COVID Reporting Regulations Extended in Victoria

The Victorian Government has extended regulations, for at least 12 months, that require employers to notify WorkSafe Victoria of workplace COVID-19 cases.

Occupational Health and Safety (COVID-19 Incident Notification) Regulations 2021 requires employers to notify WorkSafe immediately on becoming aware that an employee (or an independent contractor or a contractor’s employee) has received a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis and has attended the workplace during the infectious period.

Self-employed persons are also required to directly inform WorkSafe immediately on receiving a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis if they have attended the workplace during the infectious period.

The new regulations originally came into force on 27 July 2021.

Failing to notify WorkSafe under section 38 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 can lead to fines of up to $43,617 (240 penalty units) for an individual or $218,088 (1200 penalty units) for a body corporate.

To notify WorkSafe of a positive COVID-19 diagnosis or for more information about the infectious period for the purposes of notification, visit this site.