cease work if there is a reasonable concern that they would be exposed to a serious health and safety risk from an immediate or imminent hazard.

If a worker ceases work, they must inform you, as the PCBU, as soon as they can. They must also then be available to carry out suitable alternative work, such as working from home.

Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) can direct a worker in their work group to cease unsafe work. HSRs can do this if they:

  • have a reasonable concern that a worker would be exposed to a serious risk to health and safety from an immediate or imminent hazard, and
  • have already consulted and attempted to resolve the issue, unless the risk is so serious and immediate or imminent that it is not reasonable to consult first

HSRs must inform the workplace of any direction that has been given to cease unsafe work. HSRs can only direct that unsafe work ceases if they have completed their initial training under the model WHS laws.

If a worker refuses to come to work when you think they should, you can contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for advice.

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