The extension of Melbourne’s lockdown means that thousands of companies will have to once again issue work permits to employees if their workplace remains open.
Victoria’s Prime Minister Daniel Andrews announced on Monday that the city’s “authorized work” permit deals will return as a result of the Melbourne blockade being extended for another two weeks, until Thursday, September 2.
The scheme was introduced last August during Melbourne’s fourth stage coronavirus restrictions, and required all companies that continued to operate in physical workplaces to issue permits to workers.
Melbourne companies will have to provide the permits to workers starting at 11:59 PM on Tuesday 17 August 2021, and both companies and individuals could face significant fines if the permits are not used or the rules of the plan are violated. .
Here’s what businesses need to know about the new Melbourne worker permits.
Do all workers need a permit?
Yes. All workers involved in on-site work will need a permit.
According to Business Victoria, employers will have to issue work permits if their business is on the government’s list of authorized activities, employers are working in approved categories for on-site work, and employees cannot work from home.
Permits are not required if all employees in the business are working exclusively from home, or an employee is at risk of working from home, such as at risk of family violence. Permits are also not required for healthcare workers, emergency services workers and law enforcement officials, who already carry employer-issued photo identification.
Employees should not use their work permit if they test positive for COVID-19 and are therefore required to self-isolate, or if they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive.
What are the fines if a worker does not have a permit?
Companies and individual workers face significant fines if they violate the rules of the permit system.
Employees who do not carry their permit when traveling to and from work can be fined up to $ 1,817 on-site, while employers can be fined up to $ 10,904. The same fines apply to other infractions of the regime’s requirements.
Additionally, workers can be fined up to $ 21,808 and businesses up to $ 109,044 if employers issue work permits to employees who do not meet the scheme’s requirements or otherwise fail to meet its requirements.
Where do I access and issue the permissions?
The template for work permits is available for download here.
It is the responsibility of employers to download the template for all workers. Employers must sign the permit, either by hand or electronically, and this signature can be provided by an authorized person, such as the owner, CEO, human resources manager, or operations manager. The police or law enforcement agencies can contact this person if details need to be confirmed.
Employees must also sign the worker permit, either by hand or electronically.
Permits can be sent to workers via email or text, and an employee can travel to work with the permit on one occasion to collect the permit.
Workers must also carry a photo ID, along with the permit, when they leave for work. Permits can be displayed electronically, even as a photo, scanned copy, or on a mobile phone.
What details do I need to know to fill out the permit for my workers?
To fill out the permission form, you will need the following details:
Name, ABN, company address and trade name;
Name and date of birth of the employee; and
The employee’s regular hours and workplace.
Businesses must also have a covid-19 insurance plan in place, and meet all relevant eligibility requirements in order to operate.
Does this apply to individual traders as well?
Yes. Sole traders completing work on site must issue a permit and then sign it as employer and employee.
How does it work for casual employees?
Occasional workers who do not work regular hours may need to be issued with separate permits for specified date ranges. They may also need to carry multiple work permits with them if they are starting new lists with different hours.
If a worker is picking up a last minute shift or You are called to work unexpectedly, you must bring your existing permit with you, and then the authorities will verify that you are attending work with your employer.
Employers are advised to avoid situations where employees are working at multiple sites. If an employee works at multiple locations, he should keep a record of the work locations he attended, including the date, time, and location.
How does it work if I occupy a franchise?
This depends on who is considered the employer under the franchise agreement.
If, for example, the agreement states that the franchisee is the employer, then they will be responsible for issuing the permits to the workers.
What if I use subcontractors?
Again, this depends on who the employer is in the particular situation. It can be the main contractor, or the subcontractor themselves if they are a sole trader.
Do I need a permit if I bring another worker to their place of work?
If a worker is dependent or cannot get to work, an adult can drive them to and from their workplace without a permit. However, authorities must be able to confirm that the trip is appropriate for the worker’s permission.
More information is available on the Victorian government website on coronavirus here.
