{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Economic research & forecasting Economics Housing outlook Economic reports & data Tailored market research Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News and inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Become an apprentice host Hire an apprentice Why host a HIA apprentice? Apprentice partner program Builder & manufacturer program Industry insurance Construction legal expenses insurance Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Planning & safety solutions Building & planning services How can safety solutions help you? Independent site inspections Solutions for your business Contracts Online HIA Tradepass HIA SafeScan Advertise jobs Trusted support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Professional services Industrial relations Member savings Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Fuel savings See all
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Falls from heights Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Maintaining your business See all Other subjects COVID-19 Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom and design hub Get to know us Our members Our people Our partners Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2023 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA products
HIA products $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Shop @ HIA Digital Australian Standards Contracts Online Shipping & delivery Purchasing T&Cs See all Products Purchase NCC 2022 Building codes & standards Economic reports Hard copy contracts Guides & manuals
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Is COVID-19 impacting your workplace?

All employers should be taking precautions to actively manage their business’ exposure to health and safety risks arising from Coronavirus.

What should I do to make sure my employees are safe?

  • Monitor and follow advices of the Australian Government Department of Health for the latest information on the Coronavirus (COVID-19), including requirements and conditions for quarantine periods.
  • Provide and maintain a safe work environment. Employers must so far as is reasonably practicable ensure the health and safety of their workers and others at the workplace. Further information about preventative measures and steps to take can be found from SafeWork Australia.

What do I tell my employees?

If an employee tells you that they:

  • are feeling unwell and may be suffering flu-like symptoms;
  • have been in close contact with someone who has or may have been in close contact with someone who has Coronavirus; or
  • have travelled to an area affected by the Coronavirus or now subject to an Australian government travel ban (such as China),

they should be directed to follow the Australian Government’s health advice and seek medical advice immediately.

The Fair Work Ombudsman has published detailed information on managing COVID-19 employer and employee related concerns.

HIA Workplace Advisers are also available to discuss any concerns or questions you may have in relation to a particular situation or issue. 

Can I ask an employee who has recently returned from overseas to stay at home?

In accordance with the latest government announcements anyone returning from overseas will be required to self-isolate for 14 days.

You should talk to any affected employee about the best way to manage this, whether that be a working from home arrangement (where feasible), using some other leave (such as annual leave or long service leave) or any other paid or unpaid leave by agreement.

Can I direct my employees to stay home without pay?

There is no simple answer to this questions.

An employee can only be stood down without pay if they cannot do useful work in limited circumstances such as a stoppage of work for which you can’t be held responsible (e.g.- severe and inclement weather or natural disasters). Unfortunately, it is unclear whether building delays that may be attributed to Coronavirus would be classed as a ‘stoppage of work’.

Enterprise agreements and employment contracts may have different rules about when you can stand down an employee without pay. Therefore employers need to check these agreements and contracts to determine if any alternative scenarios may apply.

For further information please contact a HIA Workplace Adviser on 1300 650 620.

To find out more, contact HIA's Workplace Services team

Email us

Share with your network:
More articles on:
{{ tag.label }} {{ tag.label }} $vuetify.icons.faTimes
Find the latest expert advice, guides and much more!

Business support


 

Supporting building professionals with custom built services and products.

  • Contracts and compliance support
  • Contracts Online
  • Host an apprentice
  • Insurance Services
  • Managing safety
  • Savings for members and much more!

Explore Business support

Building it right topics


 

Can’t find what you need, check out other resources that might be closer to the mark.