I am concerned that there are unvaccinated members of the public who enter my workplace. What should the Employer do to protect staff?
Many of the Restrictions on Access Directions currently in place require members of the public to provide proof of vaccination prior to entering venues including many workplaces: COVID-19 coronavirus: Mandatory vaccination.
However, some workplaces in the public sector do not currently require members of the public to provide proof of vaccination, as these are deemed essential services requiring public access regardless of vaccination status.
All employers have a duty of care to their employees under work health and safety laws in Western Australia. Appropriate measures must be put in place to protect the safety of workers at increased risk of exposure to the Omicron variant due to unvaccinated members of the public having access to their workplace. These measures may include the following:
- a ventilation strategy (which may include air purifiers and carbon dioxide monitors)
- enhanced cleaning services
- enforcing mask wearing
- facilitating access to staff vaccinations
If you have concerns that your employer is not discharging their duty of care for your health and safety in the workplace, you are encouraged to contact your CPSU/CSA Workplace Delegate and Occupational Safety and Health representative in the first instance, who can assist you in escalating your complaint.
