A new online training program developed by industry and health experts has been launched to provide Australian businesses a tangible guide on getting back to work safely as lockdown restrictions began to ease.
Delivered in partnership with the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group) and DeakinCo., Deakin University’s commercial arm, the “Occupational COVID-19 Workplace Training Scheme” was designed to ensure staff are trained in safe workplace practices to prevent the spread of communicable diseases such as the coronavirus.
The course, which commenced last week, runs for 40 minutes and is based on World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
Creating a ‘corona-safe’ workplace
Ai Group has required its members to take the course and has urged businesses in the most impacted industries, including hospitality, retail, construction and manufacturing, to have their staff undergo training.
“While we are now looking forward to a gradual lifting of coronavirus restrictions, many businesses will continue to experience deep impacts on their operations in the weeks and months to come,” Innes Willox, chief executive at Ai Group, said.
“That is why building a plan to help them get back to work or back to full function is a priority. This course offers a credible channel for businesses to create a safer environment for their workers and customers, and to adopt the best health practices that will be critical to rebooting our economy”.
Willox also said that the course will improve the knowledge and understanding among workers of the best approaches in developing corona-safe workplaces and communities.
Deakin Medical School Associate Professor and former WHO professional Dr Sandeep Reddy, one of the medical experts involved in the project, said the program will give employees the confidence and education needed to safely return to work.
“As a doctor who has previously worked at the WHO assessing infectious disease surveillance capacity, I can assure you that this program provides accurate and accessible information that will be valuable to employers and their workforces,” he said.
“Because COVID-19 continues to be researched and understood, the advice from governments and the WHO will obviously continue to be updated. As advice evolves, alerts will be shared to those who have completed the training to ensure participants are working with the most up-to-date information.”
Customers will also benefit
Those who complete the training will receive a DeakinCo. certificate and have the option to purchase a wearable badge with a QR code that allows customers to check if the employee has completed the course.
Deakin Co. CEO Glenn Campbell said the course also offers businesses a practical and efficient way of supporting both internal and external stakeholders.
“By undertaking this scheme, employers are able to communicate clearly how important the safety of their people is,” Campbell said.
“Not only will the program educate and help protect those connected to your business, but it can help foster trust amongst those who deal with you externally”.