“No one wants to see us go backwards,” said Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern on 28 April, the day after lockdown restrictions were downgraded from Alert Level 4 to Level 3. That point was reinforced at the news conference on 7 May regarding our potential move down to Level 2 as early as next week. With over 400,000 workers having returned to work on 28 April, and with even more potentially returning to work next week, Ardern’s emphasis on remaining “vigilant” to prevent a resurgence of COVID-19 under current Level 3, or Level 2 – whenever we move there – has not wavered.
As soon as additional information is received from the government next Monday, 11 May, regarding a potential move to Level 2, Worksafe will undoubtedly have updates available on its website. In the meantime, Level 3 advice is still in place.
Under Level 3, Worksafe has stated that “all businesses that are permitted to resume operations, need to have a COVID-19 safety plan that sets out how they’ll operate safely.”
If you have already reopened the doors of your business under Level 3, you need to make sure you have a safety plan and have shared it with your workers, contractors, and suppliers. You can find the safety plan form by searching for “COVID-19 safety plan template” after clicking on this link:
Staying safe
The key controls to minimise the risk of the spread of the COVID-19 virus in workspaces, include:
- supporting people with flu-like symptoms to self-isolate;
- ensuring separation distances;
- disinfecting surfaces;
- maintaining good hygiene, particularly hand hygiene and good cough/sneeze etiquette; and
- keeping records to facilitate contact tracing.
What is contact tracing?
One of the main tools to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is “contact tracing”. This tool is likely to be with us for the foreseeable future. The importance of contact tracing can be illustrated by global examples. Countries that have embraced contract tracing, such as South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Germany, have had relatively low death rates so far. Further, the World Health Organisation has said it should be the “backbone of the response” in every country.
Contact tracing starts with record-keeping which allows for individuals who have come into contact with infected people to be identified. Those people are then notified and directed to self-isolate, in order to prevent any further spread.
How does it work?
Worksafe currently advises that the best way to identify people, at work or working on site, who have been in close proximity to someone suspected (or confirmed) as having COVID-19, is to keep a register of people entering or leaving the work premises, or off-site locations.
The minimum information that must be recorded in relation to workers are:
- Full names (not nickname);
- Contact telephone numbers;
- Addresses (for workers) or the name of the visitor’s business; and
- The reason for the visit and its duration.
Now that you know what must be recorded, the million-dollar question is how this information should be recorded?
Worksafe has stated you may want to consider:
- How you’ll make sure the register is being used and maintained correctly;
- Where the register will be located and who will enter the information;
- Whether you divide your workspace into zones and limit movement between the zones; and
- Whether you’ll supervise visitors who aren’t at your site regularly.
Keeping a written record of the required information to be logged could prove difficult for businesses that operate across a wide geographic area, with a number of staff working remotely. An online register to record this information might be the best option since it can be updated regularly by all staff to ensure it is as accurate as possible, can be accessed easily and quickly, and doesn’t require workers coming into close proximity to physically access the register.
Is there an app for that?
There are also smartphone applications that can assist in contact tracing, such as HazardCo and SaferMe for tradespeople and business. The New Zealand government has been looking into tracing technology for weeks now, and it could be available before the end of Level 3.
Any downsides to a contact-tracing app?
The concern with contact-tracing apps that attempt to log every instance a person is close to another smartphone owner for a significant period of time, is that the data could be imprecise. Detection signal issues and interference (such as ventilation or wind) reduce accuracy. Further, this type of technology is vulnerable to fraud and abuse, and additionally, it raises privacy concerns.
Ultimately, minimising contact between people and providing accurate information records are key to all businesses during Level 3 and, likely, beyond.
And apps are only useful if they are downloaded. They are not a replacement for a register, but more of an add-on. Even if one-fifth of the New Zealand population downloaded the app, there is still only a 4% chance that two randomly selected people would actually have it.
PPE
Additionally, it may be useful for businesses to know that currently there is no need for personal protective equipment (such as masks), unless it is routinely required for the work. However, businesses do need to ensure that all workers, even those working remotely, have access to appropriate equipment and support. This is likely to change under Level 2, especially for businesses with close personal contact with strangers (e.g., hospitality and hairdressers).
Any infectious disease encountered in the workplace is considered a workplace hazard. The Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 requires that employers take all practicable steps to mitigate risk and protect workers at all times from workplace hazards.
Separation keeps us closer
Finally, under Level 3, businesses also need to make sure employees, contractors and suppliers are aware that they must abide by at least a one-metre separation distance at all working times. Further, they must abide by a two-metre separation distance at all other times. Keep in mind that workers who are not working remotely still need to obey the physical distancing requirement. If we don’t, and have to again scale the Covid-19 “Everest” after we’ve started our descent, as the PM stated in her press conference on 7 May, the distance between us has the potential to grow even bigger.
Being a good Scout
The best thing businesses can do, whether they are already open under Level 3, or preparing to open when we arrive at Level 2, is to be prepared. Have a practical safety plan in place before opening your doors, create a contact tracing register and if you don’t understand something or are unsure ASK QUESTIONS. Our office is open and we are here to help.