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 latest COVID-19 news is available here.
With Stage 4 restrictions for Melbourne set to come into play from midnight Wednesday, 5 August, the Victorian State Government has announced the Worker Permit Scheme.
This scheme includes mandatory Permitted Worker Permits, which are required if:
- the organisation is on the list of permitted activities
- the employee is working in an approved category for on site work (including automotive), and
- the employee cannot work from home.
Download template: Permitted Worker Permit
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has released a 'how-to' guide for employers needing to issue permits:
- Download the Permitted Worker Permit and fill it out
- Employers must use the provided template for all worker permits issued under the scheme
- Sign the worker permit (electronic signatures accepted)
- Authorised person must sign i.e CEO/HR manager/Operations Manager or similar
- Businesses are accountable for the details they provide
- Businesses may be contacted by Victoria Police or similar agencies to confirm the details
- Ask the employee to sign the worker permit (electronic signatures accepted)
- Employer can email or text the permit to employee
- Employee may travel to work without a permit once, in order to collect first permit.
This permit is the employer's responsibility – as is implementing a COVID-19 Safe Plan in the workplace.
Penalties of up to $99,132 for businesses apply if permits are issued to employees who do not meet the requirements of the Worker Permit Scheme. On-the-spot fines will also be issued to employers and employees who do not carry their permit when travelling to and from work.
VACC encourages members needing further assistance to visit the DHHS website, or consider engaging the services of the VACC OHS&E Unit or Industrial Relations Department.
OHS&E Unit
P: 03 9829 1265
E: ohs@vacc.com.au
Industrial Relations Department
P: 03 9829 1123
E: ir@vacc.com.au
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For more information
State Government of Victoria: Worker Permit Scheme
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS): Permitted Worker Scheme – COVID-19
Victorian State Government: Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions Victoria
Australian Government: COVID-19 Restriction Checker