NatRoad’s WHS policy is designed to assist its members in coping with the current pandemic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) raises a host of work, health and safety (WHS) issues. In order to help members cope, especially with managing their employees, NatRoad has published a COVID-19 WHS template policy on our dedicated COVID-19 website page: www.natroad.com/coronavirus. This template is free for members to use. The policy can be further tailored to suit individual businesses on a fee-for-service basis.
This policy is, of course, subject to any overriding Government directive or law. It’s imperative that we all comply with directions, from authorised public health officers and recognised medical authorities, in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, so that its impact on the community is lessened.
The policy is a starting point for meeting your WHS obligations during these turbulent times. Adoption and customisation of the policy will demonstrate to third parties your commitment to managing the COVID-19 risk. It can be integrated with your safety management plan or adopted separately.
The policy starts from the recognition that under WHS law, all employers or businesses are required to manage the risk of COVID-19, to workers and others, in the work environment, which for road freight means across the supply chain. The primary duty under the Heavy Vehicle National Law is that each party, in the chain of responsibility for a heavy vehicle, must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety of the party’s transport activities relating to the vehicle.
The NatRoad policy focuses on two main areas: promoting effective social distancing and hygiene measures and getting employees to raise any concerns about the risk of contracting COVID-19 immediately with the employer and working with them to identify solutions. This latter aspect is where the policy can be tailored to fit with the lines of communication within a particular company.
For most employers though, the likely solution in many instances will involve isolation for a 14-day period where an employee has had contact with someone with the virus or contact with someone from a high risk group (e.g. a returning cruise ship passenger). There is also an obligation to advise local authorities about workers who contract the virus which is referenced in the policy.
The policy does not consider the risks and challenges associated with business continuity if a significant number of drivers and subcontractors cannot fulfil their functions because they are ill or have been exposed to others with COVID-19. Those plans could also be put in place with NatRoad as we are working to develop a program that will put drivers who are looking for work in touch with businesses who need drivers.
Planning and clarity of communication are important aspects needed to get through the COVID-19 pandemic. NatRoad is doing its utmost to assist members with advice that lets them put in place policies and systems that show that the business is approaching the future strategically and with employees WHS needs at the forefront of their efforts. If you need assistance and are not a member inquire about joining today, call 1800 272 144.