Victorian workers must carry a permit

From 11:59pm Wednesday 5 August, workplaces in Melbourne must be closed unless:

• the workplace is part of a permitted activity, or
• all employees are working from home.

From 11:59pm on Wednesday 5 August, employers that require their staff to attend a work site must issue a worker permit to their employees – this is the employer’s responsibility.

Penalties of up to $19,826 (for individuals) and $99,132 (for businesses) will apply to employers who issue worker permits to employees who do not meet the requirements of the worker permit scheme or who otherwise breach the scheme requirements.

There will also be on-the-spot fines of up to $1,652 (for individuals) and up to $9,913 (for businesses) for anyone who breaches the scheme requirements. This includes employers, and employees who do not carry their worker permit when travelling to and from work.

Not sure if you can stay open? See related article from ASGA what stage 4 restrictions mean for our industry.

DOWNLOAD THE VICTORIAN PERMITTED WORKERS FORM HERE

Eligibility

Employers can issue a worker permit to their employee if:

• the organisation is on the list of permitted activities
• the employee is working in an approved category for on-site work, and
• the employee cannot work from home.

In rare circumstances an employee does not need a worker permit. This includes:

• if an employee is at risk at home, such as at risk of family violence
• law enforcement, emergency services workers or health workers who carry employer-issued photographic identification, which clearly identifies the employer.

An employee must not use a worker permit, even if they have been issued one, if:

• they test positive to coronavirus (COVID-19) and are required to self-isolate
• they are a close contact of someone who has tested positive.

Information employers will need

To issue a worker permit, employers will need:

• name, ABN, company address and trading name
• the name and date of birth of the employee
• the employee’s regular hours and place of work
• to meet all eligibility criteria, including that the business is a permitted activity
• to meet all relevant legal obligations
• to have a COVID-19 safe plan in place
• to authorise a person or people to issue the worker permit.

How to issue a worker permit

Each employee required to be on site must receive an individual worker permit with the required details.

Employers must:

1. Download the template from this page and fill it out.
   • Employers must use this template for all worker permits issued under this scheme.
2. Sign the worker permit. You can print and sign or sign it electronically.
   • Businesses must get an authorised person to sign the worker permit. This person might be the CEO, a HR manager, an operations manager or anyone else that is suitable.
   • They must be accountable for the details they provide.
   • They may be contacted by Victoria Police or other enforcement agencies to confirm the details.
3. Ask the employee to sign the worker permit. They can print and sign or sign electronically.
   • You can email or text the worker permit to your employee.
   •  An employee may travel to work without a worker permit once to get their first permit

For further information visit https://www.justice.vic.gov.au/permitted-worker-scheme

Information on WorkSafe requirements can be found at https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19 (External link).

For other information about the restrictions contact the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398 or visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus (External link).