Some business operations are restricted under state or territory government public health directions. If you want to know what restrictions on business operations apply to your workplace, go to your state or territory government website.
You can also go to our Public health directions and COVIDSafe plans page for links to enforceable government directions.
Businesses must only operate to the extent permissible in each state and territory. The information provided below outlines measures which cover all aspects of services offered by the industry – depending on what is permissible in your jurisdiction, some sections may not be currently relevant to your business. You should check any relevant advice from your state or territory regarding working from home in response to COVID-19.
Safe Work Australia does not regulate or enforce WHS laws or COVID-19 restrictions on business operations. If you want to know how WHS laws apply to you or need help with what to do at your workplace, contact the WHS regulator in your jurisdiction.
In consultation with your workers, you must put in place policies and procedures relating to COVID-19, including what workers must do if they are diagnosed or suspect they may have COVID-19.
You must monitor your workers for key symptoms of COVID-19. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever and cough.
Other symptoms include headache, sore throat, fatigue, shortness of breath, aches and pains, loss of smell, altered sense of taste, runny nose, chills and vomiting.
What do I need to monitor?
You must require workers to report to you as soon as possible, including if they are working from home:
- if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
- if they have been, or have potentially been, exposed to a person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or is suspected to have COVID-19 (even if the person who is suspected to have COVID-19 has not yet been tested), or
- if they have undertaken, or are planning to undertake, any travel.
Suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in the workplace
You must require workers to leave the workplace if they are displaying symptoms of COVID-19. Follow the information in our Suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 at work infographic and see also our information on COVID-19 in the workplace.
If a worker has, or is suspected to have, COVID-19 you must allow them to continue to access available entitlements, including leave according to relevant workplace laws (e.g. Fair Work Act 2009 Cth) and the worker’s relevant industrial instrument such as an enterprise agreement, award, contract of employment or associated workplace policy.
For information about workplace entitlements and obligations:
- go to the Fair Work Ombudsman webpage Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
- call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 - select the prompt for the Coronavirus hotline
You must not allow workers who have been isolated after having been tested positive for COVID-19 to return to the workplace (that is not their home) until they are cleared of the virus and have received any necessary clearances from the state or territory health authorities.
Workers who have completed a specified quarantine period and who did not develop symptoms during quarantine do not need a medical clearance to return to work.
Can a worker work from home while they are in isolation?
Yes, if your worker is fit for work and this is consistent with advice from their treating clinician. Asymptomatic workers can work from home during the isolation period, with appropriate measures in place for household members, subject to the direction or advice of their treating clinician.
If your worker is unfit for work you must allow them to continue to access available entitlements, including leave according to relevant workplace laws (e.g. Fair Work Act 2009 Cth) and the worker’s relevant industrial instrument. For information about workplace entitlements and obligations:
- go to the Fair Work Ombudsman webpage Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
- call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 - select the prompt for the Coronavirus hotline
Can I conduct temperature checks on workers or others?
You may want to monitor the health of your workers through administering temperature checks, as a preventative measure in managing a COVID-19 outbreak in your workplace. There may be times where this is required or reasonable. For example,
- where workers live together in accommodation such as FIFO or agricultural workers
- in workplaces where vulnerable people are present, such as hospitals and aged care facilities, or
- if directed or recommended by a state or territory (e.g. under public health orders).
Some states and territories may issue directions for temperature checks to be conducted in specific industries based on the local situation. It is important that you keep up to date with recommendations and directions that apply nationally, and in your state or territory, and ensure that these are followed at your workplace.
It is important to understand that temperature checks alone will not tell you whether a person has COVID-19. It will only identify symptoms. It is possible that a person may be asymptomatic or be on medication that reduces their temperature. It is also possible that the person may have a temperature for another reason unrelated to COVID-19.
