Questions and Answers about COVID-19

Information on the use of face masks on farm, for Victorians and for other regions of Australia, can be found on Information for farm owners and employees page under 'How to reduce COVID-19 risk on farm' section.

In line with the recommendations of government and health professionals, Dairy Australia has postponed face-to-face events. As COVID-19 restrictions ease in some regions, our teams are starting to recommence farm visits and extension activities, whilst continuing to offer remote options.

Each regional team is managing their return to extension with a focus on the safety and wellbeing of the dairy community, guided by the recommendations of health professionals and state and federal regulations. Please check your regional newsletter or website for details.

We will continue to provide information and resources for farm businesses, staff and the wider industry. Please contact your regional team for further information on extension activities.

There is no known transmission risk to livestock or through milk.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) and the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) have confirmed the COVID-19 virus has an animal source but the current spread is a result of human to human transmission. There is no evidence that livestock can contract or spread the disease.

Food Standards Australia & NZ (FSANZ) have reported that transmission of COVID-19 through food is considered unlikely, and there is no evidence of this occurring to date. FSANZ considers it unlikely that milk would be a carrier of the virus, and pasteurisation during milk processing would reduce any slight risk to negligible levels.

For more information, download the fact sheet - COVID-19 transmission and dairy foods - evidence of safety on farm and in factory.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has reported that transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus through food is considered unlikely, and there is no evidence of this occurring to date. FSANZ considers it unlikely that milk would be a carrier of the virus, and pasteurisation would reduce any slight risk to negligible levels. For more information and the latest research on this, go to the FSANZ website.

Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) has reported that transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus through food is considered unlikely, and there is no evidence of this occurring to date. FSANZ considers it unlikely that milk would be a carrier of the virus, and pasteurisation would reduce any slight risk to negligible levels. For more information and the latest research on this, go to the FSANZ website.

There is a chance local service providers or wholesalers may have interruptions to their normal operations which could make it difficult to get your usual business inputs or services.

Consider what goods (e.g. chemicals) you rely on to keep your business going in the coming three to four months and reach out to your suppliers to understand their plans to maintain business continuity.

If you encounter a major disruption, contact your processor for help in making alternative arrangements.

Disruption of global supply chains due to Covid-19 has meant that some farm inputs are in short supply in some regions. One input used widely across Australia for the control of weeds, particularly at sowing, is glyphosate. This product is in short supply in some regions which may reflect both local seasonal conditions and COVID-19 related circumstances. This may affect dairy farmers who are intending to sow new pastures or winter crops.

There are other chemical options that can be used, depending on the weed that is being controlled, when establishing new pastures or crops. For recommendations and to ensure that you get the correct herbicide for the weed issue, seek advice from your local agronomist. Your local agronomist can also provide you with tillage options to assist in the control of weeds.

For further information on renovation of pastures in autumn, or winter cereal and annual ryegrass options visit our page on Renovating pastures.

The Australian dairy industry calls on State and Federal governments, as well as local councils to formally acknowledge the collection and processing of dairy products as an essential service offered to communities across the country.

This means guaranteeing a continuity for all milk collection operations across Australia and ensuring supply chains are kept open to manage product flows – in turn enabling the dairy industry to keep retail stores stocked and households and food-service facilities (e.g. child care, schools) provided for.

As COVID-19 plans are drafted to restrict and delay the spread, we urge the State and Federal governments, as well as local councils to remember the crucial importance of functioning dairy supply lines across Australia and take into account:

1. Smooth and continuous supply of dairy products across Australia is vital in all stages of COVID-19 management plans and across the country.
2. Dairy is not a virus transmission vector: Food Standards Australia New Zealand issued a statement in March 2020 that transmission through food is unlikely and there is no evidence this is occurring to date. The Victorian Government has further cited this information.
3. Raw milk is highly perishable and requires processing withing 48 hours. Therefore, milk collection needs to be maintained without any disruptions.
4. There has been a significant increase in demand for dairy products in recent weeks. Therefore, it’s ever more crucial supply chains are kept open to manage product flow to ensure the industry can keep shelves and fridges stocked.

