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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Policy

Purpose

This plan in response to the outbreak and evolving situation regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19), noting that we have not received notification of any confirmed (or unconfirmed) cases of COVID-19 within the MCS workforce at this time.

The purpose of this plan is to:

  • Ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff, customers and our community;
  • Decrease the spread of acute respiratory illness and lower the impact of COVID-19 in the MCS workplace, working in conjunction with MCS’s Business Continuity Plan; and
  • Enable MCS to be ready to implement strategies to protect Staff from COVID-19 whilst ensuring continuity of business.

Scope

This plan applies to all MCS Staff.

All MCS Staff are responsible for taking effective steps to protect themselves and others from contracting COVID-19.

Objective

  • Reduce transmission among Staff;
  • Protect people who are at higher risk for adverse health complications;
  • Maintain business operations; and
  • Minimise adverse effects on other entities in MCS supply chains.

MCS is prepared for possible increased numbers of Staff absences due to illness in Staff and their family members by monitoring and responding to absenteeism in the workplace by, inter alia:

  • Implementing the MCS business continuity plan as required in the event of higher than usual absenteeism; and
  • Having already cross-trained Staff to perform essential functions so that the workplace is able to operate even if key staff members are absent.

Plan

MCS is taking precautionary measures to minimise risks in respect of COVID-19, which steps are aligned with recommendations from the Australian Government, such as rigorous health and hygiene procedures in place at MCS offices, increased cleaning of high touch points, provision of sanitiser and requesting visitors to MCS offices to notify us of travel from highly impacted destinations. In the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 at an MCS office, MCS will follow the guidance and directions of the emergency services and government health authorities.

The following precautionary measures should be taken to minimise risk:

Reporting & Staying Home

  • Staff should familiarise themselves with the symptoms of COVID-191 and seek medical attention immediately if showing signs of any of the symptoms.
  • Staff must immediately notify MCS management if they have symptoms of acute respiratory illness2 and/or have been confirmed to have COVID-19.
  • Staff will be required to not come to work and to self-isolate until 14 days have elapsed from the happening of any of the following:
    • Have symptoms of acute respiratory illness and/or have been confirmed to have COVID-19.
    • Returned from overseas
    • Had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 infection.
    • Appear to have acute respiratory illness symptoms upon arrival at work or become sick during the day at work.
  • After 14 days of self-isolation, if well and without symptoms, Staff may return to work.
  • Flexible working arrangements to enable Staff to work from home have been put in place.
  • MCS will maintain confidentiality of any Staff member or their family who are confirmed to have COVID-1

Hygiene

  • Staff should cover their noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or an elbow or shoulder if no tissue is available).
  • Staff should clean their hands often with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Travel, Meetings & Events

  • The need to travel for business will continue to be monitored, noting that travel restrictions may be enacted by other states/countries which may limit the ability of Staff to return home if they become sick while away on business travel.
  • Before travelling, Staff must check themselves for symptoms of acute respiratory illness and notify MCS management, and stay home, if they are unwell.
  • Staff who become sick while travelling must immediately notify MCS management and promptly consult a healthcare practitioner for advice.
  • Event hosting and attendance will continue to be monitored cancelled/postponed as is appropriate in the circumstances.

Appointments & Onsite Visits

  • When booking appointments, MCS staff must reinforce to customers that MCS Staff who attend the premises have not travelled overseas in the past 14 days and have not come into contact with anyone infected with COVID-19.
  • MCS staff must ask customers if they or anyone at the premises or in their home has travelled overseas in the last month, come into contact with anyone who is infected with COVID-19 or displaying symptoms thereof. If so, notify MCS management immediately.
  • Staff who become sick while travelling must immediately notify MCS management and promptly consult a healthcare practitioner for advice.
  • When onsite, Staff must minimise risks to themselves by not shaking hands with others and making the necessary disclosures and enquiries. They will use the following script (or similar) while the COVID-19 virus threat is current:

    "I am sure you’ve heard a lot in the news about Coronavirus, so for both our safety, I’ll just say hello today and not shake hands.

    Also, I’d like to let you know that I have not travelled overseas within the last 14 days and I have not come into contact with anyone with Coronavirus or displaying symptoms of it.

    Would you mind telling me if you or anyone at the premises or in your home has travelled overseas in the last month or come into contact with anyone who’s been diagnosed with Coronavirus or is displaying symptoms of it?"

  • If it transpires that following the above exchange, that there is possible risk, our staff must notify MCS immediately before undertaking their onsite visit.
  • If the damage at the property is dangerous or requires immediate action, MCS staff are to return to their vehicle, notify MCS Head Office immediately and for the inspection to continue they are to wear their Asbestos PPE.
  • At all times compliance with government regulations or requirements must be observed. This includes but is not limited to observing social distancing, wearing protective masks, staying within your state border, etc.

Cleaning

  • All frequently touched surfaces in the workplace, such as workstations, counter tops, and doorknobs will continue to be regularly cleaned with appropriate cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas by following the instructions on the product label.
  • In addition, disposable wipes will be available for wiping down these commonly used surfaces by Staff before each use.
  • Additional hand wash/soap and alcohol-based sanitiser will be provided in MCS offices.
  • Additional tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles will be provided at MCS offices.

Further Information

MCS will continue to monitor and respond to developments in respect of COVID-19.