Employer Rights and Responsibilities during COVID-19: Vaccines, Privacy and WHS Issues – a recorded lunchtime online conference

Hear from the experts at this online conference. You can watch it on your computer or on your portable electronic device from anywhere.

The conference will be based on our highly successful video webinar technology: there'll be a chairperson and presentations.

One registration can be shared by colleagues within the same firm utilising the same login.

THE PROGRAM

Session 1: COVID-19 and Privacy Rights in the Workplace

With the rollout of mandatory vaccination and rapidly changing public health settings across the country, employers are grappling with questions surrounding privacy. When can you lawfully ask and collect information regarding vaccination status, and what can you do with that information once it is collected? This session examines the key issues, including:

• Navigating the guidance from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner
• When can you ask an employee about their vaccination status?
• Can you ask clients or visitors to disclose their vaccination status?
• What if an employee or third party refuses to disclose?
• What if an employee refuses the vaccine – can you lawfully require reasons or medical evidence exempting the employee from vaccination?
• How should you store and protect information collected regarding vaccination status?
• To whom can that information be shared? Navigating situations involving clients, colleagues and others

Session 2: Mandatory Vaccines: What All Employers Need to Know

Businesses across the country are needing to adapt to the ‘new normal’ we find ourselves in due to COVID-19. However, as restrictions and health orders continue to evolve, how far can employers go in requiring mandatory vaccinations, COVID-19 testing and other health protocols? This practical session examines the key issues, including:

• Understanding an employer’s legal obligations arising from public health orders
• How far can you go with providing directions to staff? Factoring in discrimination and other key issues
• Are you required to consult with staff before implementing key changes?
• Responding to employee concerns with new safety measures
• How to deal with non-compliance by staff

Session 3: Safety First: Managing COVID-19 WHS Risks in your Workplace

All employers have a duty to take reasonable care of their workers’ health and safety. How far does this duty extend and what does it involve during a pandemic? It is crucial for employers to be across their health and safety obligations. This session examines the following:

• Understanding the extent and scope of legal obligations to provide a safe workplace
• Lawful and reasonable directions to ensure workplace health and safety:
  • What can you require an employee to do? Face masks etc
  • Is temperature testing at work allowed?
• What if there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 in your workplace?
• What if an employee refuses to come to work, or perform certain duties, due to health and safety concerns?
• COVID-19 and managing workers’ compensation risks
• Lessons from the Victorian Department of Health’s alleged breaches involving hotel quarantine