It is therefore essential that you should implement known controls, such as good hygiene measures, physical distancing (keeping everyone at the workplace at least 1.5 metres physically apart), workplace cleaning and personal protective equipment (PPE) rather than only relying on temperature checks. You should also require workers to tell you if they are feeling unwell, including if they have a fever, and require them to go home when they do.
Before administering temperature checks:
- seek the advice of your public health authority on the appropriate method of temperature checking, equipment, PPE and control measures required to ensure safe testing
- consult with your workers, and their health and safety representatives, and take their views into account
- provide instruction to all workers on the process for temperature checks, including emphasising the importance of maintaining the other control measures
- provide information, training, instruction and supervision, as well appropriate PPE for workers conducting temperature checks, and
- get advice on leave/stand down arrangements for employees who register high temperatures.
How do I know when a worker is cleared to return to the workplace after having COVID-19 or being subject to quarantine requirements?
Workers who have been isolated after having been tested positive for COVID-19 can return to their workplace (when not working from home) when they have fully recovered and have met the criteria for clearance from isolation. The criteria may vary depending on circumstances of the workplace and states and territories may manage clearance from isolation differently. Clearance may need to be given by the state or territory public health authority or the person’s treating clinician.
Workers who have completed a specified quarantine period (either after returning from travel or because of close contact with a confirmed case), and who did not develop symptoms during quarantine, do not need a medical clearance to return to the workplace. You should not ask these workers to be tested for COVID-19 in order to return to work. However, workers should closely follow the instructions provided by the state or territory public health authority, which in some cases may include being tested for COVID-19.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented situation for everyone. As a small business it is understandable you may have concerns about how to continue to meet your WHS duties at this time. There are a number of practical steps you can take to manage the risk of exposure to COVID-19 at your workplace and meet your legal obligations.
Here are some ideas to help you get started thinking about what you can reasonably do to keep people safe at your workplace.
For more WHS information and resources for small business, go to the COVID-19 Small business hub.
Some business operations are restricted under state or territory government public health directions. If you want to know what restrictions on business operations apply to your workplace, go to your state or territory government website.
You can also go to our Public health directions and COVIDSafe plans page for links to enforceable government directions.
Businesses must only operate to the extent permissible in each state and territory. The information provided below outlines measures which cover all aspects of services offered by the industry – depending on what is permissible in your jurisdiction, some sections may not be currently relevant to your business. You should check any relevant advice from your state or territory regarding working from home in response to COVID-19.
Safe Work Australia does not regulate or enforce WHS laws or COVID-19 restrictions on business operations. If you want to know how WHS laws apply to you or need help with what to do at your workplace, contact the WHS regulator in your jurisdiction.
In consultation with your workers, you must put in place policies and procedures relating to COVID-19, including what workers must do if they are diagnosed or suspect they may have COVID-19.
You must monitor your workers for key symptoms of COVID-19. The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever and cough.
Other symptoms include headache, sore throat, fatigue, shortness of breath, aches and pains, loss of smell, altered sense of taste, runny nose, chills and vomiting.
What do I need to monitor?
You must require workers to report to you as soon as possible, including if they are working from home:
- if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
- if they have been, or have potentially been, exposed to a person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or is suspected to have COVID-19 (even if the person who is suspected to have COVID-19 has not yet been tested), or
- if they have undertaken, or are planning to undertake, any travel.
Suspected or confirmed COVID-19 in the workplace
You must require workers to leave the workplace if they are displaying symptoms of COVID-19. Follow the information in our Suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 at work infographic and see also our information on COVID-19 in the workplace.
If a worker has, or is suspected to have, COVID-19 you must allow them to continue to access available entitlements, including leave according to relevant workplace laws (e.g. Fair Work Act 2009 Cth) and the worker’s relevant industrial instrument such as an enterprise agreement, award, contract of employment or associated workplace policy.
For information about workplace entitlements and obligations:
- go to the Fair Work Ombudsman webpage Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
- call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 - select the prompt for the Coronavirus hotline
You must not allow workers who have been isolated after having been tested positive for COVID-19 to return to the workplace (that is not their home) until they are cleared of the virus and have received any necessary clearances from the state or territory health authorities.
Workers who have completed a specified quarantine period and who did not develop symptoms during quarantine do not need a medical clearance to return to work.
Can a worker work from home while they are in isolation?
Yes, if your worker is fit for work and this is consistent with advice from their treating clinician. Asymptomatic workers can work from home during the isolation period, with appropriate measures in place for household members, subject to the direction or advice of their treating clinician.
If your worker is unfit for work you must allow them to continue to access available entitlements, including leave according to relevant workplace laws (e.g. Fair Work Act 2009 Cth) and the worker’s relevant industrial instrument. For information about workplace entitlements and obligations:
- go to the Fair Work Ombudsman webpage Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
- call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 - select the prompt for the Coronavirus hotline
Can I conduct temperature checks on workers or others?
You may want to monitor the health of your workers through administering temperature checks, as a preventative measure in managing a COVID-19 outbreak in your workplace. There may be times where this is required or reasonable. For example,
- where workers live together in accommodation such as FIFO or agricultural workers
- in workplaces where vulnerable people are present, such as hospitals and aged care facilities, or
- if directed or recommended by a state or territory (e.g. under public health orders).
Some states and territories may issue directions for temperature checks to be conducted in specific industries based on the local situation. It is important that you keep up to date with recommendations and directions that apply nationally, and in your state or territory, and ensure that these are followed at your workplace.
It is important to understand that temperature checks alone will not tell you whether a person has COVID-19. It will only identify symptoms. It is possible that a person may be asymptomatic or be on medication that reduces their temperature. It is also possible that the person may have a temperature for another reason unrelated to COVID-19.
It is therefore essential that you should implement known controls, such as good hygiene measures, physical distancing (keeping everyone at the workplace at least 1.5 metres physically apart), workplace cleaning and personal protective equipment (PPE) rather than only relying on temperature checks. You should also require workers to tell you if they are feeling unwell, including if they have a fever, and require them to go home when they do.
Before administering temperature checks:
- seek the advice of your public health authority on the appropriate method of temperature checking, equipment, PPE and control measures required to ensure safe testing
- consult with your workers, and their health and safety representatives, and take their views into account
- provide instruction to all workers on the process for temperature checks, including emphasising the importance of maintaining the other control measures
- provide information, training, instruction and supervision, as well appropriate PPE for workers conducting temperature checks, and
- get advice on leave/stand down arrangements for employees who register high temperatures.
How do I know when a worker is cleared to return to the workplace after having COVID-19 or being subject to quarantine requirements?
Workers who have been isolated after having been tested positive for COVID-19 can return to their workplace (when not working from home) when they have fully recovered and have met the criteria for clearance from isolation. The criteria may vary depending on circumstances of the workplace and states and territories may manage clearance from isolation differently. Clearance may need to be given by the state or territory public health authority or the person’s treating clinician.
Workers who have completed a specified quarantine period (either after returning from travel or because of close contact with a confirmed case), and who did not develop symptoms during quarantine, do not need a medical clearance to return to the workplace. You should not ask these workers to be tested for COVID-19 in order to return to work. However, workers should closely follow the instructions provided by the state or territory public health authority, which in some cases may include being tested for COVID-19.
Some business operations are restricted under state or territory government public health directions. If you want to know what restrictions on business operations apply to your workplace, go to your state or territory government website.
You can also go to our Public health directions and COVIDSafe plans page for links to enforceable government directions.
Businesses must only operate to the extent permissible in each state and territory. The information provided below outlines measures which cover all aspects of services offered by the industry – depending on what is permissible in your jurisdiction, some sections may not be currently relevant to your business. You should check any relevant advice from your state or territory regarding working from home in response to COVID-19.
Safe Work Australia does not regulate or enforce WHS laws or COVID-19 restrictions on business operations. If you want to know how WHS laws apply to you or need help with what to do at your workplace, contact the WHS regulator in your jurisdiction.
You must follow your employer’s policies and procedures relating to COVID-19, including directions about what you must do if you are diagnosed or suspect you may have COVID-19.
You must report to your employer as soon as possible, even if you are working from home:
- if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
- if you have been, or have potentially been, exposed to a person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 or is suspected to have COVID-19 (even if the person who is suspected to have COVID-19 has not yet been tested), or
- if you have undertaken, or are planning to undertake, any travel.
The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever and cough.
Other symptoms include headache, sore throat, fatigue, shortness of breath, aches and pains, loss of smell, altered sense of taste, runny nose, chills and vomiting.
Your employer must consult with you and your relevant health and safety representative before implementing health monitoring measures.
COVID-19 in the workplace
You will need to leave the workplace, if you are not working from home, if you are displaying symptoms of COVID-19. Follow the information in our Suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 at work infographic and see also our information on COVID-19 in your workplace.
You are entitled to access available entitlements, including leave under relevant workplace laws, (e.g. Fair Work Act 2009 Cth), and a relevant industrial instrument such as an enterprise agreement, award, contract of employment or associated workplace policy.
For information about workplace entitlements and obligations:
- go to the Fair Work Ombudsman webpage Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
- call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 - select the prompt for the Coronavirus hotline
If you have been isolated after having tested positive for COVID-19, you must not return to the workplace (that is not your home) until you are cleared of the virus and have received any necessary clearances from state or territory health authorities.
If you have completed a specified quarantine period and did not develop symptoms during quarantine, you do not need a medical clearance to return to work.
Can I work from home while in isolation?
Yes - if you are fit for work and this is consistent with advice from your treating clinician.
Asymptomatic workers can work from home during the isolation period, with appropriate measures in place for household members, subject to the direction or advice of their treating clinician.
If you are unfit for work you are entitled to access available entitlements, including leave according to relevant workplace laws (e.g. Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) or a relevant industrial instrument). For information about workplace entitlements and obligations:
- go to the Fair Work Ombudsman webpage Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
- call the Fair Work Ombudsman on 13 13 94 - select the prompt for the Coronavirus hotline
Can my employer conduct temperature checks on me?
Your employer may want to monitor the health of their workers through administering temperature checks, as a preventative measure in managing a COVID-19 outbreak in your workplace. There may be times where this is required or reasonable. For example,
- where workers live together in accommodation such as FIFO or agricultural workers
- in workplaces where vulnerable people are present, such as hospitals and aged care facilities, or
- if directed or recommended by a state or territory (e.g. under public health orders).
Some states and territories may issue directions for temperature checks to be conducted in specific industries based on the local situation. Your employer will need to keep up to date with recommendations and directions that apply nationally, and in your state and territory, and ensure that these are followed at your workplace.
It is important to understand temperature checks alone will not tell your employer whether a person has COVID-19. It will only identify symptoms. It is possible that a person may be asymptomatic or be on medication that reduces their temperature. It is also possible that the person may have a temperature for another reason unrelated to COVID-19.
Your employer must consult with you and your relevant health and safety representative if they are considering implementing temperature checks.
How do I know I am cleared to return to the workplace after having COVID-19 or being subject to quarantine requirements?
If you have been isolated after having been tested positive for COVID-19, you can return to your workplace (when not working from home) when you have fully recovered and have met the criteria for clearance from isolation. The criteria may vary depending on circumstances of the workplace and states and territories may manage clearance from isolation differently. Clearance may need to be given by the state and territory public health authority or your treating clinician.
If you have completed a specified quarantine period (either after returning from travel or because of close contact with a confirmed case) and did not develop symptoms during quarantine, you do not need a medical clearance to return to the workplace. Your employer should not ask you to be tested for COVID-19 in order to return to work. However, you should closely follow the instructions provided by the state or territory public health authority, which in some cases may include being tested for COVID-19.