I am medically exempt from wearing a mask, but I cannot/my employer will not allow me to work for home. Can I use COVID-19 leave?
The WA government's announcement of a return to workplaces following the lockdown ceasing on Friday 5 February supports all employees, even those at higher than usual risk, to return to the workplace with appropriate controls in place. Employers are encouraged to work with employees in this category to understand and appropriately mitigate any risks, on the basis of medical advice, individual risk factors, and broader relevant circumstances.
During the period of restriction, employees are required to wear a mask in the workplace unless they fall within an exemption, in line with the Safe Transition for Western Australia Directions.
Employees who are medically exempt from wearing a mask but are unable to work from home may wish to prepare a workplace COVID-19 action plan in consultation with their medical practitioner. Employers should support the development of these plans, consistently with existing workforce risk management approaches, if an employee chooses to have one.
Employees in these circumstances are not eligible for COVID-19 leave unless they meet one of the other criteria for COVID-19 leave articulated in Circular 6 (such as COVID-19 testing, or awaiting COVID-19 test results).
