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Illness and Infection at Work

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It is important we stay safe and healthy as much as possible. Here is what to do if you become unwell at work, including COVID-19 protocols.

Last updated: January 9, 2025
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If you have symptoms or test positive

If you become unwell, it is important for your health, and the health of your colleagues, that you rest and recover. In the first instance, please inform your leader and work from home if possible.

Ensure you take a Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) to determine if you have contracted COVID-19. Stay home until:

  • You’re symptom-free.
  • 24+ hours have passed without needing fever or pain medication.
  • At least 5 days have passed since symptoms started.

Follow precautions and wear a mask indoors, maintain social distancing, and practice good hygiene.

Click here to download the GUI 4112 Response Guide to COVID-19 Cases

If you are due for a COVID vaccine booster, go to the Australian Government Vaccine Clinic Finder to book your next vaccine and don’t forget to record it on PeopleSoft.

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Close Contacts

If you’ve been a close contact of someone with COVID, take precautions for five days, including:

  • Notify your leader and follow workplace protocols.
  • Work from home if available.
  • Avoid high-risk settings (like SILs) unless approved.
  • Wear a mask indoors and maintain good hygiene.
  • Practice good hygiene methods like, hand washing regularly and covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing.

If the above restricts you from working, then you may need to take leave as per the QP 5112 Leave Procedure. Your leader will advise each situation on a case-by-case basis.

For any individual that is impacted across multiple workplaces, the higher risk setting controls take precedence in each case where they may be different or in conflict.

e.g. an Employee We Support that is also a client in a SIL, must adhere to the SIL specific controls.

Return to Work

SILs

Decisions regarding re-entry into a high-risk setting to address critical staff shortages must be approved by an Operations Manager or a higher-level manager within the Home and Community Division.

All Other Workplaces

Any decision to re-enter a workplace before the recommended guidelines have expired for a single case must be individually approved by the Site Manager or the most senior manager in the department.

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Reporting in RiskMan

All instances where someone has tested positive for COVID-19 at work must be reported as an incident in RiskMan.

Reporting and recording COVID-19 incidents in RiskMan in a timely manner is a critical component of tracking. In addition, the effective management of reporting a COVID-19 incident and its associated risks will aid in the health and safety of the people we support and employees.  

FAQs

Do I have to report my COVID-19 case in RiskMan?

If you are an employee we support, your leader will report your COVID-19 case in RiskMan.

All other employees should report their own COVID-19 case in RiskMan. It is important that staff are confident in their ability to report incidents, when and should the need arise.

Where can I find RiskMan?

RiskMan is located in the Quicklinks of the intranet. You can also access RiskMan here -> https://riskman.endeavour.com.au/

I have run out of safety supplies, where can I get more?

We do not currently have a stock of these supplies so if needed sites can order or contact WHS advisor.

If I work in disability accommodation and get COVID-19 what should I do?

We are following Federal Government guidelines for people who test positive and work in disability accommodation settings.

If you work in our home or residential services and test positive to COVID-19, do not come into work for five (5) days after you receive your positive result. Please wait until your acute respiratory symptoms and fever have resolved, apart from mild residual symptoms such as a mild dry cough

If you visit disability accommodation as part of your role, please reschedule your appointments until you are symptom free, and at least five (5) days after testing positive.

What do I need to do if I’m a close contact of someone who has COVID-19?

You are a close contact if you live with a person with COVID-19 or if you have been inside an accommodation setting with a person with COVID-19 for more than four (4) hours.

If you have been exposed to COVID-19, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself and others around you:

  • Monitor symptoms. If you have or develop cold or flu-like symptoms, stay home and get tested.
  • If your test result is positive, follow the advice above.
  • Speak to your leader and avoid high risk settings.
  • Maintain physical distancing and wear a mask indoors for five (5) days
  • Regularly test for COVID-19
  • Stay up to date with your vaccinations
  • Regularly wash your hands

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