Health and safety in the workplace

Published 31 March 2020 | Updated 8 November 2022

We all need to do our part to prevent the spread of coronavirus. To do this, employers and workers need to follow the rules about health and safety in the workplace.

Workplace health and safety resources

There are many organisations that can help you with information and resources about workplace health and safety. We’ve included some helpful links below:

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Work-related travel during coronavirus

Some states and territories are restricting domestic travel, including by closing state borders and implementing extra quarantine requirements.

Find out more about restrictions in your state or territory:

Directing employees not to travel

Employers can direct employees not to undertake work-related travel if this is:

  • needed to meet workplace health and safety obligations
  • otherwise a lawful and reasonable direction.

Employers can’t direct an employee to not undertake private travel.

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Beyond Blue  Mental health support

Beyond Blue has a dedicated coronavirus website external-icon.png and a 24-hour phone counselling service to help Australians during coronavirus.

The website includes a range of helpful advice, including:

  • coping with isolation
  • managing your mental health if you have coronavirus
  • ways to deal with job loss and financial worries
  • coping as a healthcare worker
  • support for essential service workers and small businesses.

The 24-hour counselling hotline has trained mental health professionals who provide free, one-on-one confidential sessions. You can call the hotline on 1800 512 348.

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