In Victoria, workplaces are now required to identify close contacts among staff and visitors, collect their details and tell them that they are close contacts. This change will target those at risk, encourage early testing and quickly isolate people. However, this is a new and challenging area for many organisations.
Contact tracing requires a close understanding of the virus infectivity and transmission dynamics to both protect workers and prevent needless quarantining. Different activities increase the chance of transmission, such as noisy close work environments, workplaces with poor ventilation and when employees spend significant time in the same room.
There needs to be detailed questioning of contact type and duration, and the social settings of those involved.
It is easy to over-estimate the risk and isolate too many staff members leading to sustainability issues for the organisation. Just as importantly, failing to isolate those who need it can have serious ramifications for spread within a workplace.
Injurynet’s medical advisors are able to support organisations to navigate and manage these situations to keep your workplace safe and to reduce the harm COVID-19 can have on your workplace, your employees and local communities.
Our medical advisors can make recommendations on whether groups of contacts should be sent home to isolate, should be tested or can actually stay at work. Subsequently, we can provide specialist advice on release from isolation and safely returning to work.
Advice is also available on possible mitigation strategies to prevent these organisational challenges.
