Coronavirus: Face masks mandatory

4 February 2021

The Victorian Government has reintroduced the mandatory wearing of face masks indoors (including workplaces), and updated Stay Safe Directions have been issued.

Under the new directions, employers must take reasonable steps to ensure employees:

• carry a face mask with them at all times 
• wear a face mask (unless specific exemptions apply).

While face masks are now required to be worn again in all indoor Victorian workplaces, there is still flexibility offered for particular tasks where face masks are identified as posing a risk to workers. These tasks must be risk assessed/documented and, if deemed as hazardous, the employee can remove their mask for that activity only. For example, if employees are working on their own in a restricted space (such as under a vehicle in hot conditions) or a task involves heavy lifting or is strenuous in nature.

It is important to note that in these cases physical distancing of 1.5 metres must be adhered to.

Additionally, members are reminded that record-keeping obligations remain for all workers and visitors who attend a work premises for longer than 15 minutes; and that density requirements also remain for shared spaces (such as lunchrooms) to one person every two square metres.

VACC urges members to take the time to familiarise themselves with the changes and update COVIDSafe Plans accordingly. Affected employees must be consulted about changes to workplace requirements or COVIDSafe Plans.

For more information
VACC OHSE Unit
P: 03 9829 1265
E: ohs@vacc.com.au