Page 1183 - Week 04 - Thursday, 21 May 2020
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care facilities. As at 8 April 2020, more than 40 litres of sanitiser had been distributed. CSD is currently in the process of procuring other PPE for community sector dispersion, including masks and gloves, however due to global supply shortages there has been significant delays in the delivery of items.
A specific team within the CSD has been established to understand the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable cohorts. The identification of these cohorts will further support the directorate in the distribution of PPE supplies.
COVID-19 pandemic––safety measures
(Question No 2985)
Ms Le Couteur asked the Minister for Employment and Workplace Safety, upon notice, on 3 April 2020:
(1) Given that many ACT workers are unable to work from home, and part of their role involves coming into regular contact with members of the public, (eg retail workers), can the Minister advise what the ACT Government is doing to ensure employers are offering appropriate safety measures for their staff.
(2) How is the ACT Government resourcing the enforcement of safety measures for workers in workplaces that remain open.
(3) Who can workers report their concerns to where they have concerns that their employer is not meeting rules such as social distancing between workers and customers.
(4) Is there any consideration of a public campaign outlining shopping etiquette or protocols in the light of COVID-19.
Ms Orr: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
(1) The ACT Government has put in place numerous support services for employers to continue operating with appropriate safety measures for their staff. These include the information for businesses on www.COVID19.act.gov.au which directs employers on how to protect their workers and the community as whole. This information also provides advice to specific businesses within the retail sector which employers can utilise. For consistency, the ACT Government through Ministers and Directorates’ communication channels are promoting www.COVID19.act.gov.au and other ACT Health resources. The information has also been translated into multilingual fact sheets. Additionally, WorkSafe has assisted in the development of guidance material available on the Safe Work Australia website which provides for a national consistent approach for employers to maintain WHS requirements relevant to their specific industries. Finally, the ACT Government is developing resources to support employers in managing worker’s mental wellbeing during these challenging times.
(2) WorkSafe ACT has dedicated personnel to conduct compliance checks, provide education and respond to complaints relating to COVID-19 in the workplace. WorkSafe ACT is working collaboratively with other agencies including Health Protection Services, ACT Policing and other areas of Access Canberra to ensure the community safety measures are in place and being adhered to.
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