Coronavirus in the agricultural workplace
Employers can find information about coronavirus including; what it is, how it spreads, who is most at risk, and what you can do to help stop it spreading on the following websites:
COVID-19 Safe Workplaces
The Tasmanian Government has launched a
COVID-19 Safe Workplaces Framework to support businesses and workplaces to continue to operate, or reopen, while protecting Tasmania's health and safety.
The Framework includes minimum standards developed in consultation with Public Health that will be monitored and enforced through the Work Health and Safety Act 2012. Business and workplaces are required to be able to demonstrate how they are complying with the minimum standards if asked by an inspector.
The COVID-19 SafeFarming Contractors Guidance Sheet will help you determine if it is safe for a contractor, field officer, agronomist, consultant or authorised visitor to enter your farm, and to manage any visit.
The inspector will ask for a completed checklist or COVID-19 Safety Plan, and evidence that any processes or procedures put in place to implement the Safety Plan are being applied in the workplace.
It is important for organisaitons to be prepared to respond quickly to COVID 19 outbreaks. There are a number of resources available to assit you including:
In addition, the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission has created an
online planning tool to help businesses develop a plan to keep workers, customers and the community safe from COVID-19.
Other work health and safety (WHS) resources
WorkSafe Tasmania's Coronavirus webpage
including information on employer responsibilities and incident notification obligations, as well as links to resources on COVID-19 workpalce safety in different industries, workers compensation, health and mental wellbeing, and business/employment. Where appropriate, the site links to the
Safe Work Australia website or information from other jurisdictions.
Safe Farming Tasmania is continuing to operate as normal, except for the suspension of routine on-farm visits (until further notice), and can support you in developing your COVID-19 Safety Plan. Senior WHS Consultant Phillip John can also advise you on managing other health and safety issues on your farm. Please see the Safe Farming Tasmania contact details at the bottom of this page.
Safe Work Australia's website has been updated to provide a central information hub for WHS guidance and tools to help manage risks posed by COVID-19. It includes an
agriculture industry page that can be filtered to tailor resources to the needs of employers, small businesses or workers. You can even subscribe to industry-specific updates.
Agricultural businesses needing to use personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should consult:
- practical information for all agricultural businesses on COVID-19
- good hygiene and social distancing practices
- access to labour and workforce planning
- WHS obligations
- industrial relations
- useful links
ContactsWorkSafe TasmaniaPhone: 1300 366 322
Email:
wstinfo@justice.tas.gov.auSafe Farming Tasmania (support for farmers)
Phone: 0407 015 400