In March 2020, the Prime Minister announced the new National COVID-19 Coordination Commission (NCCC) to minimise and mitigate the impact of the global pandemic on jobs and businesses and to facilitate fast social and economic recovery.
The Commission has released a template that businesses can use to plan for reopening operations while keeping the workplace healthy, safe and virus-free.
The tool complements information on the Safe Work Australia website, which has created a set of COVID-19 safe workplace principles that all state governments have agreed to, and it is these principles that govern the Commission’s template.
Safe Work Australia (SWA) oversees work health and safety guidelines, although rules and regulations are governed by each state’s authority. SWA has links to each state authority as well as information for each industry. You can also download signs and posters for your workplace.
Business owners should check with your state authority for workplace health and safety, as well as the Fair Work Ombudsman, local council and relevant industry associations for specific guidance to make sure you are meeting your legal obligations as you reopen for business.
The NCCC planning template is an excellent tool for any businesses planning for reopening and includes many links to essential information within the document. The customisable template includes guidelines for keeping people safe, adapting business operations and where to get help.
