Coronavirus Workplace Health & Safety – What you need to know

Coronavirus Workplace Health & Safety – What You Need to Know

Summary: Coronavirus (COVID-19) presents a genuine workplace hazard, and businesses carry a duty of care to manage associated risks. This guide outlines what the virus involves, how it spreads, and practical steps organisations can take to protect workers while staying compliant with WHS obligations.

Understanding Coronavirus

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and has quickly spread across the globe – including to Australia. To date, more than 117,000 confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) have been recorded worldwide, with over 4,200 reported deaths.

Coronaviruses (CoV) belong to a family of viruses transmitted between animals and people. Such viruses can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases like Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Infection with COVID-19 can lead to respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, complications can include pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and fatalities.

Managing the Risks From COVID-19

Coronavirus (COVID-19) isn't something caught only while socialising or travelling; it's also a potential hazard for people at work. Persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) have a duty of care to put measures in place protecting worker health and safety while managing risks of contracting the virus.

To comply with WHS regulations, PCBUs must identify workplace hazards; in this case, COVID-19 counts as one, then do what's reasonably practicable to minimise those risks. For broader guidance on documenting these obligations, see our Work Health & Safety (WHS) Policy resources.

6-Step Coronavirus Action Plan for Your Business

1. Stay Updated With Reliable Information

First actions should involve keeping up to date with the latest COVID-19 information and advice to help manage risk. Monitor the Australian Government Department of Health, the Smartraveller website if travelling for work, and any advice from state or territory government agencies (see resources listed further below). Avoid guidance from friends, social media or other non-official sources, since such channels often carry conflicting or incorrect information.

2. Keep Workers Informed

Ensure workers remain aware of, and updated on, information relevant to them regarding Coronavirus by directing employees towards official websites, or by printing and distributing material on risks and infection controls associated with the virus.

3. Review Policies and Procedures

Review your organisation's policies and procedures for infection control, or, where none exist, develop and promote policies keeping workers informed. Our Work Health and Safety Manual (WHSM) can support businesses building this framework from the ground up.

4. Provide Clear Advice on Symptoms

Provide clear advice to staff about actions they should take if symptoms of Coronavirus are suspected. Include information on:

• When they should not attend work or travel
• Isolation periods for those infected, per advice from the Department of Health
• Information and links to relevant services should support be required

5. Plan for Staff Absences

Put contingency plans in place to manage potential absences among workers. Current advice states a person testing positive for COVID-19 must isolate in their home or a health care setting until Public Health authorities confirm it's safe to resume usual activities.

6. Communicate Regular Updates

Continue providing regular updates to workers about the virus and any changes to company policies or procedures. Consistent communication builds trust and helps everyone at the workplace stay aligned during uncertain periods.

How to Prevent the Spread of Coronavirus

Good personal and workplace hygiene practices remain the best defence against most viral infections:

• Ensure frequently touched surfaces are cleaned with a detergent solution
• Clean surfaces and fittings after any spillage, or wherever visibly unclean
• Wash hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers as needed
• Cover mouth with an elbow when coughing or sneezing – avoid using hands
• Avoid physical contact with others when feeling unwell (stay more than 1.5 metres from people)

For organisations managing cleaning protocols more broadly, our guide on Workplace Health and Safety in the Cleaning Industry offers additional practical support.

Information and Resources (as Compiled by Safe Work Australia)

Australian State and Territory WHS Regulators

• Comcare – guidance for workers and employers. This webpage includes advice on WHS obligations, managing risks and compensation coverage.
• SafeWork NSW – Coronavirus
• WorkSafe Victoria
• WorkSafe Victoria – Preparing for pandemics
• WorkSafe Victoria – Exposure to Coronavirus in workplaces
• Queensland – WorkCover QLD – Coronavirus (COVID-19) workplace risk management
• Northern Territory – NT WorkSafe – Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
• Tasmania – WorkSafe Tasmania – Novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

State and Territory Health Departments and Other Agencies

• New South Wales: NSW Health – COVID-19; NSW Health – Coronavirus FAQs
• Victoria: Department of Health and Human Services – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
• Northern Territory: Department of Health – Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) latest updates
• Australian Capital Territory: ACT Health – Latest information about novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the ACT
• Western Australia: Department of Health – Coronavirus (COVID-19); Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety – Novel coronavirus and absence from work
• Queensland: Queensland Health – Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Additional Sources

• World Health Organization – Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
• World Health Organization – Coronavirus disease advice for the public: Myth busters

For teams wanting a broader view of essential documentation, check out The Top 10 Safety Management Documents You Need to Know. Those managing outbreaks of other illnesses may also find our article on Mosquito-Borne Diseases in Australia useful for comparison, while New Zealand-based organisations can explore our Workplace Safety Rules – NZ resource. Businesses interested in industry events focused on compliance can also visit the Workplace Health and Safety Show.

Author – Craig Cruickshank is the HSEQ Manager and Senior Technical Advisor at SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture. Craig comes from a construction and environmental background, with experience in both private and public sectors, and remains passionate about making health and safety information easy to find and understand for everyone. Learn more about Craig's work on LinkedIn.

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