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As areas south of Auckland head into Level 3, our team are on hand nationwide to assist with advice on what this means for your workplace

Business rules for Alert Level 3

The Government has released guidance on operating during Alert Level 3.

 Workplace tips to operating safely at Alert Level 3

Below are some practical workplace tips businesses should consider when opening safely during Alert Level 3:

• Check industry guidance on safe work, the Ministry of Health website and covid19.govt.nz

• Check your health and safety obligations and how these will be met

• Consider implementing a Temporary Operations Policy (see further below)
• Determine who will return to work and whether work from home will continue for some workers
• For workers working from home, consider a Working From Home Policy
• Communicate with employees returning to work and identify whether any are currently/what will happen if they later are:

• • in the ‘at risk’ category
  • required to self-isolate
  • unwell with covid-19 symptoms
  • unable to work due to childcare arrangements
  • unable to work for any other COVID-19 related reason
• Prepare any health and safety training required e.g. wearing/disposal of PPE, cleaning, return to work refreshers on high risk tasks
• Designate responsibilities for monitoring and reporting on health and safety measures
• Decide how you will communicate instructions and processes to employees
• Conduct pre-work workplace checks e.g., air quality checks, equipment servicing
• Assess and implement additional health and safety controls needed

• Prepare a declaration for workers confirming their disclosure of key information to you, and requiring their compliance with your processes as well as the Government’s requirements outside the workplace

• Consider the issues of vaccinations and whether a Vaccination Policy is needed

Policies?

Policies are a great flexible way to communicate workplace expectations, and we recommend businesses consider implementing:

• Temporary Operations Policy to set out your expectations of staff during different alert levels and the reasonably practicable steps you are taking to ensure your employees are safe;
• COVID-19 Vaccination Policy (plus the necessary risk assessment for roles within the business); and
• Working from Home Policy

Disclaimer: We remind you that while this article provides commentary on employment law and health and safety topics, it should not be used as a substitute for legal or professional advice for specific situations. Please seek legal advice from your lawyer for any questions specific to your workplace.