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:
Safe Farming Tasmania
Safe Farming Tasmania is continuing to operate as normal and can support you in developing your COVID-19 Safety Plan. Senior WHS Advisors Phillip John and Stuart Beams can also advise you on managing other health and safety issues on your farm.
To book a visit, contact:
- Phill: 0407 015 400 or phillip.john@justice.tas.gov.au
- Stuart: 0400 140 146 or stuart.beams@justice.tas.gov.au
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 Safe Farming 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.
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 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
Contact:Safe Farming Tasmania (support for farmers)
Phone: 0407 015 400 Phill John
Email: phillip.john@justice.tas.gov.au
Phone 0400 140 146 Stuart Beams
Email: Stuart.beams@justice.tas.gov.au