The Australian Government has imposed a universal precautionary self-isolation requirement on all international arrivals, effective as at 11:59pm Sunday 15 March 2020.

This means that all people - whether they be citizens, residents or visitors - will be required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival in Australia. Enhanced screening for arrivals will remain in place to identify anyone arriving sick or with symptoms of COVID-19.

Each farm is different and will approach COVID-19 in their own way, based on their requirements, and information is often changing.

Please visit our page on Information for farm owners and employees for more information about managing your workforce. This information is designed to enable farm owners to consider their workforce options and make decisions based on their needs, in accordance with legal requirements.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that cause illness from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Initial human infections of the novel type of coronaviruses were acquired from exposure to animals at a live animal market in Wuhan.

The disease caused by the novel coronavirus has been named COVID-19 by the World Health Organization.

Common symptoms of the disease include a fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue and difficulty breathing. Severe cases can cause pneumonia, and even death.

For more information about COVID-19 please visit the ministry of health website - https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert# if-youre-concerned.

COVID-19 is spread from someone with confirmed coronavirus to other close contacts with that person through contaminated droplets spread by coughing or sneezing, or by contact with contaminated hands, surfaces or objects.

The time between when a person is exposed to the virus and when symptoms first appear is typically 5 to 6 days, although may range from 2 to 14 days. For this reason, people who might have been in contact with a confirmed case are being asked to self-isolate for 14 days.

It is important to note that no public health authority has advised of any concern that this illness can be transmitted or has been known to be transmitted via food or drink.

Please visit the Healthdirect COVID-19 symptom checker on the ministry of health website.

For information about how to minimize the spread on your farm, please visit our page on How to reduce COVID-19 risk on-farm.[INSERT LINK TO page]

For general information about how to protect yourself and the people around you from the virus, visit the ministry of health web page on How to protect yourself and others from coronavirus (COVID-19).

For the latest information about a potential COVID-19 vaccine, please visit the ministry of health web page on How to protect yourself and others from coronavirus (COVID-19)

If you are considering domestic or international travel, please check out the ministry of health web page on Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers for the latest information and guidance.

No, the Australian Government has plans in place to ensure access to critical supplies in the event of emergencies.

If you take any medications, consider securing an extra week to four weeks of supplies in case of the need to self-isolate.

Unlike other emergencies, there’s no reason that a pandemic will take out your electricity, gas, or water, so you should be able to cook as usual.

Taking care of yourself, your family, staff and your neighbours is always a priority and becomes even more important during unforeseen events like COVID-19.

Read about how to manage risks to mental health in your business.

Some resources about caring for mental health during the current outbreak include :

• Beyond Blue - Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak

• Australian Psychological Society - Tips for coping with coronavirus anxiety

• Headspace - How to cope with stress related to coronavirus (COVID-19)

For information about health and safety in the workplace, including legal obligation of employers and employees, go to:

• Safe Work Australia

• Your State or Territory workplace health and safety body (who can also assist with workers’ compensation enquiries)

• The Australian Government Department of Health for the latest information and advice about the coronavirus

Source: Fair Work Australia

How do I inform my staff of changes to their working arrangements (e.g. reduced hours, increased hours, change of roster, change of duties that may impact on their classification)?

Roster changes/changes to hours

• Clause 8A of the Pastoral Award 2010 requires you to consult with employees about roster changes.

• You must provide employees with information about the proposed changes and enter into discussions with employees seeking their views about the effect of the changes on them including their family and caring responsibilities.

• You must take their views into consideration when making a decision.

Read about how to deal with changing employment conditions for your staff.

Changes to classification/duties

• You cannot change the terms of employment without the consent of the employee.
• If the position is no longer required, you must follow the requirements for redundancy. Visit The People in Dairy for more information.

Remember - even if you do not have to pay redundancy pay because you are a small business, the requirements to consult (clause 8 of the Pastoral Award 2010) and the requirement to offer redeployment to available alternative employment still apply.

Can employers legally restrict visitors to houses on their properties on farm as a result of COVID19?

The Australian Government advice is changing regularly in relation to public gatherings and visitors. We can all help slow the spread of COVID-19 in Australia. To protect others you must:

• practise good hygiene
• practise social distancing
• follow the limits for public gatherings
• understand how to self-isolate if you need to

If you have a confirmed case, you must isolate yourself to stop the virus spreading to other people.

