According to Safe Work Australia (2020), World Day for Safety and Health at Work is a time to think about how our actions can prevent future work-related deaths, injuries and illnesses, and a day to remember those that have died from a work-related injury or illness.
By raising awareness of work health and safety and taking action, we can help prevent further injuries and death.
The theme for 2020 is Stop the pandemic: Safety and health at work can save lives.
COVID-19 has brought with it a need for Australians to adapt to rapidly changing workplace practices.
Under the model work health and safety laws, employers have a duty of care for the health and safety of their workers and others in the workplace. This duty extends to managing the risk of exposure to COVID-19.
Workplaces can reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 by:
- ensuring good hygiene and cleanliness in the workplace
- implementing physical distancing, and
- using personal protective equipment as appropriate.