NSW announces changes to COVID-19 notification requirements

NSW businesses are no longer required to notify SafeWork if a worker tests positive for COVID-19, under changes announced by the State Government.

On 20 January 2022, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard issued an exemption to Clause 11 of the Public Health Order 2021, which states that "a person conducting a business or undertaking must notify SafeWork NSW if the person becomes aware that a worker of the business or undertaking is diagnosed with COVID-19."

This means businesses are only required to notify SafeWork if a worker is hospitalised and/or dies as a result of contracting COVID-19 at work.

SafeWork NSW recently issued a Statement of Regulatory Intent outlining the enforcement approach it will take to ensure compliance with WHS laws during the COVID 19 pandemic.

The statement notes that "SafeWork NSW will take a practical approach to enforce the reporting requirements in relation to COVID-19. The agency does expect businesses to be diligent in reporting any hospitalisation (where treatment as an in-patient in a hospital is required), and any fatality where the worker contracted COVID-19, or is likely to have contracted COVID-19, at the workplace."

Read the full story on the SafeWork NSW website.