A cautious return 1 min read
Following a year of nationwide lockdowns, employers will need to remain vigilant of COVID-19 risks as more businesses start to return workforces to the physical workplace.
Key takeaways
- Employers should continue to keep up to date with any safety guidelines which vary from state to state.
- Employers are reminded that some restrictions (such as the physical distancing requirements) remain in place as in-person meetings resume, or postponed work events or functions are held.
- If an employer were to host an in-person event, it should consider enacting a specific COVID-19 safety plan. This will mitigate any potential risks and encourage COVID-19 safe behaviour. Importantly, employers should be mindful that they continue to owe a duty of care under work health and safety laws at external work related events. This means that employers have a duty of care to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers at these events.
As the COVID-19 vaccination program is rolled out, employers may be considering whether or not to mandate a vaccine program. We discuss this issue in our recent Insight.