Coronavirus and Security Officers [Final Update 20/10/20]

20/10/20: Steps to COVID Normal

The state of Victoria has managed to lower the infection rate within the community and the state is now turning to reach a COVID Normal. This virus will be with us for a long time so it is vital that everyone learns how to live with it.

With steps to reopening, we will see a swell of crowds attending areas they previously could not and businesses struggling to meet demand. With eased restrictions means eased enforcement, and therefore criminal entities may look to take advantage of the lower Police presence, increased stock arriving at businesses reopening or on peoples emotions as they begin to reintegrate with the new normal.

Safety and hygiene precautions must remain and security officers working in public-facing roles must understand a risk still exists for virus transmission.

Businesses need to ensure they have a COVID Safe Plan and proper policy in place to protect those who work with, or in, their business.

You can see the updated roadmap for reopening here.


07/09/20: Steps to eased restrictions

The Victorian Government has announced a new system for reaching what they call COVID Normal. These new steps essentially extend the lockdown period and place quotas on reopening parts of the economy.

For Security Officers in varying industries, including the industries themselves, these announcements are a blow to the hope of reopening any time soon.

For those who have continued to work during the pandemic, work will surely continue as essential works carry on and the restrictions ease depending on the steps we move to.

Protests and civil unrest continue to grow in support and attendance, and, these activities pose a real risk to businesses and individuals. A risk assessment should be conducted if you are in an area (e.g. the city) where protests could occur. The consideration to more widespread unrest should also be considered.

Security should ensure they continue to have their workers permit, PPE and are aware of the situation around their site or facility in case protests occur, or, turn into something more over the coming weeks.

You can find the roadmap to recovery and the outlined steps by clicking here.

You can find the permit template and more information by clicking here.

If you need any further help, please contact me.

05/08/20: Stage 4 Lockdown – Workers Permits

From 23:59 on Wednesday 5 August, employers that require their staff to attend a worksite must issue a worker permit to their employees – this is the employer’s responsibility.

Employees must carry the permit and should also have photo ID.

If this means that employers need to issue separate worker permits for new rostering periods, the employee will need to carry their old worker permit, to ensure authorities can verify with their employer. ASIAL has said that they received word from the Premier’s office that permits will be required for security employees and that possession of a current security licence or registration is not enough.

You can find the permit template and more information by clicking here.

If you need any further help, please contact me.

04/08/20: State of Disaster VIC – Stage 4 Lockdown

The State of Victoria has declared a State of Disaster and is moving to “full” Stage 4 Lockdown from 23:59 on Wednesday 5 August. A majority of retail and service-based businesses will be forced to close and several other restrictions, including a curfew and mask-wearing, have been implemented already.

As we head into a complete stage 4 lockdown here in Victoria, the Security Industry will continue to play an important role in the protection of people and assets. Perhaps, even more so now that a majority of businesses and services will close.

Employers must look after their staff and that staff take their precautions, to. We need to stick together to get through to the other side of all this quickly, and with less of the virus spread.

Security Services where required for the safety of a permitted or closed workplace is deemed essential by the Victorian Government. You can review this document on the DHHS website by clicking here.

EMPLOYERS
You are obligated to provide a safe workplace and this includes sanitisation and face masks for your employees. This is a duty under Workplace Health and Safety. Click for WorkSafe.

You must notify WorkSafe if you have a confirmed case of Covid19 in your workplace. This is a requirement under the OHS Act.

If you remain open, you must have a COVID Safe Plan in place that is regularly updated (unless you are a small business with fewer than 5 employees). Click for the Business VIC website for more info.

You must supply your staff a Permit if they are required to leave home for work. The permit is available for download and printing on the DOJ website. Click here.

EMPLOYEES
You must stay home unless there is a lawful reason to go out. Read about stage 4 restrictions in force here.

You must take care of yourself. PPE for Security should include sanitiser, safety glasses, gloves and a face mask (I suggest not just a face covering if dealing with the public). Wear this. This is an obligation from WorkSafe which you can read about here.

Report to your management if you are feeling unwell. There are several support services available if you need them (such as Beyond Blue).

SECURITY SPECIFIC
Security Officers must maintain situational awareness and remember that you are setting an example to others in your workplace.

What you do out there IS important and will make a big impact on the safety of the community over the coming weeks.

If you need any further help, please contact me.

02/08/20: State of Disaster declared in VIC

The State of Victoria has declared a State of Disaster from 6pm this evening, activating a range of wide-sweeping powers for Government Agencies.

New restrictions for the state come into play as we enter Stage 4 Restrictions:

1. In the Melbourne region, you can ony leave your house to shop or exercise once per day and must stay within 5km of home (unless providing care or going to work).
2. When shopping, only one person form the household can do so, once per day.
3. A curfew will be in place from 8pm tonight between the hours of 8pm-5am every night until further notice, with the only reason to be out during these hours is for care or work purposes.
4. For Regional Victoria, stage 3 restrictions will be enforced from Wednesday.

Further restrictions to workplaces to be announced tomorrow. Changes are in place for atleast 6 weeks.

