WHS Regulators require employers to have a plan in place to respond to the issues created by a pandemic including:
To assist organisations to comply with these obligations Ai Group have developed a Pandemic Preparation, Response and Recovery Guide.
The information on this page includes key steps to prepare for, respond to, and recover from the impact of COVID-19 on the workplace.
Each step or topic contains tools, information and resources to assist businesses in carrying out relevant pandemic planning, response and recovery activities.
Ai Group can help to review your COVID-19 plan, find out how we can assist.
Appoint a pandemic disease manager or develop partnerships and plans with local service providers.
Ensure regular, useful and clear information to workers, contractors and the supply chain.
In consultation with workers undertake an infection risk assessment and determine suitable controls.
Infection risk assessment guide
Infection risk assessment template
An incident at the workplace, or offsite involving your workers, needs to be dealt with quickly and calmly.
Incident report form
Suspected or Confirmed Case of COVID-19 Checklist
If workers are to maintain a clean work area, employers must enable them with appropriate resources and equipment.
Mental health issues need to be approached in a sensitive and pro-active way.
Department of Health: COVID-19 mental health supports
Mental Health Resources
Mental Health Services
It's important that everyone understands the changes that will be occurring in the Response phase.
Key Messages
How to effectively communicate with employees about COVID-19
Toolbox Talk: Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Apply measures identified through risk assessments in the Preparation Phase.
Risk assessments
Visitor/Contractor Health Screen and Risk Assessment Form
Ai Group can assist facilitating business changes such as reduction in worker hours, stand downs or redundancies.
Comply with public health advice and any emergency measures.
Latest Government advice on COVID-19
Actions to take for confirmed cases
Expand cleaning arrangements and record activity.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Guides
Cleaning Record Form
Cleaning following confirmed case
Reiterate your approach to support workers through mental health issues.
Department of Health: COVID-19 mental health support
Mental Health Resources & Services
It's important that everyone understands the changes that will be occurring in the Recovery phase.
Coordinate the stand down of risk control measures.
Manage the transition back into normal business arrangements.
Mental health support needs to be emphasised across every phase.
Department of Health: COVID-19 mental health support
Mental Health Resources & Services
Communicate with staff regularly as changes progress.
Review and evaluate your plan.
Pandemic Planning Guide: Review
Ai Group Service: Pandemic (COVID-19) Plan Review
If you need additional support, please contact your local health advice service.
