Update: Members are advised to rely on the most recent news stories and Bulletins only, as government advice and regulations will continue to change as the COVID-19 situation develops. The advice below was correct at the time of publication.
The VACC OHS&E Unit has put together some FAQs for workplaces.
Can businesses refuse service to someone if they are not wearing a face mask?
Businesses should not refuse service to patrons who may have a lawful reason for not wearing a face mask at venues that require mandatory face masks. A business owner will not be fined if a customer refuses to wear a face covering; as it is not the business owner’s responsibility to enforce the face mask rules on their customers. The penalty would be applied to the individual (unless they have a valid exemption). If a customer refuse to comply with a reasonable request or becomes aggressive, it is important to avoid escalating the situation further and refer the matter to Victoria Police.
Where can I get a face mask?
You can purchase cloth masks or surgical masks from retail outlets including chemists, hardware stores and other shops, or you can follow directions to make your own cloth mask. Face shields on their own do not meet the face covering requirements in the Directions currently in force.
Can I wear my face mask under my nose or chin?
No, wearing a face mask under your nose or chin does not provide protection to you or others. You need to wear your face mask securely around the face, specifically covering the nose and the mouth areas.
Can I remove my face mask to smoke or use an e-cigarette?
Yes, subject to existing restrictions on smoking in public places in Victoria. The hand-to-mouth action of smoking and e-cigarette use means that people who smoke may be more vulnerable to COVID-19, as they are touching their face and mouth more often. You should wash your hands as soon as you finish and should not share an individual cigarette or vaping device.
How do I stop my face mask fogging up my glasses?
Make sure the face mask is fitted and pinched on your nose if possible. Put your glasses on after the face mask. Wash your glasses with detergent and water to create a film to prevent fogging. You can also use micropore tape (available at all pharmacies) to tape the mask along the bridge of your nose and cheeks, then put your glasses on top. Or put a folded tissue across the bridge of your nose, then put your face mask on and your glasses on top.
I wear a hearing aid, what tips do you have for me about wearing a face mask?
If you wear a hearing aid you need to be careful when putting on or taking off your face mask to ensure you don’t lose your hearing aid or get your face mask tangled in it. Consider using a face mask that ties around the head, rather than over the ears as this will keep the ties free from your hearing aid. If you are having trouble communicating with someone who is wearing a face mask you can ask them to speak louder or to remove their mask during your conversation. You should maintain physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres from others.
Is a scarf or bandana an appropriate face covering?
You must wear a fitted face mask that covers the nose and mouth, designed to protect you from COVID-19. It does not mean a scarf or bandana or loose snood or loose gaiter. The Chief Health Officer recommends a mask with 3 layers that fits securely around the face, specifically covering the nose and the mouth.
Can I remove my face mask to talk with other people?
If you are in a setting where face masks are mandatory, such as on public transport or in a taxi or ride-share vehicle, you can remove your face mask if you are communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication.
Do I need to wear a face mask if I work in an office on my own?
If you work in an enclosed office on your own, you don’t have to wear a face mask while at your desk. If someone enters your space and when you leave it, you need to wear a face mask.
Do I need to supply my employees with a face mask?
WorkSafe Victoria guidance on face coverings states: The Chief Health Officer has directed that employers must take reasonable steps to ensure that employees wear a face mask at all times when working at the employer’s premises.
Where the work or task requires the use of specific types of face coverings in the workplace, these must be provided by the employer. Where an employee seeks to provide and use their own face mask at work, an employer must ensure that it is meeting its obligations under the OHS Act which includes, so far as is reasonably practicable, providing and maintaining a working environment that is safe and without risks to health. This includes undertaking a risk assessment, ensuring that the face covering is safe and suitable for the workplace and work activities being performed, providing policies and procedures in relation to the use of face coverings in the workplace and that the employee or independent contractor has received information, instruction and training in the safe use of face masks within the workplace.’
It is important for members to note that the face mask an employee will be wearing when arriving for work under the current restrictions, will be appropriate to cover most tasks within the automotive workplace. In such instances, it is recommended that members have a supply of disposable / single-use face masks available for employees to use, if their face mask gets damaged, soiled or wet and cannot be used.
Should I provide my employees with training on how to wear a face mask safely?
Yes. In order for face coverings to be effective in the workplace it must be worn properly. Employers have a duty under the OHS Act 2004 to provide adequate information, instruction, training and supervision to their employees. World Health Organisation has helpful and simple information on correct use of face masks through online training videos.
Can I take off my face mask if I find it uncomfortable whilst working?
It is important you wear your face mask when at work, but some people may require short breaks from wearing their face mask, particularly when performing strenuous work. When you do so, ensure you are not near other people, and follow the correct process when removing your mask. Only a short break should be required.
What should I do if my employee refuses to wear a face mask?
It is now a legal requirement to wear a face mask while outside the home unless an exemption applies. The individual as well as the employer can be issued hefty fines for non-compliance with this directive, without a valid reason.
In addition to the directive from the DHS, it should be noted that an employee has a general obligation to follow the directions of their employer, provided that such direction is lawful, reasonable and safe. In addition, both employers and employees hold a duty of care under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004.