These limits help to prevent the spread of COVID-19. They are especially important for at risk people, such as older people (60+ years) and those existing health concerns.

Individual states and territories may choose how to reinforce the requirements – which may mean different visitor numbers in states to homes and public gatherings. Visit your state or territory health department website for more information.

Practically: once you are aware of the requirements in your state, discuss and explain the Government advice to your employees and the risks of inviting visitors on to the farm for everyone, especially if older and vulnerable people are living and/or working on the farm.

You can require them to comply with government restrictions and if they do not they should be given a formal written warning that further non-compliance will result in dismissal. This is no different to requirements to follow animal welfare and biosecurity guidelines.

Safe Work Australia provides health check and quarantine information those who provide accommodation for workers:

• Check the temperature of your workers regularly.
• Designate areas for quarantine and medical treatment of workers displaying symptoms.
• Consider evacuating such workers from the site altogether.
• Designate areas for quarantine of workers who report being a close contact of a diagnosed case of COVID-19.
• Stop workers travelling to local communities during their time off.

Protecting vulnerable people will vastly reduce the number of deaths due to COVID-19. Get employees on side with an agreed position that protects everyone.

Source: Department of Health (30/3/20)

When employing new staff - especially backpackers – should the farm request all new starters to quarantine for 2 weeks before starting? – Understand Yes, if they have just arrived in country but what if been here for a while?

Last updated: 6 April 2020

As of 4 April 2020, seasonal workers planning on travelling between urban and regional areas need to self-isolate for 14 days when moving between areas to reduce the spread of COVID-19. 

States and territories can apply their own restrictions, including closing their state borders. Click to find out more about travel restrictions in your state or territory. 

Read the Australian Government information on self-isolation (self-quarantine) for COVID-19.

Read about COVID-19 updates to Working Holiday Visas.

The National Farmers Federation have produced protocols for managing itinerant workers which provides an option to require staff (and especially any new employees you engage during this period) to regularly complete a disclosure form. This will indicate where they have been for the previous 14 days; that they are not aware of any contact with any infectious persons; and that they have no symptoms or signs of infection themselves. Similar declarations could be obtained from contractors.

Sample disclosure forms are on page 15 of the NFF COVID-19 Workplace Guide. 

Protocols for Managing Risks Posed by Itinerant Workers (at 1/4/20)

1. Always know where both new and current workers have been for the previous 14 days, including where they are living and, at least generally, who they have been associating with.
   The declaration/checklist will address this requirement. Although it may seem slightly invasive, in the current crisis any worker should expect their employer to ask these questions and provided you maintain their privacy it should not present an issue.
2. Ensure that any new worker with no prior exposure to your workforce observes a 14-day isolation period prior to commencing work. New workers can be isolated on the farm if they observe social distancing requirements within the farm gate and do not share accommodation with other workers. The authorities are aware of the issue of paying for expenses such as food and accommodation whilst the worker is isolated but at present the hard truth is that the worker must find a way to cover it themselves
3. Ask new/potential workers to share accommodation with the others in their work team — especially if you can provide it for them —so long as they do not mix with existing workers. If you’ve already got workers on farm they must not share accommodation with new workers. You are entitled to give priority to applicants who can demonstrate a willingness to observe that request.
4. Before each shift, obtain a declaration covering movements and potential exposure  and retain it as a workplace record. Although this may be tedious, it will not only allow you to plan and prepare, it may also influence the employees’ behaviour while away from work.
5. Hold a toolbox talk before each shift explaining social distancing and hygiene requirements, and the other protocols you have put in place.
6. Adopt and/or change work practices and procedures to reflect current circumstance and enable workers to observe hygiene and social distancing requirements while working. Appropriate protocol will vary from farm to farm, but consider limiting staff to essential duties, staggering shifts, and ensure cleaning and disinfectant facilities are available and used before, during and after each shift.
7. Ensure you know where your staff are at all times, ideally keeping good records of where and what they are doing
8. If any workers demonstrate any symptoms, take the following steps: 
    
   a. Immediately isolate the suspected infectious person and direct them to be tested for the virus;
   b. Identify and immediately isolate anyone who the infectious person may have contacted and direct them to be tested for the virus,
   c. Thoroughly clean and disinfect any places or things which were in contact with the persons and the people that he/she contacted. 

