Resources and support | Safe Work Australia

From Friday 14 October 2022, it is no longer mandatory to isolate if you test positive to COVID-19.

The removal of mandatory isolation does not impact on the duties of an employer to do all that is reasonably practicable to minimise the risks of COVID-19 at the workplace, including asking workers to stay at home when unwell.

Information on these pages is currently being reviewed and will be updated shortly.

Employer

Australia.gov.au has the latest information from the Australian Government.

Download the Australian Government Coronavirus app (Apple App Store, Google Play). 

Business.gov.au provides general COVID-19 information and support for businesses.

COVID-19 health resources includes information from the Department of Health.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) at a glance provides the latest statistics on COVID-19.

Modelling the current impact of COVID-19 in Australia outlines how the next phase of modelling will help to establish the current state of the epidemic.

Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws includes information from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Financial support for businesses includes information from the Australian Taxation Office about the JobKeeper Payment, Boosting cash flow for employers, Increasing the instant asset write-off and Backing business investment.

Other useful resources

Mental health support services

WHS regulator and workers’ compensation authority contacts

General state and territory COVID-19 information

Small Business

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.

Australia.gov.au has the latest information from the Australian Government.

Download the Australian Government Coronavirus app (Apple App Store, Google Play). 

Business.gov.au provides general COVID-19 information and support for businesses.

COVID-19 health resources includes information from the Department of Health.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) at a glance provides the latest statistics on COVID-19.

Modelling the current impact of COVID-19 in Australia outlines how the next phase of modelling will help to establish the current state of the epidemic.

Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws includes information from the Fair Work Ombudsman.

Other useful resources

Mental health support services

WHS regulator and workers’ compensation authority contacts

General state and territory COVID-19 information

Worker

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.

It is normal to feel stressed during this time. Talk to your employer about your concerns as they may have an employee assistance program that can help you. 

You can also contact the following services: 

Lifeline Australia -  13 11 14 - Lifeline
Beyond Blue -  1300 224 636 - beyondblue.org.au 
Headspace - 1800 650 893 - headspace.org.au
Heads Up - headsup.org.au

Other information and services to help you if you’re affected by COVID-19

Fair Work Ombudsman

WHS regulator and workers’ compensation authority contacts

General state and territory COVID-19 information

To ensure this information is as accessible and easy to understand as possible, we refer to ‘employers’ and their responsibilities.

However, under the model WHS laws, duties apply to any person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) which includes employers, but also others who engage workers. For more information about who is a PCBU see our Interpretive Guideline – model Work Health and Safety Act – the meaning of ‘person conducting a business or undertaking'.

The model WHS laws have been implemented in all jurisdictions except Victoria.

Safe Work Australia does not regulate or enforce WHS laws or the recently introduced 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. If you want to know what restrictions on business operations apply to you or your workplace, go to your relevant state and territory government website for information.

See Australia.gov.au for Australian Government COVID-19 advice

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Retail, supermarkets and shopping centres Resources and support

Other useful resources

Mental health support services

WHS regulator and workers’ compensation authority contacts

General state and territory COVID-19 information

Other useful resources

Mental health support services

WHS regulator and workers’ compensation authority contacts

General state and territory COVID-19 information

Other information and services to help you if you’re affected by COVID-19

WHS regulator and workers’ compensation authority contacts

General state and territory COVID-19 information

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