Workplace Tips to Remember in the Wake of COVID-19

It has been a few days since the anniversary of the first coronavirus infection in the world. We have been passing through tough days. However, thanks to responsible citizens, Australia handled the process better than many other nations. On the other hand, as these infections can spread fairly quickly, we don’t have the chances to act negligently. Our omissions can harm us if we continue to pretend the pandemic is over. For businesses, the duty to obey safety standards in the workplace is more crucial than before. As the corona thread is posing an additional risk, many workers are working under harsher conditions. Both mentally and physically, this situation has the potential to cause adverse medical conditions. Luckily in Australia, workers are being protected under the laws that have strict enforcement. At the same time, the government is well aware of the risks posed by the coronavirus pandemic. For this reason, you may be eligible to claim workers compensation if you meet the necessary requirements. Workers compensation may also be eligible for health workers sustaining injuries and illnesses due to coronavirus infection.

Just as before, workers’ health should be protected by the employers

With the coronavirus risk, workers’ working conditions should be designed properly. While planning a work schedule, the human circulation in the workplace, the hygiene standards and the new coronavirus rules should be applied. Just as before, workers’ wellbeing should be protected by employers during the pandemic. However, new rules may apply. Such as social distancing, protective and sufficient face masks and isolation regulations, coronavirus introduced many new workplace safety rules. These rules should be obeyed just as the workplace safety regulations before the pandemic. If violated, the employer may be accused of breach of duty.

What is the duty of care and how to apply the post-pandemic safety regulations in the workplace?

The duty of care is a system designed to provide safety to all and especially imposed on employers, drivers, medical professionals, and business representatives. With this duty, the laws aim to reach a safe, healthy and nonhazardous environment for everyone. As seen in the personal injury laws, these duties are easy to perform. Simply respecting others is the key. If you are in charge of a property that is accessible by the public or providing services as a professional, you should evaluate the risks that may harm people in your property. This is a duty you owe to them. As an example, in an amusement park, the duty can be the regular maintenance of the equipment. As the unmaintained equipment in an amusement park can result in disastrous accidents, it is fair to say that the risk is obvious and universally, the common idea would be the same.

In another example, imagine being obliged to work in an extremely messy workplace. Think about a warehouse. In a disorderly warehouse, many risks can appear. One can be dust diseases such as asbestosis. Workers being exposed to this dust can sustain major airway diseases. Or in the same warehouse, containers can tip over and crush the worker. In the least fatal scenario, workers in this warehouse can trip and fall. These are just a few possible scenarios that can occur in a hazardous warehouse. In a similar situation, the employer should fix these problems before an accident occurs. It is their legal duties.

With the covid-19, many countries started applying new and obligatory workplace safety standards to prevent exposure. Social distancing and compulsory masks being the most known, many other responsibilities are being introduced. As an example, emotional distress is one of them. Although it was already included in the duty of care before the pandemic, the reason is a lot clearer now. Many health workers sustain emotional pain due to the pandemic. These mental conditions shouldn’t be underestimated as the results can be painful.