Source: National Farmers Federation (1/4/20)

What changes have been made to Working Holiday Visas for people working on dairy farms?

Updated 6 April 2020

On 4 April 2020, the federal government announced changes to the visa system as it applies to Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) (subclass 417 working holiday visas and subclass 462 work and holiday visas).

People with a WHM visa:

• whose visa is due to expire in six months who have not completed the requirements for a second or third working holiday visa as at 4 April 2020 (3 months’ and 6 months’ work in specified work respectively)
• and who wish to stay in Australia (and/or are unable to return to their home country)
• are able to work in ‘specified work’, which includes dairy farming, if they obtain an extension to their visa via the Temporary Activity subclass 408 Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream visa. The “Pandemic visa” is free.

Visit Department of Home Affairs for further information and to apply for the “Pandemic visa” and read the Frequently Asked Questions for WHM visa. 

For more information, direct all enquiries to the Department of Home Affairs.

Remember: working in Australia without a visa with work rights is a breach of the law by both employer and employee. Check visa conditions online at VEVO.

WHMs working in ‘specified work’, which includes dairy farming, are able to work for the one employer for 12 months, rather than six months.

WHMs who have completed the 3 month or 6 month requirement for specified work should apply in the ordinary manner for a second or third 417 or 462 visa. A bridging visa will be provided to enable them to continue to work while the visa is processed.

If a staff member contracts COVID-19, will all other staff and possibly working family members therefore be quarantined under the close contact guidelines?

The Australian Government advice states you must self-isolate if any of the following applies (30/3/20):

• you have COVID-19
• you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19
• you arrived in Australia after midnight on 15 March 2020

If employees have come into close contact with a confirmed case of COVID19, they will need to self-isolate. 

NSW Government defines close contact as someone who has been:

• face to face for at least 15 minutes, or
• in the same closed space for at least 2 hours, as someone who has tested positive for the COVID-19 when that person was infectious.
• Read the Australian Government information regarding self-isolation (self-quarantine)

How do we keep the family farm running?

Employees: If employees have come into close contact with a confirmed case of COVID19, they will need to self-isolate.

Read the Australian Government information regarding self-isolation (self-quarantine)

Family members: if your household is quarantined because someone in the household or a close contact has COVID19, you would need to comply with the self-isolation guidelines as per the Australian Government. In this scenario, employees who have been exposed would be in self-isolation and therefore not in the workplace.

COVID-19 is a ‘sticky’ virus that finds its way onto surfaces and is spread by common touch. Preventing touching of surfaces, and disinfecting surfaces that have been touched is key to its control. Older (60+ years old) and vulnerable people need to be proactive:

• Self-isolate, associate only with other isolated people. 
• Organise systems to prevent exposure to the virus - by avoiding physical proximity to other people, and by disinfecting shared surfaces. 

At this time (2/4/20), there is no Federal Government advice specifically dealing with farming but government advice for those required to self-isolate in a private house, apartment of hotel states you can go outside into a garden, including a common garden so long as you:

• wear a surgical mask to minimise risk to others
• stay 1.5 metres from other people
• move quickly through common areas

At this time, SA has clarified the self-isolation boundary for farmers – other states may follow “If you are a primary producer and have been ordered to self-isolate, you must remain within the boundaries of your property and avoid contact with other people. Essential travel within and between land parcels is acceptable, provided you avoid contact with any staff/contractors and visitors (e.g. stay in your vehicle with windows closed to allow contractors or deliveries to enter the property via a gate.) If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 you must not travel outside the boundaries of your main property except to seek testing for COVID-19 or for urgent medical care. Source: SA Health (2/4/20)

In addition to this information, remember that those over 60 years of age and vulnerable people are advised to keep away from all visitors as they are at significant risk of COVID19.

