COVID-19: Responding to Extraordinary Events

The following was issued by WorkSafe Victoria as part of the annual report 2020.

"Our strategic and consistent approach to risk meant we were well-prepared to respond quickly to COVID-19, with a focus on protecting workers and supporting efforts to prevent the spread of the virus. We worked closely with other government agencies, our stakeholders and partners to apply public health directions and guidance in a workplace setting, fulfilling our obligations as the State's workplace health and safety regulator.

We developed innovative new service delivery models to ensure vulnerable injured workers continued to receive the benefits, entitlements and support they need to return to health. Guidance specific to COVID-19 was developed and adapted to keep pace with the changing nature of the pandemic, supporting workers and employers to navigate this unprecedented challenge. People seeking COVID-19 information contributed to a surge in visits to WorkSafe's website. In 2019-20, visits increased 40% to more than 4.5 million, with page views exceeding 10 million.

From March 2020, all workplace inspections included an assessment of COVID-19 safeguards. As of 30 June 2020, WorkSafe had conducted 3,105 visits specific to COVID-19, including targeted inspections of high-risk workplaces to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety legislation.

It is difficult to gauge with any certainty how the next 12 months will unfold, but what is certain is that WorkSafe will remain vigilant and proactive. The safety of the Victorian community is paramount."

WorkSafe Victoria website - Critical information

• Find the latest information about coronavirus (COVID-19) and preventing exposure in the workplace. https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19
• Report a confirmed positive case of COVID-19 in the workplace - Employers must notify WorkSafe about a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 in Victorian workplaces. https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/report-confirmed-positive-case-covid-19
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for your industry. Support and information for your industry during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-information-your-industry
• Support for employees and information for employers. Providing support to employees during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-support-employees
• Compensation during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Information about claims, the provisional payments pilot for emergency workers, JobKeeper, and government support programs available to employers. https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/compensation-during-coronavirus-covid-19
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) information in your language. Information in Arabic, Burmese, Chinese simplified, Chinese traditional, Dari, Dinka, Indonesian, Italian, Khmer, Korean, Malay, Punjabi, Thai, Vietnamese. https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-information-your-language

If you work interstate or across several borders (travel permitting), Work Health and Safety information can be sourced from https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/
This website contains various information relating to COVID-19 and lists all Australian Regulators.  https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces