Product Overview

Summary: This Health and Hygiene Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical controls to protect workers from illness, infection, and poor sanitary conditions in Australian workplaces. It provides a consistent framework for managing personal hygiene, cleaning, infection control, and amenities so you can meet your WHS duties and maintain a safe, healthy work environment.

Poor workplace health and hygiene practices can quickly lead to outbreaks of illness, increased absenteeism, reputational damage, and potential breaches of WHS legislation. This Health and Hygiene Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, step‑by‑step approach to managing everyday hygiene risks, from handwashing and respiratory etiquette through to cleaning schedules, waste management, and response to infectious disease cases in the workplace. It is designed to be adaptable across industries, including offices, construction sites, manufacturing, healthcare, education, hospitality, and community services.

The procedure translates Australian WHS requirements and public health guidance into clear, actionable instructions for managers and workers. It defines responsibilities, sets minimum standards for amenities and cleanliness, and establishes protocols for managing suspected or confirmed infectious illnesses, blood and body fluid spills, and high‑touch surface disinfection. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence, support worker wellbeing, and maintain business continuity during seasonal illness peaks or public health events.

Developed specifically for the Australian regulatory environment, this SOP helps organisations align with Safe Work Australia guidance, relevant state and territory health directions, and recognised infection prevention principles. It can be integrated into existing WHS management systems, induction programs, and toolbox talks, providing a practical tool to embed good hygiene practices into everyday work.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of workplace‑transmitted infections and illness‑related absenteeism.
• Ensure consistent hygiene and cleaning standards across all sites and shifts.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS duties relating to health, welfare, and workplace amenities.
• Support business continuity during outbreaks and seasonal illness peaks.
• Provide clear guidance for workers and supervisors on day‑to‑day hygiene expectations and incident response.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Operations Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Facility Managers
• HR Managers
• Infection Control Coordinators
• Return to Work Coordinators
• Practice Managers (health and allied health)
• Aged Care Managers
• Childcare Centre Directors

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to infectious diseases (e.g. influenza, COVID‑19, gastroenteritis)
• Exposure to blood and body fluids
• Cross‑contamination via shared tools, equipment, and high‑touch surfaces
• Poor sanitation and inadequate toilet and washing facilities
• Improper handling and disposal of contaminated waste
• Skin irritation or respiratory issues from incorrect use of cleaning chemicals
• Pest infestation related to poor housekeeping and food hygiene

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Guidance
• 5.0 General Health and Hygiene Requirements
• 6.0 Hand Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette
• 7.0 Workplace Amenities and Sanitation Standards
• 8.0 Cleaning, Disinfection and Housekeeping Procedures
• 9.0 Management of Infectious Illness in the Workplace
• 10.0 Blood and Body Fluid Spill Management
• 11.0 Waste Handling and Disposal (Including Clinical and Sharps Waste, if Applicable)
• 12.0 Use and Handling of Cleaning and Disinfection Chemicals
• 13.0 Personal Protective Equipment for Hygiene and Cleaning Tasks
• 14.0 Training, Induction and Communication
• 15.0 Monitoring, Inspections and Record Keeping
• 16.0 Incident Reporting, Non‑Conformance and Corrective Actions
• 17.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement
• 18.0 Appendices – Sample Cleaning Schedules, Checklists and Signage

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations (Safe Work Australia)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (NHMRC) – as guidance for infection control principles
• AS/NZS 4815: Office-based health care facilities – Reprocessing of reusable medical and surgical instruments and equipment, and maintenance of the associated environment (where applicable)
• AS 4674: Design, construction and fit-out of food premises (for workplaces with food preparation areas)
• State and Territory Public Health Acts and associated directions on notifiable and infectious diseases