It is therefore recommended that an employer discusses with the employee to gain an initial understanding as to why they don’t believe they should wear a face mask and then seek further advice from the VACC IR Department on your specific circumstances.
What if my employee is doing a delivery or transporting a customer?
The employee and any other person travelling in a vehicle for work purposes (i.e. as part of their work role) must be wearing a face mask at all times. Please note this risk control must be done in conjunction with other higher level controls such as providing hand sanitiser in the vehicle, maintain physical distancing in the vehicle as far as is reasonably practicable, open windows for increased ventilation etc…
Does my employee need to wear a face mask whilst driving in their own vehicle?
If you are driving alone or only travelling with people from your household, you do not need to wear a face mask. You should put your face mask on before you leave your vehicle or if you wind down the window to talk to someone.
If you are driving with people for work or people you don’t live with then you must wear a face mask unless you have a lawful excuse.
Does VACC have any posters on face coverings I could display in my workplace?
VACC has developed some posters that members can use in their workplace as a practical way to visually remind all staff, customers and visitors to the premises, that a face mask must be worn whilst on site (unless the individual has a valid exemption).
Exceptions for not wearing a face mask
- Lawful excuses or exceptions for not wearing a face mask
- A face mask is not required to be worn in some circumstances including for:
- Infants and children under the age of 12 years.
- Students at primary school or after school hours care at a primary school.
- Persons who have a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, which makes wearing a face covering unsuitable, including persons with obstructed breathing, a serious skin condition of the face, an intellectual disability, a mental health condition or persons who have experienced trauma.
- The person is at a premises that is their ordinary place of residence or their temporary place of residence.
- The person is visiting a person with whom they are in an intimate personal relationship with.
- Persons communicating with those who are deaf or hard of hearing and visibility of the mouth is essential for communication.
- Persons for whom the nature of their work or education means that wearing a face mask creates a risk to health and safety.
- Persons for whom the nature of their work or education means that clear enunciation or visibility of their mouth is essential. This includes teaching, lecturing or broadcasting.
- The person is working by themselves in an enclosed indoor space such as an office unless and until another person enters that space.
- The person is working by themselves in an outdoor space, provided no other person is also in the outdoor space (except a person who ordinarily resides at the same premises with them).
- When asked to remove the face mask to ascertain identity. For instance, where asked by police, security, bank or post office staff to remove a face mask to ascertain identity.
- The person is one of two persons being married while in the process of being married.
- The person is a professional sportsperson when training or competing.
- Persons who are engaged in any strenuous physical exercise such as running, jogging, swimming or cycling.
- The person is riding a bicycle or motorcycle.
- The person is undergoing dental or medical care or treatment to the extent that such care or treatment requires no face mask be worn.
- The person is smoking or vaping (including e-cigarettes) while stationary.
- The person is consuming food, non-alcoholic drink or medicine.
- Persons receiving or providing a service from a facility which is permitted to operate under the Restricted Activity Directions (Victoria), to the extent that it is not reasonably practicable to receive or provide that service while wearing a face mask (for example, beard trimmings)
- If required or authorised by law.
- The person is travelling in a vehicle by themselves or with members of their household.
- The person is a prisoner in a prison, subject to any policies of that prison.
- The person is detained in a remand centre, youth residential centre or youth justice centre, subject to any policies of that centre.
- The person is escaping harm or the risk of harm, including harm relating to family violence or violence of another person.
- For emergency purposes.
- Where not doing so is not safe in all the circumstances.
People with lawful excuses for not wearing a face mask should still keep at least 1.5 metres apart from others, practice regular hand hygiene by washing or sanitising hands frequently, continue to comply with the Directions currently in force, and get tested if unwell (even with mild symptoms).
Do people with a disability have to wear a face mask?
Yes, people with a disability must wear a face mask in settings where it is mandatory, unless the person has a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, which makes wearing a face mask unsuitable (for instance, due to medical, physical, communication or other individual risk factors).
I have a lawful exception for not wearing a face mask – can I wear a face shield or other face covering?
You can choose to wear a face shield on its own if you have a lawful reason for not wearing a face mask. Other types of coverings, including specially designed face coverings, can be worn by people who have a lawful exception to provide a level of protection against COVID-19 transmission.
Can I take my face mask off if someone I am communicating with can’t hear me?
You can remove your face mask if you are communicating with a person who is deaf or hard of hearing and the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication. You should maintain physical distancing of at least 1.5 metres and if you need to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or your elbow.
Will a face mask protect me from COVID-19?
Even with the additional physical barrier of a face mask/face covering, the most effective means of protecting against the COVID-19 virus is by strictly adhering to the following:
- Washing your hands regularly
- Avoiding touching your face, eyes, mouth and nose
- Maintain a distance of 1.5m from people (household members excluded)
- Coughing and sneezing in your elbow or a tissue (disposing of the tissue immediately and sanitising / washing hands afterwards)
- Regular cleaning of high touch areas such as door handles, kitchens areas, toilets etc
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For more information
VACC OHSE Unit
P: 03 9829 1265
E: ohs@vacc.com.au
VACC Industrial Relations Department
P: 03 9829 1123
E: ir@vacc.com.au