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Everyone in the supply chain has a part to play in ensuring the safety of workers and compliance in the horticulture industry.

To help providers and growers in Sunraysia and the Mallee understand their obligations the Authority delivered a webinar in collaboration with WorkSafe, Department of Health and Human Services, Coles, Woolworths and the United Workers Union.

With harvest commencing, this was a timely opportunity to refresh understanding of compliance requirements. This harvest is going to present new challenges, and the guidance presented in the session will help create COVIDSafe workplaces where we can make sure we are doing our best to protect our colleagues, families and the broader community.

Workplaces need to clean and disinfect surfaces - both steps are essential. The Victorian Government has released updated cleaning and disinfection guidelines including information on:

• factsheets for workplaces, workforces, supervisors and building owners and managers
• checklists for engaging and monitoring routine cleaning services
• checklist for engaging cleaning services for a COVID-deep clean
• training completion register template
• cleaning guidelines factsheets for a range of industries.

To help make sure commercial cleaners are aware of the new guidelines, the Authority is collaborating with the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions to write to all providers that supply workers in commercial cleaning.

Guidelines and resources for environmental cleaning

The Department of Health and Human Services has also developed guidance materials for environmental cleaning.

Here are answers to a few of the top questions coming through to our enquiries team. If you have a question you can contact the Authority by using the contact us button below.

The Fair Work Commission is updating casual and overtime clauses in 97 awards. Updated clauses have started taking effect from 20 November 2020.

To find out if your award is affected and what you need to do visit Fair Work Ombudsman.

Thanks to the efforts of every Victorian, the Victorian Government announced that the state is moving to the Last Step of reopening.

As restrictions ease, it’s important that we act to keep ourselves and others safe. For more information visit:

• Last Step - coronavirus roadmap for reopening
• Industry restriction levels

Your workplace can use this free collection of templates, questionnaires, signage and posters to promote a COVIDSafe workplace.

The templates include:

• record sheet - visitor and patron contact log
• staff health questionnaire
• social media tiles to share information to your clients and colleagues

You can also find links to translated information about coronavirus (COVID-19).