Comcare releases guidance on COVID-safe workplace transition planning

As COVID-19 restrictions gradually ease across Australia, Comcare recently released guidance to help employers support workers as they transition back to usual workplaces.

Employers must follow local conditions and the relevant state and territory restrictions as part of their transition planning.

Transition plans should be tailored to meet relevant industry or geographic circumstances and respond to changing COVID-19 risks as restrictions change over time, and these plans should also consider the following:


  • Risk management in an evolving environment


  • Worker mental health and wellbeing.


  • Maintaining a COVID-safe workplace



  • Transitional arrangements for workers based on individual circumstances


The guidance from Comcare said all organisations must assess the risks associated with exposure to COVID-19 and implement control measures to manage those risks.


They must also assess any other new or changed risks arising from COVID-19 such as customer aggression, work-related travel, high work demand or working in isolation.


Risk assessments should be reviewed periodically as the operating environment changes (for example, in response to changes in COVID-19 cases or changes to public health orders) or when new information on workplace risks becomes available.


This should include the periodic review of control measures implemented to ensure their ongoing appropriateness and effectiveness based on the latest information.


Organisations must also assess the risks to any vulnerable workers(link is external), and other examples of when organisations must undertake a risk assessment with respect to COVID-19, include where an organisation:


  • changes its work practices, procedures or the work environment


  • recommences or increases operations following a shutdown or reduced operations


  • introduces workers back into the workplace following working from home or stand-down arrangements


  • is responding to workplace incidents (for example, where a worker has tested positive to COVID-19)


  • is responding to concerns raised by workers, health and safety representatives, or others at the workplace.


Work Health and Safety (How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks) Code of Practice 2015(link is external) provides practical guidance about how to manage WHS risks through a risk management process.


Safe Work Australia has also published information on key considerations for businesses to take into account when assessing the risks associated with COVID-19(link is external) while a template and example COVID-19 risk register(link is external) is also available.


Comcare’s guidance said employers must consult with their workers and any health and safety representatives at each step of the risk management process, as workers’ experience, knowledge and ideas will assist employers to identify all hazards and choose effective control measures.

Contact Us

Zenergy News

February 11, 2025
A workplace health and safety regulator has explained what the "safest workplaces" look like, in revealing it finalised more than 100 successful safety prosecutions in 2024.
February 11, 2025
Two years after the release of the groundbreaking 2022 Everyday Respect Report, Rio Tinto has undertaken a thorough Progress Review to assess its ongoing cultural transformation. As one of the world’s largest mining companies, Rio Tinto has been working to create a safer, more inclusive workplace culture that fosters respect, productivity, and innovation. The 2024 Progress Review highlights significant strides made, ongoing challenges, and areas requiring further attention. The Journey Towards Cultural Transformation Cultural change is a multi-year effort that requires consistent leadership, structural support, and engagement across all levels of an organization. Since launching its Everyday Respect initiative, Rio Tinto has embedded this agenda into its core business strategy, focusing on reducing bullying, sexual harassment, and racism in the workplace. Key Progress Areas: Increased Awareness and Open Conversations: The public release of the original report acted as a catalyst for change, encouraging more employees to speak up and engage in discussions about respect. Stronger Leadership Commitment: Leaders are playing a more proactive role in championing Everyday Respect, with a focus on psychological safety and inclusive leadership. Enhanced Training and Education: Programs such as Everyday Respect Training and Purple Banners have been widely implemented to build awareness and response capabilities. Facility Upgrades and Safety Improvements: Investments in workplace infrastructure have improved the physical environment, making it more inclusive and conducive to employee well-being. Greater Workforce Diversity: There has been a notable increase in gender and cultural diversity across teams, fostering innovation and improved workplace dynamics. Ongoing Challenges and Areas for Improvement Despite progress, resistance to change remains an obstacle, particularly among certain groups. Survey data indicates that while improvements have been perceived in many areas, instances of bullying, sexual harassment, and racism persist. Key focus areas include: Building Stronger Buy-in: Engaging those who are resistant to cultural change, particularly male employees, to foster a collective commitment to Everyday Respect. Enhancing Reporting Mechanisms: Increasing trust in reporting systems to ensure that employees feel safe and supported when raising concerns. Strengthening Frontline Leadership: Providing additional training and tools to equip supervisors and managers with the skills needed to drive culture change at all levels. Maintaining Momentum: Ensuring that Everyday Respect remains a priority in the face of organizational changes and external pressures. Looking Ahead: Staying the Course The findings from the 2024 Progress Review reaffirm Rio Tinto’s commitment to long-term cultural transformation. While meaningful progress has been made, continued efforts are needed to sustain positive momentum and address persistent challenges. As one employee noted: “ Change is definitely happening, and it will get hard at times. We can’t back away ... I’m here at Rio Tinto because I want to see through this change. We need to stay the course. ” With ongoing leadership, engagement, and strategic initiatives, Rio Tinto is on the path to embedding Everyday Respect across all facets of its global operations, ensuring a safer, more inclusive, and more productive workplace for all employees. See full report “ here ”.
By Shazamme System User October 8, 2024
Australia's dating apps are getting a safety makeover.
By Shazamme System User October 8, 2024
National Safe Work Month
September 19, 2024
Meet the Outstanding 2024 Winners
Australia's highest WHS fine, for manslaughter, becomes law
September 19, 2024
NSW's industrial manslaughter laws
More Posts
Share by: