For some time now businesses have needed to be agile and resilient to navigate the ever-changing demands of COVID-19. It is essential for businesses to be up to date with current Commonwealth and State public health advice relating to vaccine mandates (including booster requirements) and home isolation requirements. This is particularly relevant for those businesses in the Aged and Disability Care sector where the Commonwealth Government has mandated all staff and contractors to be up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations in order to work in the sector.
Commercial sectors
The commercial sectors are dependent on state government policy requirements relating to vaccine mandates which outline essential industries or allow business to insist vaccination for staff, in the hospitality sector even to requiring patrons to show evidence of vaccination. This enforcement has been seen in Western Australia as they prepare for the eventual spread of COVID-19. Mandates were recently established for groups of industries and occupations. Group one included all industries determined to have high transmission risk vulnerability risk or considered necessary to the safety of the community were required to be fully vaccinated 31 Dec 2021. Group two included all industries and workforces deemed critical to the ongoing delivery of critical services to the community.
Staffing levels
While the importance of public health needs to be considered relating to vaccine requirements, businesses need to consider the knock on effects on staffing levels, retention and recruitment if staff are unwilling to have the COVID-19 vaccine, booster or are forced to isolate. This has been evident in the Health, Aged and Disability sector leaving critical staff shortages and forcing these industries to be creative and adaptive in how they deliver safe care with a smaller workforce. It has also been a major challenge for many businesses across NSW and VIC during the current wave of the Omicron strain.
Risk minisimising health strategies
It must also be noted, while that the vaccine is an essential defence against the virus, businesses must not become complacent with other risk minimising health strategies relating to preventing the spread of the virus. It is essential all businesses continue to educate staff and encourage patrons on the importance of hand hygiene, mask wearing indoors, social distancing, and appropriate ventilation which are also significant to minimising infection risk and ensure health and safety of staff and patrons.
If you would like to talk to an expert to assist you with COVID-19 related insurance arrangements, please contact kristy.nicholson@mercermarshbenefits.com.
Also don't forget to visit our new COVID-19 hub
