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Face Coverings in Workplaces

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Tuesday, May 16, 2023 - 16:59

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Proposed Review Date: 

16/05/2024

Current Restrictions / Use of Face Masks

For COVID-19 Information in languages other than English please see:

Face Masks are not mandatory in Austraffic workplaces, however,

You should wear a mask when indoors and outside your place of residence if:

  • you have a temperature equal to or higher than 37.5 degrees
  • you have COVID-19 symptoms
  • you’re diagnosed with COVID-19
  • you're a close contact.

Please note that if any of the above circumstances apply you should not be at an Austraffic workplace / on an Austraffic work site.

You are most infectious in the 2 days before your symptoms start and while you have acute symptoms (such as a runny nose, sore throat, fever, cough).  It is recommended and we encourage all staff (office and field based) to isolate for at least 5 days and until you don’t have symptoms anymore or are RAT negative.  

You may be infectious for up to 10 days.

This means you should not go to work, school, or grocery shopping, especially if you work with or have interactions through your daily activities with people at a higher risk of becoming very sick with COVID-19.

To reduce the risk to others, Health Services across the states of Australia generally recommend you: 

  1. Stay home until your acute symptoms have gone. If you are at higher risk of severe illness, speak with your doctor as soon as you test positive. You may be eligible for antiviral medicines or other treatments for COVID-19. Antiviral medicines work best when used as soon as symptoms start.
  2. Don’t visit people at high risk of severe illness, anyone in hospital or an aged or disability care facility for at least 7 days.
  3. Wear a mask when indoors and on public transport, if you must leave your home.
  4. Avoid large gatherings and indoor crowded places, especially where you will be in contact with groups of people you don’t live with.
  5. Talk to your employer about when you should return to the workplace.  
    You should talk to your workplace about working from home, where possible. If you work in a high-risk setting such as health, disability and aged care, it is recommended that you stay away from the workplace for at least 7 days and until you have no symptoms to help protect other staff, patients, residents, and clients.  If your employer needs you to return to the workplace before this time, they may ask you to take additional steps to protect others, subject to their work, health and safety assessment.
  6. Tell people that you live with, or spend a lot of time with, that you have COVID-19.
    People you live with or spend a lot of time indoors with are at greatest risk of catching COVID-19 from you. You should tell them you have tested positive and try to separate from them as much as possible. They should test regularly and monitor for symptoms. If they get sick, they should get tested and stay home. They should follow the Information for people exposed to COVID-19 fact sheet.

Some people with COVID-19 do not develop symptoms at all but are still able to infect others.

Please ensure you are familiar with the health recommendations of the State relevant to where you are undertaking workplace/worksite activities at all times.  And DO NOT hesitate to contact your Office or Survey Manager with any questions, concerns or for access to more information. 

We value collaboration in managing a safe workplace for all.  

Choosing a face mask

High-quality and well-fitted face masks can stop or slow viruses spreading. Respirator masks (N95 and P2) or KN95 masks help protect against airborne or aerosol transmission. They are more effective than surgical masks. Surgical masks help protect against larger droplets. Cloth masks are the least effective.

Wearing a respirator mask indoors reduces your risk of infection by more than 83 per cent; a surgical mask reduces your risk by 66 per cent; a cloth mask by more than 50 per cent. Source: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/face-masks

Recommended face masks

Different types of masks provide different levels of protection. Wear the most protective mask you can. Make sure that it fits well and that there are no air gaps on the side.

The following face masks are recommended, 1. (N95 / P2) being the best:

  1. Respirators - N95 or P2 mask: These are filtering masks and they provide the best protection when fitted correctly.
  2. KN95 mask: These are high filtering masks, but are not as well fitted as a respirator. The ear loops don't achieve a good seal between the mask and the face.
  3. Surgical or medical mask: These provide good protection when worn correctly (for example, fitting snugly over your nose, mouth and chin).
  4. Reusable three-layer cloth mask: These can also provide protection if they are made of tightly woven fabric and are machine washed every day.

