WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY PLAN FOR COVID-19

We are continuing to monitor developments related to the coronavirus outbreak and the potential implications for Professional Tree Works Pty Ltd . Australian health authorities have put in place a range of measures including border control, medical procedures, advice and communications to both the public and at-risk individuals. According to the World Health Organization, older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease are more vulnerable to the virus.

Professional Tree Works Pty Ltd is not contemplating enforced shutdowns of offices/sites unless directed by the Health Department or Authorities. If we have a confirmed case in our workplace we have a clear plan regarding isolation, tracking for close* contact and managing that accordingly, and cleaning the workplace/site. We will enact that plan while we seek advice from Health Department/Authorities.

We understand the importance of good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene. We wash our hands frequently with soap and water, before and after eating, and after going to the toilet; we cover our mouth when we cough and sneeze, dispose of tissues, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser, and if unwell, we avoid contact with others (stay more than 1.5 metres from people).

    SOCIAL DISTANCING IN THE WORKPLACE

    To reduce the spread of germs in the workplace, we will:

    • Stay at home if sick
    • Stop handshaking as a greeting
    • Hold meetings via video conferencing or phone call
    • Defer large meetings
    • Hold essential meetings outside in the open air if possible
    • Promote good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene and provide hand sanitisers for all staff and workers
    • Take lunch at desk or outside, rather than in the lunch room
    • Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces regularly
    • Consider opening windows and adjusting air conditioning for more ventilation
    • Limit food handling and sharing of food in the workplace
    • Reconsider non-essential business travel
    • Promote strictest hygiene among food preparation (canteen) staff and their close contacts
    • Consider if large gatherings can be rescheduled, staggered or cancelled

    WHAT ELSE ARE WE DOING?

    World Health Organisation advises the simplest way to reduce risk and/or prevent spread of COVID- 19 is to make workplaces clean and hygienic. That includes regular washing of hands and regular cleaning of high touch surfaces like toolboxes, lunch tables, door handles, shared tools and the like with disinfectants. Postpone all non-essential work travel to high-risk areas as advised by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade – i.e. areas with ‘do not travel’, ‘reconsider your need to travel’ and ‘exercise high degree of caution’ advice. Monitor government advice and consider their own personal situation before undertaking personal travel, and limit non-essential personal travel as appropriate.

    If any of our team who currently work on a Professional Tree Works Pty Ltd project test positive to COVID-19:

    Immediately advise Professional Tree Works Pty Ltd.

    Isolate (send home) those workers who have been in close* contact with the confirmed case and follow Health Department guidance. Professional Tree Works Pty Ltd will conduct detailed cleaning of the common and work areas, and as noted above, the site will continue to operate as long as it is safe and sensible to do so. We note this is based on current advice and is subject to change.

    *Defn. "A close contact is someone who has been face to face for at least 15 minutes, or been in the same closed space for at least 2 hours, as someone who has tested positive for the COVID-19 when that person was infectious”. Less than this is casual contact. 

    *Defn Casual Contact "A casual contact is someone who has been face to face for less than 15 minutes, or been in the same closed space for less than 2 hours, as a person who has tested positive for COVID-19 when that person was infectious." 

    If you have been identified to have had casual contact with someone who is confirmed to have infection with COVID-19 while they were infectious, you should:

    Monitor your health until 14 days after you were last exposed to the infectious person.

    Watch for these signs and symptoms:

    fever - cough - shortness of breath

    Photo by Martin Sanchez

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