COVID-19 Vaccination in the Workplace

NEWS IN BRIEF

COVID-19 VACCINAtION IN tHe WOrKpLACe

AFTER A PERIOD THAT’S BEEN CLOSE TO NORMAL FOR MANY, THE COVID-19 DELTA STRAIN HAS RESULTED IN SIGNIFICANT CHALLENGES AND RESTRICTIONS FOR ELECTRICAL CONTRACTING BUSINESSES ACROSS A NUMBER OF STATES.

It’s becoming clear that the pathway towards unrestricted participation across the building, construction, service and maintenance industries, in most states, is going to be directly linked to high rates of workforce and community vaccination. Businesses play a vital role in supporting employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine. We appreciate vaccination can be controversial and presents a number of personal, workplace and industrial relations questions that need to be considered. NECA is a member of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), which has prepared an Employer Guide for COVID-19 Vaccinations and the Workplace.

In summary, there are four things employers can do right now:

1. Communicate, encourage and support

your workforce to get vaccinated by providing employees with access to reliable and accurate information about the vaccine and where they can get it. 2. Assist employees to get vaccinated, where practicable, by being as flexible as you can for those getting the vaccine. This could include actions such as allowing employees time off or adjusting rosters to enable employees to attend vaccination appointments. 3. Keep accurate and up-to-date records.

Employers can legally ask employees about their vaccination status, though employees can choose whether they share this information or not. If an employee chooses to disclose their vaccination status, make sure you know and understand your privacy obligations in relation to the collection, use and disclosure of sensitive health information.

4. Continue to take preventative measures to ensure the health and safety of everyone in the

workplace. Employers have a legal obligation under WHS law to ensure the health and safety of workers in the workplace as far as is reasonably practicable. You should continue to take precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.

States heavily impacted by the Delta strain have seen strong collaboration between government, industry and employee representatives to encourage mass vaccination.

It is important to understand the legalities regarding mandatory vaccinations.

There will be circumstances, such as client requirements for example, that make it impossible to utilise an unvaccinated worker within your business. If you’re confronted with a workplace or IR COVID-19 related challenge, and you’re unsure of your options, please contact legal services in your local state.