CCIWA has today released a guide for businesses on WA’s mandatory vaccination rules to help understand the State Government’s orders and what steps employers can take to ensure they are compliant.
With the deadline for the majority of WA’s workforce to get vaccinated fast approaching, hundreds of businesses have contacted CCIWA’s Employee Relations Advice Centre with questions such as: Do my workers need to be vaccinated? What proof should I ask for? What records do I have to keep? What if my staff refuse?
The guide, which focuses entirely on WA Public Health Orders mandating COVID-19 vaccination in the workplace, provides the answers WA businesses need, as well as template emails and letters to staff to enable them to prepare.
Access CCIWA’s mandatory vaccination guide at covid19.cciwa.com.
The guide also includes:
- A summary of current WA Public Health Orders mandating the vaccine;
- Communicating with employees;
- Implementing mandating vaccinations in the workplace under a public health order;
- Collecting information about an employee’s vaccination status;
- Workplace disputes regarding vaccination; and
- Vaccinations and employer liability;
As well, businesses will have information on who to contact for further assistance, as well as an up-to-date list of current COVID-19 Mandatory Vaccination Directions.
“It is businesses that will be responsible for gathering information to ensure mandates are complied with, so it is critical they understand their obligations under privacy laws,” said CCIWA Workplace Relations Director Ryan Martin.
“They will also play a vital role in communicating those requirements to staff to ensure as many people as possible are vaccinated within the relevant timeframes.
“With the deadlines for vaccination looming, this guide aims to help you understand and digest your obligations in relation to current public health orders as well as the proactive steps you can take whilst waiting for the outstanding Directions to be issued.”
CCIWA CEO Chris Rodwell added: “The State Government’s mandates are intended to boost our State’s COVID vaccination rate above 80 per cent. This is the point at which Premier McGowan might consider easing emergency COVID-19 measures.”
Further information will be made available to our members as the State Government releases directives for different industries.
CCIWA members can access more information via our Employee Relations Advice Centre on (08) 9365 7660 or via [email protected].
Visit covid19.cciwa.com to access more CCIWA resources and support.