WorkSafe will soon be launching a campaign to encourage small businesses (up to 60 employees) to sign up to the OHS Essentials program, particularly to get support for managing through COVID (see attached and below). COVID is a especially a risk in the horticulture sector because of the use of seasonal workers. Please pass this on through your networks and encourage farmers to take up this free service.
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Essentials program provides free, confidential, independent and personalised safety advice to keep Victorian workers in small and medium businesses (60 workers or fewer) safe.
Victorian coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions have impacted how all workplaces operate, with many industries remaining open (excluding the stage four areas) and, in some cases, working at a heightened capacity to support Victorians. This continued operation in small and medium businesses has contributed to coronavirus (COVID-19) cases.
The functional campaign promotes the OHS Essentials program as a key resource that provides employers with practical OHS advice and guidance to help businesses meet their coronavirus (COVID-19) employer obligations.
The campaign will target culturally and linguistically diverse audiences in Mandarin, Cantonese and Vietnamese through digital channels. The campaign directs the audience to WorkSafe’s Advisory service to seek assistance. If required, CALD audiences can access translations through TISNational to apply and participate in the program.
The campaign will run across print, digital and social media channels during October 2020.
The key messages include:
Free safety advice to help your business through the coronavirus (COVID-19).
The OHS Essentials program is here to help you during this challenging time.
Benefit from a tailored and practical safety action plan.
Access free, confidential and personalised safety advice from an expert in your industry.
The campaign highlights eligibility for the program and directs businesses to the OHS Essentials landing page; https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/ohsessentials. In doing so, we’re encouraging all eligible businesses to visit the website and apply for the program.