The Western Australian Government has introduced a 5-day lockdown for Perth metropolitan area and the Peel and South West regions which was effective from 6pm on 31st January 2021.

Facilities owners/operators should have in place a plan to ensure the safe and effective delivery of services and required obligations including, but not limited to:-

  • cleaning regimes
  • sanitation protocols
  • operating hours
  • urgent repairs and maintenance
  • elimination of employees working at multiple sites
  • closure of public toilet facilities and meeting rooms.

The SSAA developed a storage specific COVID Safe Plan that members may wish to implement into their everyday business practices.

Available for download from the Members Only section on our website – The Australian SSAA COVID Risk Management Plan 

Your COVID Safe Plan helps protect your workers, customers and visitors and provides guidance on what to do in the event of a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace.

Your COVID Safe Plan must set out:

  • Your actions to help prevent the introduction of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace
  • The level of face-covering or personal protective equipment (PPE) required for your workforce
  • How you will prepare for, and respond to, a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace

Key points to remember

Adhere to the facility COVID Safe Plan.

Everyone must wear a mask when they leave home unless an exception applies.

Remember that these restrictions are in place to slow the spread of coronavirus in Western Australia.

For more information

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Can you refuse entry to your facility if a storer is not wearing a mask?

A Facility has an obligation of safety to its staff and storers and is permitted to do what it believes is reasonably required to protect their health and safety. The requirement to wear a face-covering has been made by the Western Australian Government to reduce the spread of coronavirus.

Accordingly, a Facility can legally refuse access to people not wearing face coverings, unless one of the following exemptions applies:

  • a child under 12 years
  • has an illness, condition or disability which makes wearing a face mask unsuitable
  • engaged in teaching, lecturing or broadcasting work
  • swimming
  • the sole occupant of a private vehicle
  • eating or drinking
  • asked to remove the face covering for identity purposes; or
  • the person is a prisoner or detainee in a place of custody.

Storers who are refused access do not have grounds to contest the Facility’s decision. A right not to be discriminated against based on not wearing a mask does not exist and a Storer’s refusal to wear a mask does not qualify as an act demonstrating freedom of political communication under the Australian Constitution.

If any Facility owner or member of staff is concerned about their well-being during any discussion with a storer not wearing a mask, they should immediately contact local police.