COVID-19 Risks and Ongoing Risk Management

Mask mandates and social distancing requirements have relaxed, but risk management around COVID-19 continues to be on the frontline. It is crucial that managers are aware of their obligations surrounding COVIDSafe Plans, working from home, vaccinations, data privacy, and more. Let us explore the ongoing nature of COVID-19 and how it requires ongoing risk management.  

Working from home 

From asking, “When will you be OUT-of-office?” to “What days will you be IN the office”? 

More and more businesses are offering hybrid working models to respond to demand for flexible work. Notably, Canva and Atlassian announced last year that employees were only required to come into the office eight times a year.  

It is important that employers are proactive in establishing effective structures and support so workers can continue to perform at a high level, regardless of their location.  

Safe Work Australia offers comprehensive health and safety checklists and guides for working from home. These are fantastic tools for businesses who do not already have similar processes in place.  

Employers should also ensure there are clear communication channels so feedback and support is easily accessible. With different workplace dynamics, communication and team cohesion cannot simply be restricted to formal communication channels like emails. Organisations will have to consider how to facilitate a broad range of communication forms to enhance motivation and team morale. 

You can also watch Certex’s FREE Working From Home webinar.  

Vaccinations   

State government websites outline which workers are required to have a second dose and which are required to have a third dose. It also explains the grounds for a medical exemption.  

Can I ask my staff if they are vaccinated? 

Under privacy laws, a person’s vaccination status is considered ‘sensitive information’. However, employers can request such evidence if legal requirements apply. The worker can choose not to disclose their vaccination status, in which case they will be considered unvaccinated for the purpose of work. For example, all office workers need to have at least two doses, or a valid medical exemption, to work outside of home.  

Personal vaccination information must be handled with care. “This includes informing employees about why their COVID-19 vaccination status is being collected, collecting only the minimum amount of information required, disclosing the information on only a ‘need-to-know’ basis and taking reasonable steps to keep the information secure.” (source: Coronavirus Worker Vaccination Requirements)  

What if I allow an employee who does not meet these requirements to work on-site? 

In Victoria, individual employers can be fined up to $21,808 and corporations, up to $109,044.  

Data privacy and storage 

With so many people working from home offices, the risk of inadvertent but, nonetheless, dangerous data breaches is exacerbated. This includes the increased use of webcams and download and disposal of documents. The increased reliance on electronic sharing of information requires careful oversight and enhances the need for robust privacy and cyber security systems. 

The effects of a data breach can be devastating. Certex has been proudly supporting clients for many years, helping them to benefit from a risk-based approach when improving their systems. 

Certex’s iSuite of risk management programs include iPrivacy and iCyber. 

Click the buttons below to explore our iPrivacy and iCyber Assessments, or contact us directly.  

Risk management and Certex’s Pandemic Assessment  

Good risk management is recognised as a part of good management and planning, no matter the business size. In post-pandemic times, this is more important than ever. 

Certex’s iSuite of risk management programs is carefully designed to address the key areas of risk and compliance facing any business. We ensure a robust risk assessment framework that adds value and strengthens your business.   

It includes iSafe, iPrivacy, iEngage, iWork, iCyber, iRecruit, and iTalent.  

Additionally, Certex’s Pandemic Assessment is a COVID-specific assessment. It covers COVIDSafe Plans, working from home considerations, vaccinations, legal requirements, and more.  

Certex also offers a comprehensive range of pandemic-related business resources, FREE for all our clients. 

Together, we can discuss how to effectively manage risks for your business.