Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses known to cause respiratory infections which can lead to severe outcomes for some people.

WHS Regulators require employers to have a plan in place to respond to the issues created by a pandemic including:

  • reviewing their exposure and infection control policies and procedures; and
  • developing and implementing safe systems of work that consider updated directions and advice provided by health authorities.

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.

Preparation

1

Assemble a pandemic response team

Appoint a pandemic disease manager or develop partnerships and plans with local service providers.

Assigning Responsibilities 

2

Develop a communication plan

Ensure regular, useful and clear information to workers, contractors and the supply chain.

Key Messages 
Develop communication strategy 
Symptoms poster 

3

Undertake infection risk assessment

In consultation with workers undertake an infection risk assessment and determine suitable controls.

Infection risk assessment guide 
Infection risk assessment template 

4

Develop a process for notifying of illness

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 

5

Ensure adequate stocks of sanitiser, soap, PPE, etc.

If workers are to maintain a clean work area, employers must enable them with appropriate resources and equipment.

Handwashing poster 

6

Provide support to workers

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

Response

1

Communicate changes to workers, labour hire and contractors

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) 

2

Implement controls

Apply measures identified through risk assessments in the Preparation Phase.

Risk assessments 
Visitor/Contractor Health Screen and Risk Assessment Form 
Social Distancing Assessment and Action Plan 

3

Access business support

Ai Group can assist facilitating business changes such as reduction in worker hours, stand downs or redundancies.

Member Advice NAT 015/20: Shorter working hours arrangements, variations to enterprise agreements and stand down 

4

Compliance

Comply with public health advice and any emergency measures.

Latest Government advice on COVID-19 
Actions to take for confirmed cases 

5

Increase cleaning regimes

Expand cleaning arrangements and record activity.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Guides 
Cleaning Record Form 
Cleaning following confirmed case 

6

Provide support to workers

Reiterate your approach to support workers through mental health issues.

Department of Health: COVID-19 mental health support 
Mental Health Resources & Services 

Recovery

1

Communicate changes to workers, labour hire and contractors

It's important that everyone understands the changes that will be occurring in the Recovery phase.

Recovery Phase Communication 

2

Coordinate

Coordinate the stand down of risk control measures.

3

Manage

Manage the transition back into normal business arrangements.

4

Provide support to workers

Mental health support needs to be emphasised across every phase.

Department of Health: COVID-19 mental health support 
Mental Health Resources & Services 

5

Keep up communication

Communicate with staff regularly as changes progress.

COVID-19 Local Contact Lines

If you need additional support, please contact your local health advice service.