COVID-19 safety

Your employer must provide a safe environment for you to work in. This includes taking action to protect against COVID-19.

Depending on the kind of work you’re doing, your employer might:

  • Talk with employees to help identify risks and how to best control them.
  • Provide info, training or supervision to help you do your job safely.
  • Use control measures such as social distancing, extra cleaning and disinfection around the workplace and, where needed, personal protective equipment (PPE) – plus training on how to use it safely.
workers working on a construction site

You can read more about COVID-19 safety and control measures at WorkSafe Victoria.

You have the right to be safe at work. You should also take reasonable care of your own health and safety – and the health and safety of others – in the workplace. This means you must follow any reasonable directions by your employer to reduce COVID-19 risks. 

Head here to find out more about current COVIDSafe Settings across Victoria.

A female apprentice in full PPE operating a machine

What to do if you feel unwell

  • Here are the symptoms of COVID-19 to look out for:

    • Fever
    • Chills or sweats
    • Cough
    • Sore throat
    • Shortness of breath
    • Runny nose
    • Loss or change in sense of smell or taste.

    Some people also get headaches, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.

    If you’re unwell, no matter how mild the symptoms, you should:

    • Self-isolate immediately
    • Get tested then return home immediately
    • Wait for your results – that means stay at home and don’t go to work or to the shops
    • Seek further advice if needed from your doctor or the Victorian Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.

    You also need to tell your employer as soon as possible and keep them updated with your results, especially if you receive a positive COVID-19 diagnosis.

    Head here for more info on how to get tested, and how to access support if you need to isolate.