Face masks what to wear and how to wear them: source https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/stay-well-this-winter-face-masks-factsheet_0.pdf

Identifying and controlling risks

The most effective control measures to reduce transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) are to:
  • physically isolate, for example by working from home where it is reasonably practicable
  • maintain a physical distance of 1.5 metres
  • practice good hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly and regularly
  • cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow
  • provide adequate ventilation
  • wear a suitable face mask.

Using face masks in workplaces

It is strongly recommended that you wear a mask if you:

  • are on public transport or sharing a vehicle with persons not from the same household as you
  • are in a crowded indoor environment
  • have any COVID-19 symptoms, though you should remain home and not be at an Austraffic workplace in this situation
  • are with people who may be vulnerable to COVID-19.

Austraffic offices are not a setting where face masks are required by state or territory law, however, their use is strongly encouraged where social distancing cannot be maintained or in areas where ventilation may not be optimal.

Controlling the risk of heat-related illness

The risk of heat-related illness may be increased while employees wear face masks in hot weather.

When temperatures are expected to increase, employers should conduct a risk assessment. Where a risk assessment has already been undertaken, review and revise where necessary. This should be reflected in the COVIDSafe Plan for the workplace.

Any risk assessment must be undertaken in consultation with employees and HSRs, and take into account:

  • where the work is conducted (eg indoor or outdoor)
  • temperature, humidity and air movement in the work environment
  • nature and type of work tasks (eg physical workload)
  • clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE)

Heat-related illness can be a risk in indoor and outdoor working environments. Employers need to implement control measures to reduce the risk, including those listed below.

For both indoor and outdoor work environments:

  • ensure water is readily accessible
  • revise work and rest schedules to allow employees sufficient time to rehydrate
    • Where possible, this should include regular short breaks for employees to remove their masks to drink water. Physical distancing measures must be maintained during breaks.
  • provide employees with information, instruction and training to recognise early signs and symptoms of heat-related illness
  • where possible have a buddy system in place so that any signs of heat stress can be quickly identified and addressed
  • where possible ensure employees do not work alone
  • consider rotating duties to reduce each employee's exposure to heat, including rotation between outdoor and indoor work (where relevant)
  • reduce physical demands by using mechanical aids or additional resourcing
  • when face masks are likely to become damp or dirty, consider providing an additional supply of face masks to allow for regular replacement
  • use less restrictive face masks (eg surgical masks) where P2 masks are not required for the work that is being carried out

Correct use of masks

See https://youtu.be/1j4Ru6ltJgo if video does not load correctly. See instructions below for additional information on how to wear a face covering correctly.

Face masks and coverings are only effective when they are worn and maintained correctly. For example, it is very easy for a face mask to lose its effectiveness if it does not fit, if the front is touched whilst wearing it, or if it is not washed or disposed of appropriately.

How to use a face mask

  • Before putting on the mask, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use a hand sanitiser that is made up of over 60% alcohol.
  • Check for defects in the mask, such as tears or broken loops.
  • Position the outer side of the mask outward according to the instructions of the manufacturer.
  • If present, make sure the metallic strip is at the top of the mask and positioned against the bridge of your nose.
  • If the mask has:
    • ear loops: hold the mask by both ear loops and place one loop over each ear
    • ties: hold the mask by the upper strings. Tie the upper strings in a secure bow near the crown of your head. Tie the bottom strings securely in a bow near the nape of your neck
    • dual elastic bands: pull the bottom band over your head and position it against the nape of your neck. Pull the top band over your head and position it against the crown of your head.
  • Mould the bendable metallic upper strip to the shape of your nose by pinching and pressing down on it with your fingers.
  • Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin.
  • Be sure the mask fits snugly.
  • Don’t touch the mask once in position.

If the mask gets soiled or damp, replace it with a new one.

What does ‘fitted and snug’ mean?

Fitted means a mask that fits securely around the face, specifically covering the nose and the mouth areas.

What’s the best way to take off a mask?

  • Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 60% alcohol.
  • Don’t touch the front of the face covering or your face.
  • Carefully remove your face covering by grasping the ear loops or untying the ties. For face coverings with a pair of ties, unfasten the bottom one first, then the top one.
  • Fold the covering and put it directly into the laundry or into a disposable or washable bag for laundering. Single use surgical masks should be disposed of responsibly.
  • Clean your hands again by washing them or using alcohol-based hand sanitiser.