Security Officers are likely to be essential in most cases, but there will be case by case requirements for some businesses. Security Officers should ensure they have their licence and ID on them, and are able to prove they are rostered on when travelling to or from work.

Further information to be announced tomorrow.

30/07/20:

Cases are currently spiking in aged care homes and regional Victoria. Further control measures are being implemented.

As of Monday 3rd August, all persons in Victora must wear face coverings when out for one of the four approved reasons, including whilst at work. There are limited exceptions for not wearing a mask. The Greater Geelong Region has had visiting restrictions to personal residences placed on it as well.

Security Officers should be carrying a set of PPE including sanitiser, glasses, gloves and masks and utilising these frequently.

Hand hygiene is still the best defence.

Security Officers need to remember situational awareness and be prepared for negative behaviours form those struggling with the situation.

23/07/20:

Victoria has extended its State of Emergency.

Cases are currently spiking and further control measures are being implemented.

All persons in the Melbourne and Mitchell areas must wear face coverings when out for one of the four approved reasons, including whilst at work. There are limited exceptions for not wearing a mask.

Security Officers should be carrying a set of PPE including sanitiser, glasses, gloves and masks and utilising these frequently.

Hand hygiene is still the best defence.

Security Officers need to remember situational awareness and be prepared for negative behaviours form those struggling with the situation.

Stay up to date with the latest from your states health department.

05/05/20 – The curve continues to flatten.

States of Emergency still exist, however, the National Cabinet and individual States are starting to look at easing lockdown restrictions.

Security Officers are still finding customer behaviour difficult on the frontline and this is likely to continue for some time.

PPE requirements are still the same when working close to potential infections. In general, however, handwashing practices will continue to be the best form of defence.

16/04/2020 – With lockdown measures across Australia, the infection curve is starting to flatten. However, lockdown measures will continue for some time. The emergency powers also continue.

We are also starting to see the redeployment of Police to help enforce the measures and also deter crime in and around CBD areas experiencing large shut-downs.

Front line Security should take note of potential increases of crime in their areas and exercise ‘safety first’ in their roles.

06/04/2020 – STATE OF EMERGENCY
Coronavirus is now a worldwide pandemic.

The Australian Defence Force is being deployed to assist States and Territories.

There is a worldwide travel ban and all persons entering Australia will now be forced into isolation for two weeks.

States and Territories of Australia have declared public health emergencies and are implementing new laws, strict lockdowns and closing nonessential services and some borders in a bid to keep people at home and reduce the spread of the virus.

All nonessential businesses must now implement their business continuity plans, including shutdown and remote work procedures for nonessential businesses as defined per each state.

Frontline officers should now consider their need for certain types of work, and if choosing to work in Crowd Control or areas of public access, implement personal protective strategies (Full use of PPE, social distance, call emergency services if the situation escalates instead of going hands-on, etc.).

Front Line Officers should be using the below links and communicating with their employers to stay up to date (click a name below to go to the website):

  1. Department of Health and Human Services VIC (Recommended)
  2. World Health Organisation’s Covid19 Page
  3. Aus Gov Health Alert for Covid19
  4. Aus Gov Smart Traveller
  5. Also, see the ISIO website for hospitality workers. Remember to scale their advice to your specific situation.
  6. ASIAL has released a fantastic resource for all States and Territories. Here. (Recommended)

22/03/2020 – Updates are flowing faster than we can keep up with at the moment! This page has been updated again. There is a worldwide restriction on travel by the Aus Gov. Domestic travel is also being impacted.

21/03/2020 – Additional measures continue to be implemented. Security Officers on the front line should now ensure they wear gloves in any interactions with persons or where they may need to touch or handle something and have direct contact to assistance through the client or employer in case of illness or anti-social behaviour associated to the current social climate.

12/03/2020 – Please see our updated blog post below. This page has been updated with the latest information. Coronavirus has now been declared a global pandemic by the WHO. Additional measures are to be implemented.

10/03/2020 – Several deaths are now linked to the virus. Australia continues to implement measures in response to the plan. Front line staff should ensure they are following the guidelines to protect themselves (handwashing, etc). Households should stock up each shop with essentials – not panic buy all at once.

01/03/2020 – The first Australian death has been confirmed, after a man died in a Perth hospital overnight. He was infected on the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

28/02/2020 – Australian authorities have activated the first phase of their pandemic response plan. The general public should continue with hygiene practices and review their at-home emergency kits. Workplaces should consider their options for handling sick employees, partial shutdowns and further market slowdowns.

24/02/2020 – Australian authorities report that the virus has not yet spread through local communities and that Australian cases have only been from those who have travelled or been in contact with someone who has. Current media reports suggest that the virus has not broken containment and spreads through communities faster than first thought as people carrying the virus do not show symptoms initially but are contagious. No official word has been released on this as yet. Border protection protocols remain in effect.

10/02/2020 – See the ‘Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) health alert’ issued by the Aus Gov here. The overall situation is still similar in the way the virus spreads and rising infection rates. Many countries have now isolated their borders in an attempt to stem the spread. Australia is still ‘at risk’, however, is holding steady in terms of infections and no attributable deaths. The advice below for front line workers is still valid. If someone is showing symptoms, utilise PPE before approach and consider escalation to Ambulance as required.