Based on this advice, if you are well you may be able to go out in the farm and attend to work so long as you:

• do not come into any contact at all with employees. 
• do not come into any contact with any visitors  
• are not over the age of 60 years old (regardless of how fit and healthy you are) OR have pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, cancer treatments, emphysema, heart disease, hypertension and other chronic conditions – you should be completely self-isolated from workplace and common areas due to significant risk of COVID19
• do not share any equipment, tools, pens or pencils, vehicles, workstations etc
• clean and disinfect all shared surfaces

Existing employees can return to workplace once they have completed their 14- day self-isolation period without developing symptoms. Read the Australia Government advice about returning to your community.

In addition to COVID19 hygiene protocols listed below, (consider how you can manage your workforce to protect everyone and prevent infection:

COVID-19 hygiene precautions

• No human contact - no shaking hands, passing drinks, or touching common surfaces
• Physical distance as far apart as practicable, at least 2.0m.  This is about controlling the aerosols created by normal breath and droplets created by a cough or sneeze.  This virus can live suspended in the air for several hours.
• Disinfect everything that is brought into the workplace:
  • Time - let it sit for a week or more in dry conditions.
  • Alcohol -  a solution or wipes with at least 70% alcohol. 
  • Bleach at 0.1% solution
  • Detergent - thorough washing of surfaces with a generous quantity of detergent.
• Do not share equipment, tools, pens or pencils, vehicles, workstations etc.  Have workers use their own equipment and separate vehicles, and plan to prevent touching any common surfaces. 
• If items are to be shared, they must be disinfected between use.  
• Do not touch your face - this is how infection occurs.  Wearing gloves and/or a mask can help with this. 

Updated 2 April 2020

Scenario:

Worker A stops work to care for a person who is sick or self-isolating or has a child that is unable to attend school.  They use up all their personal leave, annual leave and compassionate leave. They are still not willing or able to return to work.  At this point, they have been away from the dairy for five weeks. 

Part A: Can you direct the employee to return to work if they do not comply, terminate them for disobeying a lawful and reasonable direction?

The Law

The following legislation needs to be considered:

The Federal Sex Discrimination Act 1984

Federal Sex Discrimination Act 1984 prevents discrimination on the basis of family responsibilities. If an employer has family responsibilities, it is a breach of discrimination law if you treat them differently to another employee because of family responsibilities.

Fair Work Act 2009 section 351

Section 351 of the Fair Work Act 2009 prevents employers from taking Adverse Action against an employee, such as dismissal, or altering their position to their prejudice or discriminating against them due to family responsibilities. Damages for a successful Adverse Action claim can be significant.

Part B:  Can I argue that they have abandoned their employment?

Abandonment of employment is a complex area of the law and employers should be extremely wary of assuming that an employee has abandoned their employment. If you can contact the employee, you should do so and you should ask them why they are not returning to work.

If they have a good reason, and family and caring responsibilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic would be regarded as a good reason, it is likely that a later claim for unfair dismissal would be upheld. Damages of up to 6 months’ pay may be awarded for a successful Unfair Dismissal claim.

Scenario:

During this time, the employer has had to put on another staff member (Worker B) to do the tasks on the farm which worker A was performing. Worker B is employed as a casual employee. The employer is now paying for 2 staff members (Worker A and Worker B), but only getting work from one (because Worker A is being paid accrued entitlements).  

Worker A is still unable to return to work after their entitlements run out, meaning that Worker B must remain on. They now do not have to pay Worker A.

Worker A gives no timeframe as to when they will be able to return to work.  Worker B continues working but wishes to be swapped over to a part time position which the employer would like too due to cash flow.  Can we do this?

Yes, you can swap Worker B over to a part time position if they agree to do so on a written contract (which is signed and dated by the employee and a copy kept) which clearly states that the position will terminate when Worker A returns.

Worker B would then be entitled to pro rata leave and other entitlements and you would save paying the casual loading, thus having a positive effect on cash flow. 

This is in fact no different to the situation where a worker has taken parental leave and will return at some time in the future and you need to cover the position until this this occurs.

Contract templates are available at The People in Dairy website - remember to state clearly that the position terminates when Worker A returns in the contract you create.

