The Commonwealth Attorney-General has released a draft National WHS COVID-19 Model Code of Practice to provide businesses and workers guidance on what they need to do to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 in the workplace.

The draft code builds on the National Cabinet’s COVID-19 safe workplace principles, which included establishing Safe Work Australia as a central source of practical guidance and tools on managing the WHS risks of COVID-19.

Until there is an effective vaccine or treatment, there can be no return to business as usual for many workplaces. Workplaces (and people in those workplaces) play a crucial role in managing the spread of COVID-19.

As a public health matter, the risks of COVID-19 must be managed in accordance with public health laws in each jurisdiction and any other laws that apply. Some jurisdictions require some businesses to have COVIDSafe plans in place.

The information in the Code should be read and applied in conjunction with state and territory public health laws, National COVID-19 Safe Workplace Principles agreed by National Cabinet on 24 April 2020, and Safe Work Australia’s industry guidance.

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