Safe Work Australia Launches Small Businesses COVID-19 Planning Tool

Safe Work Australia (SWA) has developed new guidance and resources to help workplaces in a range of industries stay safe and manage the risks from COVID-19.

A new small business planning tool is now available, which outlines key steps and considerations for small business when operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. It can be found here.

The tool is designed to educate small business managers on how to do everything they reasonably can to ensure the physical and psychological safety of workers, customers, workplace visitors and themselves in the pandemic; consult with workers on new and existing WHS risks; and communicate with other businesses they share premises with.

In 2019, there were 2,065,523 small businesses in Australia employing less than 19 people, accounting for 97 per cent of all Australian businesses.

SWA says WHS guidance for COVID-19 is also available for over 30 different industries on key topics such as duties under WHS laws, risk assessments, physical distancing, cleaning, and hygiene.

Recently published industry guidance includes :

• Beauty salons and day spas
• Cinemas
• Cultural institutions
• Gyms and fitness centres
• Hairdressing and barbers
• Mobile consultants and client engagement services
• Real estate

A range of practical tools and resources including checklists, posters and infographics are also available in the COVID-19 business resource kit.

SWA says new information and guidance continues to be developed with its members, and that the website will be updated with new information as the situation evolves.