Scenario

An employee believes he will not get COVID-19 - or at the least, will not get very sick from it- and continues to flaunt social distancing by going out with friends and having people around to his house.

As an employer, I have a reason to believe he poses a risk to others on the farm (inc. family) -  I ask him to stay away from work so he doesn’t potentially infect other staff that are following government and health dept recommendations.

If I ask him to stay away, am I required to pay him his normal pay rate, which does not come from his accrued leave entitlements?

I’m concerned this could become a continuing a practice of reckless behaviour with employees being asked to stay away from the business and continuing to be paid at normal rate and not eating into any of their entitlements.

The law is clear that if the employer wishes an employee not to attend work and they are not required by the government to self-isolate (or self-quarantine), the employer must pay the employee for ordinary hours (not overtime) they would have worked had they been at work. The employee cannot be required to utlise accrued leave entitlements.

This is the position as at 1 April 2020 whilst government directives are as follows - you must self-isolate (self-quarantine) if any of the following applies:

• you have COVID-19
• you have been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19
• you arrived in Australia after midnight on 15 March 2020

Read the Australian Government information. 

Unfortunately, there is nothing to stop reckless behaviour at this stage (1 April 2020).

Unfortunately, the industrial relations laws do not anticipate a situation such as COVID-19. This is made more difficult by the fact that there is no option in dairy farming to direct the person to work from home.

Work Health and Safety laws (Source: WorkSafe Victoria)  

You have duties under Work Health and Safety laws to ensure a safe workplace.

Employees also have duties under Work Health and Safety laws (WHS laws) to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons in the workplace and to comply with the employer’s policies, procedures and reasonable instructions.

Employees must co-operate with their employer in implementing risk control measures. They must take all reasonably practicable steps to ensure they don’t do anything that creates or increases a risk to the health and safety of themselves or others.

In a pandemic situation, it is reasonable to expect that these obligations placed on the employee and employer will include complying with public health advice and any emergency measures.

Scenario: A farmer’s child has just returned from overseas and must self-isolate for 14 days. He works on the farm, the Herd Manager and another staff member are both overseas so they are running on a light crew and want the son back as soon as they can to work. As part of the self-isolation, is the son allowed to work?

The employer will have the same dilemma when the Herd Manager returns and the other employee, and so wants to ensure he is not at breach of the quarantine requirements by allowing them back to work.

The Law: The federal government has ordered that as of 15 March 2020, all people who arrive in Australia from overseas must place themselves in quarantine for a period of 14 days. There are criminal penalties for not complying. During the 14-day period returning travellers must stay at home and self-isolate. Staying home means you:

• do not go to public places such as work, school, shopping centres, childcare or university

• ask someone to get food and other necessities for you and leave them at your front door

• do not let visitors in — only people who usually live with you should be in your home

• do not need to wear a mask in your home, but do wear one if you have to go out (for example to seek medical attention)

• should stay in touch by phone and online with your family and friends

For further information about staying at home and isolating, visit the Department of Health website.

Practically: Family farms are both a home and workplace - but do not necessarily fit the criteria of public places. While at home, in self-isolation and/or quarantine, farmers should:

• Observe the principles of self-isolation – avoiding close contact with other people - to avoid the risk of spreading the disease to other people.
• Not be in the vicinity of persons other than the people they usually live with, assuming these people have not come into contact with COVID-19<
• Not be in the vicinity of older people (60 years +) who are considered at high risk of COVID-19
• While in isolation, only essential farm visitors should be allowed (e.g. service providers, tanker operators) with no contact between farmer and any visitors
• Disinfect all surfaces, such as those which may be touched by a tanker operator, and not be in the vicinity when they arrive.

What happens if my staff are exposed to the virus on the farm (e.g. by other staff)?

If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, you need to follow the health advice from the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 or your state or territory helpline.

What needs to be done to meet your work health and safety duty will depend on your circumstances - contact your state or territory WHS regulator< for specific advice on your situation.  

If you know an employee is confirmed to have the COVID-19 virus, you must make sure the worker does not return to work while they are infectious and follow  Australian Government self-isolation (self-quarantine) guidelines.