04/02/2020 – As a precaution, people who have been in mainland China (excluding Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) are advised to self-isolate if they were in mainland China on or after 1 February 2020, when the risk of human to human transmission was identified to have significantly increased. Businesses may consider additional measures to screen for the virus and may opt to follow the same guidance around exclusion or isolation. See DHHS link below.

01/02/2020 – The Australian Govt has updated its travel advice to ‘Do Not Travel‘ to mainland China. Incoming tourists from China are no longer permitted entry.
Security Officers should continue to work with their employers as the cases in Australia are minimal, but heed the information below and have PPE available.


As of 12 March 2020, the Coronavirus has been declared a global pandemic. It has spread across much of the world. The reaction to this spread by Governments and therefore citizens is increasing, and the virus and reactions to it now present a real and credible threat to the general population, regardless of possible infection or severity.

Security Officers are often on the front line with people from a wide variety of backgrounds and possible exposures to various illnesses, chemicals, drugs, etc.

People need not panic but must exercise precautions.

What is it?

The Coronavirus can cause an infection in people and impact their respiratory system. Symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat or shortness of breath.

It is believed that it is transmitted through human contact and can spread in close proximity. Body fluid (e.g. from coughing) help to spread it. It has now been established that the virus can spread through human carriers or off surfaces where it can survive for some time. Human to human contact is less likely if general precautions are taken.

Coronavirus symptoms and reducing risk. From www.news.com.au
Coronavirus symptoms and risk reduction. Credit news.com.au

Don’t Panic but be prepared

People should not panic. Health experts believe that this virus is of highest risk to the elderly and those with chronic conditions already. The majority of people who may contract the virus are unlikely to experience anything more than symptoms similar to the common flu.

Daily life will be impacted so people must prepare accordingly. People should now be prepared with hand sanitiser, a regular hand washing routine and staying home in isolation if they have symptoms. They should also be wearing face coverings in public and reducing public outings.

For Security Officers, this means keep doing the good job that you do out there. Security becomes increasingly important in times such as these. To ensure you are best positioned to assist, make sure to have a personal preparedness kit that you carry with you. PPE is discussed under ‘Security Response’ below. It also means a potential rise in job opportunities – however, you must take precautions.

Stay Informed

We all know what the media can be like when we work in this industry…

So, get the news from a more reliable source.

The VIC Department of Health and Human Services has a fantastic resources page outlining what the virus is, posters and information guides for your workplace and details on responding to and containing a possible case of the virus.

See the DHHS page here.

See the World Health Organisation’s page here.

Additional and relevant Government information (click the name):
1. Smart Traveller
2. Aus Gov Department of Health

Security Response

Your employer is hopefully keeping up to date on the information and taking precautions. Also, remember that you are also responsible for your health and safety in the workplace. Some simple but actionable steps:

  1. Discuss any concerns with your employer.
  2. Carry your PPE and utilise it when dealing with any sick persons or potential biological hazards. Gloves, safety glasses and one-use face masks are great to carry along with small bottles of hand sanitiser.
    1. All these items are relatively cheap and available for purchase at places such as hardware stores, supermarkets, grocers, etc. They can also be purchased online.
    2. Hand Sanitizers should state they kill 99.9% of germs. Most active ingredients are the same, so you don’t need to shell out for an expensive one.
    3. Disposable face masks should be worn at all times as per the Health Dept’s direction.
  3. Wash your hands regularly, especially when returning to an office or finishing shift.
  4. Cover your coughs and sneezes.
  5. If you are feeling unwell, stay home and seek medical advice, as you normally would.
    1. Be a bit more mindful of the “it’ll be right” mentality during this as, although it is unlikely you will contract it, you also need to consider the well-being of those around you.
  6. If you believe you are dealing with a person who is symptomatic of the virus, maintain a safe distance and do not touch them. Utilise PPE. An ambulance may need to be called or advice sought from the hotline (1800-675-398).

If you work in hospitality, hotels, etc. you should utilise your surroundings for clues. For example, if you are attending a hotel room listen out for coughing or nose blowing. Additional information can be found at the International Security Industry Organisation’s website (please level the advice given on this page to where you work and risks associated with your workplace).

Employer Response

  1. Implement your COVID Safe Plan.
  2. Monitor for unwell employees, welfare check and consider sick leave.
  3. Provide hand sanitisers that kill 99.9% of germs in both public and private areas for your staff and customers.
  4. If you operate in a higher risk environment (such as place of mass gathering, medical facility, etc.) have PPE available for your team.
  5. If you have questions, consult the Coronavirus hotline on 1800-675-398.
  6. Provide information for your employees from the links in this blog.
  7. Implement your continuity plans.
  8. Get in touch with a Consultant if you need additional assistance on security or risk management and responding to this in your workplace.

Reassurance

Remember that our industry is often the face many of the public will first see. A strong and united position with the correct tools and resources (such as signage, sanitiser and redirection to the Health Department) will help us and the public be reassured they are as safe as can be.

Taking precautions now pays dividends later.


Share This Blog

By using this website you agree to accept our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions