The Victorian Government has announced more essential workers will be eligible for an exemption from close contact home isolation requirements to attend their workplace.
From 11:59pm, Tuesday 18 January 2022, workers in some parts of local government (including waste, emergency and community services), community services for vulnerable Victorians, fire and water will be affected. More information about who is affected and how it will work can be found here.
ASU Members Briefing
If you have questions or would like further information, please join us for a members-only briefing:
Date: Tuesday 18 January 2022
Time: 12 noon
Register for the briefing here: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcrcOGopjosHdWFJz5dKvvRLb3pbBlNkvCc
Under the conditions of the exemption, the worker may return to work if it is necessary for continuity of operations and if other options have been exhausted. The exemption will apply to attending work only, not any other settings.
In order to be eligible, the worker must first notify the employer of their status as a contact, and both parties must consent to the worker returning to the workplace. Workers are already required to be fully vaccinated.
Strong requirements will need to be met to qualify for an exemption.
Making sure workplaces are safe
The ASU has sent Workplace Health & Safety Representatives advice to help them perform their critical role. This includes advice on the duty of employers to consult, resolution of health and safety issues, direction to cease work, and how to seek the assistance of any person, including your union. You can read the advice to Workplace Health and Safety Reps here.
Finally, If you have any concerns about the safety of your workplace, speak to your Health and Safety Representative, your ASU delegate, or the ASU Member Contact Centre at info@asuvictas.com.au or 1300 855 570
Join the ASU today
