Last updated 3 April 2020 from SafeWork NSW.

This guide is to help businesses (and other PCBUs) comply with their obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause respiratory illness in humans and animals.

COVID-19 is a new coronavirus – others include Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

Under WHS law all employers or businesses are required to take action to manage the risk of COVID-19 to workers and others in the work environment

Businesses must comply with national and state public health directions in relation to COVID-19

All workplaces must assess the risk (in consultation with workers) and look for ways to minimise the spread of the virus.  These may include:

• ceasing non-essential work activities that involve close personal contact (less than 1.5m)
• implementing controls to reduce direct contact with workers and customers, including:
  • social distancing of at least 1.5metres (1 person per 4sqm indoors)
  • barriers to create space at counters, between workstations, seated areas etc.
  • modifying shifts and rosters to reduce peak periods
  • actively supporting flexible work arrangements, including working from home.
• Implementing controls to reduce environmental exposure, including:
  • inspecting and reviewing air conditioning and ventilation systems
  • increasing cleaning and disinfection of high traffic areas or shared surfaces
  • provide cleaning products and instruction for cleaning workspaces
  • provide instruction and amenities for personal hygiene and infection control

Businesses (and other PCBUs) is required to notify us of serious illnesses (including COVID-19) arising out of the conduct of the business or undertaking:

• illness requiring the person to have immediate treatment as an in-patient in a hospital
• any confirmed infection to which the carrying out of work is a significant contributing factor, including any infection that is reliably attributable to carrying out work that involves providing treatment or care to a person, or that involves contact with human blood or body substances