Health & Safety Representative Training

ASUVicTas

2 days ago

The latest update for Victoria on easing restrictions. A relief for many of us, but perhaps a source of anxiety about what it means for work.

As change occurs workers have a right to be consulted, under OHS and industrial law. Before change happens you have a right to know what your workplace is proposing and how this might impact on you. Whether you’re returning to site based work or continuing to work at home if something doesn’t seem right, or you’re not sure what your employer is proposing is ok talk to your union. And if you’re not a member no better time to join. www.asu.asn.au/asujoin

“And finally, a message to all our employers out there. I really need your help on this one.

I appreciate this isn't possible for all workplaces. But if your staff are able to work from home, and have been doing so – we need to keep that going.

We simply can't have thousands of people on trains and trams – let alone the logistical challenges of communal kitchens, lifts and big office buildings.

I know I've said this before, but as we all have more choices and more options, it's even more important:

Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should race out and do it. We've come so far – and it's up to all of us to make this work.”Hi everyone.

Bit of good news for your Sunday morning.

Because of our high rates of testing and our low levels of community transmission, we're now able to plan for the coming weeks – and getting back to a few more of the things everyone's been missing.

From 11.59pm on 31 May, we'll be increasing gathering limits to 20 people and allowing overnight stays.

That means you can sleep over at a mate's or rent somewhere for a weekend away.

And more community facilities and businesses will be able to reopen – including places like libraries, community centres, beauty therapy and tattoo studios.

As with everything, these changes come with strict rules around distancing, density and hygiene. The contact details of customers and people using the facilities will also need to be recorded to allow tracing.

I'm sure people will have questions about why X is allowed if you can't do Y – but this really isn't an exercise in 'whataboutery'.

We've had to make some tough calls. We can't just open the floodgates on everything all at once, and risk throwing away all our hard work.

I hope people appreciate this point. We have to be cautious – and careful.

Then, if it all goes to plan and we're tracking okay with case numbers, we'll be able to make some more changes a bit later in the month.

From 11.59pm on 21 June, that would include reopening gyms, indoor sports facilities, movie theatres – and the snow season will be able to kick off.

And finally, a message to all our employers out there. I really need your help on this one.

I appreciate this isn't possible for all workplaces. But if your staff are able to work from home, and have been doing so – we need to keep that going.

We simply can't have thousands of people on trains and trams – let alone the logistical challenges of communal kitchens, lifts and big office buildings.

I know I've said this before, but as we all have more choices and more options, it's even more important:

Just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should race out and do it.

We've come so far – and it's up to all of us to make this work. ... See MoreSee Less