COVID Safe Plan and Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy outlines both employers and employees legal and ethical duties to manage workplace safety risks caused by COVID-19 and other infections, to ensure that Perpetual Dynamics can continue to provide safe and quality services throughout the pandemic and in alignment with advice provided by the State and Federal governments.
This policy is intended to:
Manage the risk of COVID-19 and infection in the workplace
Manage the risk to business continuity caused by COVID-10 and infection
Promote the health, safety and wellbeing of all employees, contractors, third party vendors and volunteer workers.
Scope
This policy applies to all staff employees, contractors, third party vendors and volunteer workers.
Breach
Any breach of this policy will be investigated by the company and dealt with according to the severity and circumstances of the breach. This may include the termination of your employment or services with Perpetual Dynamics.
Information about COVID-19
COVID-19 spreads from person to person in a similar way to the flu (influenza):
from close contact with an infected person
from touching objects or surfaces contaminated by a sneeze and/or cough of an infected person and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
COVID-19 can cause symptoms similar to the influenzas or the common cold including fever, cough, sore throat, tiredness and/or shortness of breath.
Most people who are infected experience mild to moderate symptoms from which they fully recover. However, some people develop more serious illness with pneumonia and other complications. People at increased risk of serious illness include the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions (i.e. diabetes, heart and lung disease) or a weakened immune system.
The federal government have provided an identifying the symptoms chart available to all personnel on their website Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources and materials for employers.
Preventing the Spread of Infection at Work
Simple hygiene practices, similar to those used to protect against the flu, can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections.
Until further notice, please:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
Cover your nose and mouth with tissue or flexed elbow when coughing or sneezing, dispose of tissues immediately after use and wash your hands or apply hand sanitiser.
Practice social distancing by maintaining a 1.5-meter distance between yourself and others (allowing 4 square meters per person).
Stay at home if you are unwell or if you need to self-quarantine (see below).
Seek immediate medical advice if you develop symptoms or are concerned about your health.
As a company, we will be:
Providing handwashing facilities and alcohol-based sanitiser to each employee.
Promoting good hygiene practices by displaying posters on proper handwashing and hygiene.
Minimising intrastate, interstate, and overseas travel.
Encouraging workers to stay home if unwell.
Monitoring the ongoing risk as the situation develops.
When do I need to stay home from work or self-quarantine?
You must not come to work if you have cold or flu like symptoms or feel unwell. This includes a low-grade fever (37.3 C or more), mild cough, sore throat, tiredness, or shortness of breath.
You must not come to work and must self-quarantine for fourteen (14) days if:
You have recently returned from any interstate or international destination.
You have been in close contact with someone who has or is likely to have a case of COVID-19, including anyone who has recently returned from overseas.
Please take a cautious approach – do not risk spreading any possible infection to others.
If you are ill or need to self-quarantine:
You are entitled to take accrued personal/carer’s leave (sick leave).
If you do not have accrued personal/carer’s leave, you may take accrued annual leave.
If you do not have either, you may take unpaid leave (unless otherwise discussed and approved by management).
Please ensure you liaise with your supervisor/manager if you are experience flu-like symptoms or need to take leave.
Precautions
In addition to monitoring the Coronavirus (COVID-19) safety alert, we have implemented the requirements of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for employers documents.
The below will be updated to outline the precautions taken by Perpetual Dynamics and its team in order to decrease the risk of infection transmission.
Item 1 – Precautions taken to decrease the risk of infection transmission
Cleaning
The facility undergoes a deep clean over the weekend. All unnecessary items have been removed from common areas. Tea/Coffee stations have been packed up. Disinfectant aerosol sprays have been placed in all bathrooms and disinfectant wipes have been situated at key locations throughout the facility. We have increased and made available additional supplies for cleaning.
Actioned: Weekly
Working Remotely
In alignment with State Government directive, all administrative staff work from home where possible in order to decrease foot traffic in the office during lockdown periods.
Actioned: 01/07/2020
Gloves
Disposable gloves are available to any person who chooses to wear them whilst handling equipment or performing practical activities.
Actioned: 01/07/2020
Staff Packs
All staff provided with Infection Control packs consisting of disposable gloves, disinfectant wipes, paper towel, face coverings and hand sanitiser.
Actioned: 01/07/2020
Tissues
Used tissues are not to be placed on surfaces and must be immediately disposed of in a bin after use. The lids have been removed from all bins to allow disposal of rubbish without the need to touch the bin.
Actioned: 01/07/2020
Coughing and Sneezing
All individuals are to cough/sneeze into their elbows. If an individual is seen to cough or sneeze into their hands, they are to be directed to the bathroom to wash their hands thoroughly. Monitoring of coughing and sneezing has been implemented (with individuals being asked to depart the premises if they are observed coughing on 3 or more occasions in a day).
Actioned: 01/07/2020
Reporting
Staff have been advised to report all personal symptoms immediately. If individuals are identified as having symptoms, these are to be notified to their manager who will question the individuals travel and contact history with a view to request the individual depart the facility.
The company will immediately report if a positive cases of coronavirus arises (COVID-19) to WorkSafe, DHHS, and notify all employees and contractors.
Actioned: 01/07/2020
Social Distancing
Common areas are organised to ensure that the minimum recommendations of 4 square meters per person is allowed for, to ensure the social distancing guidelines are being adhered to.
Actioned: 01/07/2020
Physical Distancing
To ensure physical distancing is being adhered to – staff are to greet people with a smile or wave – no handshakes, hugs or kisses are permitted.
Actioned: 01/07/2020
Information
Federal Government posters ‘Know the Signs’ and ‘Stop the Spread’ have been situated in all common areas, OHS board and bathrooms.
Actioned: 01/07/2020
Flu Vaccine
All service staff have received or scheduled to get the flu vaccine.
Actioned: 01/07/2020
COVIDSafe App
All field staff have downloaded and activated the COVIDSafe App which the Australian Government is recommending as per Australian Department of Health.
Actioned: 01/07/2020
Face Coverings
As per State Government instructions, it is mandatory for all people within Victoria to wear a face mask/covering. Face coverings have been provided to each staff member as part of their Staff Infection Control Packs (refer to above).
Actioned: 31/07/2020
Training
All staff to complete the COVID-19 Infection Control Training Module published by the Federal Government.
Actioned: 01/08/2020
Risk Assessments
Staff to undertake risk assessments which include infection control and the cleaning of when attending all customer sites.
Actioned: 04/08/2020
Declaration
All personnel attending our Port Melbourne facility for 15 minutes or longer (certain exemptions will apply) is required to sign a declaration upon arrival making a series of declarations regarding their current state of health, travel and potential exposure to the virus.
Actioned: 05/08/2020
Worker Permits
All staff considered essential provided with a Permit to Work as indicated by the State Government during lockdown periods.
Actioned: 05/08/2020
PO015 | Updated: 01/02/2021