Vaccination soon mandatory for WA resource workers

Vaccination soon mandatory for WA resource workers

The Western Australian government has made COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory for all workers in mining, oil and gas exploration, as well as visitors to operations and fly in fly out (FIFO) workers from December. 

The State has also made the jab mandatory for all workers at regional and remote mine sites, in addition to people who run critical infrastructure, which includes remote train and port control.  

Workers must receive their first dose by 1 December to continue accessing their workplace, and be fully vaccinated by 2022.

Employers will be responsible for recording the vaccination status of their employees, with exemptions for approved medical reasons.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said he was urging workers to get vaccinated.

"To all the impacted workers who have done their share throughout the pandemic, stay the course and heed the health advice. I'm urging you to take this next step and get the COVID vaccine now," said McGowan.

"We've worked with industry along the way and what is not lost on all of us is that because the resources sector was able to operate during the height of the pandemic, Western Australians have benefited and enjoyed freedoms other places in the country cannot.”

To accommodate the shift, the State government is opening a pop-up vaccination clinic at Perth Airport on 11 October, encouraging FIFO workers to get the jab on their way to and from work.  

The new move will address risks posed by the movement of resource workers and aims to protect Aboriginal people in remote communities, as well employees.

"If a resources worker became infected with COVID-19 and the virus was then transmitted to one of our remote Aboriginal communities where people are very vulnerable to the illness, the consequences would be disastrous,” Health Minister Roger Cook said.

"We want to avoid that dreadful scenario and ensure all Western Australians are protected.

"So, my message for resources sector workers is 'Roll up for WA' - and do your bit to protect yourself, your loved ones and your community."

To register and book a vaccination, click here.

Vaccines to be required in all City of Melbourne facilities

All staff, contractors and visitors attending City of Melbourne operated facilities must be fully vaccinated from Friday, 5 November as part of the Victorian capital's push to reopen safely from COVID-19 restrictions.

City of Melbourne CEO Justin Hanney announced the mandate today, which will apply to any City-run site including libraries, recreation centres, community facilities and administration offices like Town Hall.

"We believe that COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to reopen our city, while protecting the health, safety and wellbeing of our staff and our broader community. Our people have overwhelmingly told us they agree," Hanney said.

"As we continue to provide essential services and support our community, we want to ensure the City of Melbourne is a safe and healthy place to work, and our facilities remain safe places to visit.

"This is a complex decision that we have not made lightly, and we’re currently working through next steps."

The mandate does not apply to those with a valid medical exemption.

Updated at 9.41am AEST on 6 October 2021.

This update is brought to you by Employment Hero.

Click here to go to Employment Hero’s COVID-19 Resource Hub for essential resources to help employers, managers and HR specialists navigate the ongoing pandemic. 


 

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