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.
This page includes resources for workplaces in the Trades and Home Maintenance industries on work health and safety, workers’ compensation and COVID-19.
Information on the Building and Construction industries can be found on the Building and Construction industries page.
The Trades and Home Maintenance industries provide services to upkeep, care, supply and repair homes, buildings and the environments surrounding them.
This may include:
- plumbing services
- electrical services
- air conditioning and heating services
- fire and security alarm installation services
- plastering and ceiling services
- carpentry services
- tiling and carpeting services
- painting and decorating services
- glazing services
- gardening services, and
- other trade or home maintenance services, such as ‘handyman’ services.
Workplaces may include private homes, and a range of other private and public buildings and outdoor locations. Workers may be based in a single location for long periods or may move regularly between locations to work.
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.