Product Overview

Summary: This COVID‑19 Safety Measures Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for preventing and managing COVID‑19 risks in Australian workplaces. It sets out consistent controls for physical distancing, hygiene, ventilation, case management and communication, helping you protect workers, visitors and your business while meeting WHS obligations.

COVID‑19 remains a foreseeable health and safety risk that Australian businesses must actively manage under WHS legislation. This COVID‑19 Safety Measures Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, evidence‑based approach to reducing transmission in the workplace, covering day‑to‑day operations, higher‑risk tasks, and response actions when a suspected or confirmed case is identified. It translates public health advice and WHS duties into practical, step‑by‑step instructions that can be followed by managers, supervisors and workers across a wide range of industries.

The SOP helps organisations move beyond ad‑hoc measures by standardising how screening, hygiene, cleaning, ventilation, PPE, physical distancing, rostering and remote work are implemented and monitored. It also defines clear roles and responsibilities, communication protocols, and record‑keeping requirements, making it easier to demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and workers. By adopting this procedure, businesses can reduce disruption, support worker confidence, and maintain safe, legally compliant operations during periods of heightened respiratory illness risk or future COVID‑19 waves.

Key Benefits

• Ensure your organisation can demonstrate due diligence in managing COVID‑19 risks under Australian WHS laws.
• Reduce the likelihood of workplace transmission and associated absenteeism, shutdowns and reputational damage.
• Standardise COVID‑19 controls across sites, shifts and teams, improving consistency and accountability.
• Support clear, confident communication with workers, contractors and visitors about safety expectations and controls.
• Streamline incident response when a suspected or confirmed COVID‑19 case arises, minimising confusion and delays.

Who is this for?

• Business Owners
• Directors and Officers (PCBU Officers)
• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• HR Managers
• Operations Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Facilities Managers
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Leads
• Return‑to‑Work Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to airborne and droplet‑borne COVID‑19 in indoor and shared workspaces
• Transmission via contaminated surfaces and shared equipment
• Crowding and close‑contact work increasing infection risk
• Inadequate ventilation and air circulation in offices, workshops and vehicles
• Improper selection, use or disposal of personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Psychosocial stress related to fear of infection and unclear safety expectations

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Consultation
• 4.0 Risk Assessment and Hierarchy of Controls for COVID‑19
• 5.0 Entry Screening, Attendance and Notification Requirements
• 6.0 Physical Distancing, Rostering and Occupancy Limits
• 7.0 Ventilation, Air Quality and Use of Shared Vehicles
• 8.0 Hygiene, Handwashing, Respiratory Etiquette and Cough Etiquette
• 9.0 Cleaning, Disinfection and Waste Management
• 10.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Selection, Use and Maintenance
• 11.0 Management of Suspected and Confirmed COVID‑19 Cases
• 12.0 Communication, Training and Worker Engagement
• 13.0 Record‑Keeping, Privacy and Reporting Obligations
• 14.0 Psychosocial Risk Management Related to COVID‑19
• 15.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 Appendices – Checklists, Forms and Example Risk Assessment

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory equivalents)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the risk of COVID‑19 in the workplace (guidance)
• Safe Work Australia – How to manage work health and safety risks Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the work environment and facilities Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Workplace traffic management and physical distancing guidance
• National COVID‑19 Health Management Plan (Australian Government)
• AS 1668.2: The use of ventilation and airconditioning in buildings – Mechanical ventilation in buildings
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 4815 or AS/NZS 4187 (as applicable to healthcare or high‑risk environments)