On 24 June we shared with you an important announcement confirming mandatory vaccination had been removed for our industry.

Further to this, the Minister for Workplace Safety, Ingrid Stitt has announced an amendment to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations - to allow employers to collect the vaccination information of workers, if they choose to have vaccination requirements to keep their workplaces CovidSafe.

Click here to view the announcement.

These regulations do not require workers to be vaccinated, but ensure employers have the information they need to make decisions on necessary control measures at their workplace, which may include vaccination. Businesses and employers should consider their own policies to keep their workplaces CovidSafe based on their own assessment of risk.

In line with the Pandemic (Workplace) Order 2022 (No. 9), workers who work in high-risk settings are still required to be vaccinated.

The regulations will be in place for 12 months from 12 July 2022.

Employers must consult with employees when identifying or assessing hazards or risks, or making decisions on how to control risks.

As part of this process, you will likely be required to:  

• Provide information to workers about the proposed mandatory vaccination requirement both verbally and in writing 
• Allow workers to express their views about it 
• Involve any health and safety representatives or safety committees 
• Consider the views brought forward in making any decision 
• Advise any employees involved in consultation about the outcome  

A failure to undertake these steps may mean that the policy is unreasonable and not enforceable. Being involved in making decisions can give people a stronger commitment to implementing them. Communicating on health and safety can also build co-operation and trust between employers and employees.

Members requiring assistance in this area are encouraged to call the MBV Assist Team on (03) 9411 4555.