PSA Delegates and members have been working closely with the Department in these extremely difficult circumstances to develop briefing material, training material and protocols to deal with the Coronavirus crisis.

The Department established a COVID-19 Planning Committee that is chaired by the Director Business & Transition Services. The Chairperson of the PSA Workplace Council is also a member of this very important Committee.

The Committee is meeting weekly and has;

• Developed an Outbreak Action Plan.
• Provided regular updates to staff.
• Encouraged anyone who is able to work from home to do so.
• Reduced the number of visitors to the workplace.

COVID-19 briefing sessions have been rolled out to staff. The vast majority of staff have already attended a briefing session; please talk to your line manager if you have not attended one yet or received the information in the mail.

The prevention and preparation work being undertaken is being informed by the COVID-19 Guidelines issued by the Communicable Diseases Network of Australia (CDNA).

The CDNA guidelines apply to Residential Care Facilities and members can read the guidelines by following THIS LINK. 

Your safety

The work you do for some of the most vulnerable in our community is vital, challenging work and it is very important you follow the advice of the Ministry of Health to keep yourself safe.

While you are not at work please practice social distancing, make sure that you keep at least 1.5 metres away from people.

Washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol content.

DON’T ATTEND WORK IF YOU ARE SICK The people you support at work are some of the highest risk category and it is important you don’t go to work if you are not well.

Your employer is responsible for the safety of staff. If you have concerns for your health and safety, please raise them with your supervisor or line manager.

If the concerns are not addressed, please lodge a Health and Safety report and contact the PSA if no prompt action is taken to address your concerns.

PSA Member Support Centre 1300 772 679

PSA Delegates and staff will continue to consult with the Department and update members.

Thank you again for the important work that you do for the community and please stay safe.