SWA releases COVID-19 vaccine WHS guidelines

Safe Work Australia has published guidance about work health and safety and the ongoing rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines. Per work health and safety (WHS) laws, employers have a duty to eliminate or, if that is not reasonably practicable, minimise the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace.

The new guidance provides information about rights and obligations under the model WHS laws and how they relate to COVID-19 vaccines, with specific information about vaccine work health and safety for employers, small businesses and workers in 37 different industries.

Safe Work Australia urges the community to remember that a safe and effective vaccine is only one part of keeping individuals safe and healthy.

To meet their WHS duties, employers must keep performing all other control measures that they have implemented to stop the spread of the virus, including physical distancing, good hygiene, regular cleaning and maintenance, and ensuring workers do not attend work if they are unwell. The guidance will be updated as more information becomes available.

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