If you notice a worker showing other signs they may be unwell (e.g. frequent coughing) and you think they should not be at work, you should follow your usual workplace policies and procedures. This may include directing the worker to go home.

If you decide to require workers to stay away from work and they are not required to do so by government direction, you may still be obliged to pay them and you cannot require them to use their accrued entitlements.

Visit Safe Work Australia for more information

Does this become a Workcover issue?

Possibly: This MAY be a workers’ compensation issue but given the situation with COVID-19 there would need to be clear evidence that the virus was passed on in the workplace and not elsewhere in the community. Talk to your insurer if this issue arises.

All workers’ compensation arrangements are the responsibility of the Commonwealth, and each state and territory (jurisdictions). In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, workers’ compensation authorities across the jurisdictions are providing additional information for workers, employers, medical and health practitioners and others.

Read more about Workers’ Compensation and COVID-19 at Safe Work Australia.

Can I ask for doctors’ certificates to state employees are fit if I think they could have been exposed through their personal activities?

Yes. Legally, you have a right to give lawful and reasonable directions and employees have a duty to follow these directions. Given the government has declared a pandemic, such a direction would be regarded as reasonable.

In addition, you have duties under Work Health and Safety laws to ensure a safe workplace:

• The Work Health and Safety laws also require employees to obey reasonable instructions.
• Employees also have duties under Work Health and Safety laws to take reasonable care for their own health and safety and not adversely affect the health and safety of other persons in the workplace.

In this circumstance, you are obliged to pay the employee for the time taken to get the medical certificate and the time taken to get the clearance (2 to 5 days).

Practically: With health systems stretched to the limit and limited testing kits available, the employee may not be easily able to get an appointment so you should only insist on such a test IF there is a likelihood of recent exposure. Follow the government guidelines on when testing is recommended.

Information for employers is available from the Department of Health.

What should an employer do if supplies of real or perceived necessities are not available (e.g. hand sanitiser, masks)? 

Safe Work Australia advises: under the model WHS laws, employers must do everything that is reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk of a worker contracting COVID-19 at the workplace, or where this is not reasonably practicable, they must minimise the risk of a worker contracting COVID-19 at the workplace.

This means employers must provide a work environment that is without risk to health and safety, including access to facilities for good hygiene such as adequate supply of soap, water and toilet paper; and make sure these are kept clean, properly stocked and in good working order.

If those supplies are not available, for the purposes of the model WHS laws, it would not be reasonably practicable for an employer to provide them.

For example:

• If there are no supplies of masks in Australia, an employer cannot be required, to provide a mask. In those circumstances, an employer should consider what alternative measures or approaches can be taken to eliminate or minimise risk.

• If there are no supplies of hand sanitiser, a PCBU should consider providing access to soap rather than hand sanitiser.

Ultimately however, if an employer is unable to obtain necessary supplies to provide a work environment that is without risks, they should consider whether the risks posed to workers and others at the workplace are so great that workers should not be required to attend the workplace and perform work. This will need to be determined on a case by case basis. Read more at Safe Work Australia.

Source: Safe Work Australia

Independent contractors are not employees and do not have paid leave entitlements under the Fair Work Act.

• Farmers may choose to engage an independent contractor when they have a specific job which needs to be done by a person with a particular skill, for instance, silage making or hay making.
• It’s important to be able to distinguish between an independent contractor and an employee - the law imposes different rights and obligations on those who engage independent contractors and those who engage employees.

At the same time, it is important to distinguish between a person who comes to work for you as an independent contractor and the various professionals and trades people who come to your property (e.g. electricians, vets and AI technicians). This section does not deal with these people as the arrangements under which they provide a service to you are usually clear cut and well understood.

Visit The People in Dairy for further information about contractors.

If a contractor is deemed an employee, what implications does this have on my business and their entitlements?

If the contractor is, in reality, an employee, then they are entitled to the benefits listed above. 

Once the crisis passes this may be a good time to reassess these arrangements. Visit The People in Dairy for further information about contractors. 

The Australian Government has announced support for small businesses which you may be able to access regarding to employing staff, apprentices or trainees, boosting cash flow and assistance for regional communities and industries, including agriculture, affected by COVID-19.

Visit the Federal Business website for more information.