26/03/2020
Passing this on that I read this morning
To our Equine Community,
“How does COVID-19 Affect you? Here’s what you need to know”
My name is Jade Spicer, I am the Director & Founder of Equine ID Solutions and I’m also a Human Resources / OH & S Business Consultant.
Over past few weeks I have been working very closely with my clients to implement their contingency plans in order to protect their Staff, clients, visitors, contractors and anyone who may visit their business from COVID-19.
I feel that is a fitting time to give back to our Equine Industry, as we are all being heavily impacted and would like to provide support those whom may not have the knowledge or access to assist with reducing the Risk and potential spread of COVID-19. It is also a great opportunity to support each other during these tough times and also time to think outside of the box to keep your business running! Here is a simple overview of the interpretation of the Government Health and Quarantine guidelines and some measures that may assist you in meeting your legal obligations and reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Do you run a Business?
Did you know that if you are a Person Conducting or Undertaking Business (PCB) you have a Duty of care under the Model Work Health and Safety laws to eliminate or manage risks arriving from COVID-19, here are some tips to assist:
➢ Keep up to date with the latest COVID-19 information and advice, ensure you take action, roll out your protocols if you have them already in place or implement.
➢ You must do all that is reasonably practicable to minimise risk of staff, clients, visitors and contractors etc. from contracting COVID-19, you may not be able to eliminate completely, but measures must be put into place to reduce.
➢ Determinate control measures, consult with workers and or representatives. Implement identified measures and ensure they are clearly communicated. Provide support and guidance of what is expected to carry out and how this will be done.
➢ Here are some good resources to assist with keeping abreast of your obligations and the most up to date information:-
o https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
o www.fairwork.gov.au
o www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
Have you formally notified Staff, Clients, Visitors and Contractors? Do you know what you need to include?
➢ If you haven’t, then you need to immediately to protect and potentially reduce the spread of COVID-19.
➢ Ensure that you clearly communicate your protocol for entry and reiterate the Government Health and Quarantine guidelines, the Do’s and Don’ts!
➢ This communication Must be formal in writing and sent to everyone.
➢ Put this Notification up at your Gate entrance, Stable entry, Notice Board, Facebook, Instagram, email all clients and contractors e.g. Farriers, Vets etc. and anywhere else to alert people and reduce risk.
➢ Clearly explain the measures you have taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
➢ Review potential Hazards if you continue to allow clients, visitors and Contractors onto your site? Consider payments being made electronically; Consider scheduling lessons one on one to maintain reduction in numbers and social distancing?
➢ Collaborate with Staff to identify potential risks and devise action plans.
➢ Be aware of your legal obligations and check all relevant policies e.g. Worksafe & Insurance to ensure you are covered and have met your obligations of compliance.
➢ Highlight good hygiene practices. Consider providing additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for your staff, clients, visitors and contractors such as gloves, masks if required and additional access to hand washing facilities sanitizers/soap.
➢ Counsel your staff, provide support where possible, reassure them and be honest, as this situation is unknown, review their leave entitlements, communicate what will happen if your business is shut down? Will you be able to pay your employees? What if they don’t have enough leave? Will you allow them to go into negative leave? Or will they have to take leave without pay? Also consider where possible if they can work from home and how that will be done?
➢ Clients / Visitors – Collaborate with your Clients in regards to their Horses daily requirements e.g.: feeding / rugging consider if this is an option that you can do on their behalf and discuss costs etc. Do you or your clients have enough feed, supplements and medication if there is a shut down? If not how will you handle this? Implement scheduled attendance, riding and visiting times to ensure that you can manage and reduce numbers as required. Advise that at this time No un-authorised Visitors are to attend the property without prior consent as per guidelines and protocols.
➢ Contractors – e.g.: Vets, Farriers, Saddle Fitters, Bodyworkers etc. consider the Risk and seek to re-schedule unless these are essential services or can be carried out in-line with guidelines and protocols?
➢ Ensure your staff are made aware and clearly understand your procedures and protocols for their attendance, e.g. (below for example):
❖ If you are displaying symptoms (e.g.: respiratory discomfort, coughing, fever or shortness of breath) please visit your doctor and arrange to be tested. Do Not attend work / the business until you have a negative test result.
❖ If you have been in contact with someone that has returned from overseas and is displaying symptoms, please Do Not attend work / the business, until you have been provided medical clearance.
❖ If you, or someone you have close contact with, is confirmed infected with the virus, Do Not attend work / the business. You must complete the Government-imposed 14-day Self-isolation period. You will be required to provide medical clearance prior to returning to the workplace / business. (consider working from home arrangements if possible.)
➢ Continue to closely monitor and keep staff, clients, visitors and contractors up to date with relevant information.
➢ Ensure that you have provided the necessary signage as per your Risk Assessment to clearly identify your protocols and guidelines around the property, stable etc. (Equine ID can assist)
I hope this information helps you during these difficult times, if you need help or have any questions please feel free to PM or email [email protected] and I will do my best to assist where possible.
*Please note that this information is a guide only and we recommend you seek your own independent advice.
Yours faithfully
Jade Spicer
Director & Founder
Equine ID Solutions
WHS compliance, injury reporting, licensing and compensation claims You must contact the WHS authority in your jurisdiction. SWA does not enforce or regulate WHS laws or workers’ compensation schemes. [[nid:806]]
