COVIDSAFE PLAN Version 5
The University of New England’s Safety Plan to Support the Return to Campus from COVID-19 Contents Introduction ...... 2 Reference Documents ...... 2 Failure to Comply ...... 2 UNE COVID Safe Governance Framework ...... 3 Return to Campus Roadmap ...... 4 The Return to Campus Process ...... 8 Understanding COVID-19 ...... 9 Legal Framework ...... 10 COVIDSafe Roles and Responsibilities ...... 10 COVIDSafe Risk Assessment ...... 11 COVID-19 Positive Guideline ...... 13 Return to Campus COVIDSafe Checklist ...... 13 COVIDSafe Controls ...... 14 Appendix 1 - Return to Campus COVIDSafe Plan Checklist ...... 17
University of New England – COVIDSafe Plan 1
Introduction
The University of New England’s (UNE) COVIDSafe Plan details the overarching framework for a safe and structured return to campus activities.
The COVIDSafe Plan establishes the governance and control structures for the University’s planned approach to ensuring the safety of staff, students and the general community. This plan is informed and directed by activities and restrictions detailed in the Australian Government’s 3 Step Framework for a COVIDSafe Australia.
This plan is designed to support the return the work plans of faculties and directorates, as well as those of the University wide strategies of teaching and learning, research, accommodation and on campus retail services.
This document also details the essential requirements and standards for UNE’s response to risk mitigating the health consequences of COVID-19 for University stakeholders, and it specifically details the required shared responsibilities for safety controls as people return to campus.
UNE relies upon the advice and directives from National Cabinet, SafeWork Australia, SafeWork NSW and NSW Health as the most authoritative sources of information when considering the measures to be taken in returning to campus activities. These government guidelines and NSW Public Health Orders have provided the basis for the development of this COVIDSafe Plan.
Please note this plan is subject to change, according to variations to Government requirements, timeframes or rates of community transmission into the future.
Reference Documents
Safe Work Australia - https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/collection/covid-19-resource-kit NSW Safe Work - https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/COVID-19-Coronavirus NSW Government - https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 Australian Government ComCare - https://www.comcare.gov.au/safe-healthy-work/prevent-harm/coronavirus US Centre for Disease Control – Guidance to Higher Education Institutions - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html Failure to Comply
All staff and students must comply with the University COVID-19 protocols within this document to ensure that workplaces remain a safe environment. If staff or students are unsure of any of the protocols contained within this document, they should seek clarification from their supervisor. Clarification of any technical aspect(s) of health and safety principles should be referred to the UNE Work Health Safety (WHS) team.
Deliberate failure to comply with any aspects of this COVIDSafe plan will be deemed a breach of the University’s Code of Conduct. For individuals who believe they cannot comply with aspects of the COVIDSafe plan they should raise these concerns with their Supervisor or their Human Resource Business Partner.
University of New England – COVIDSafe Plan 2
UNE COVID Safe Governance Framework
Senior Executive Team (SET)
Special Incident Group (SIG)
Return To Campus Steering Committee
Steering Committee Chairperson Peter Creamer, Chief Operating Officer
SABL Medicine and Health HASSE Communications WHS Project Lead Facilities and Property
Bryn Griffiths, Associate Director Patrick Crick, Operational Darren Ryder, Academic Rep Jane Conway, Academic Rep Nigel Flett, Academic Rep Erin Chaloner, WHS Manager Jo Scanlan, Director FMS Events and Communications Services Manager FMS
Facilities Human Resources UNE Life Residential Research IT Project Manager
Eliza Kent, Business Services David Schmude, Director UNE Ashwin Bhutani, Director Andrew Johnson, Director Adam Wayling, Associate James Croft, Project Manager Andrew Corbett, Director HR Manager FMS Life Residential System Research Services Director IT Client Services FMS
CONSULTATION WITH STAFF
COVIDSAFE PLAN
University of New England – COVIDSafe Plan 3
Return to Campus Roadmap
After the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions in April the University has developed a 3 stage roadmap to returning staff, students, accommodation, teaching and research to campus from the 1st of July. This plan acknowledges the governments planned easing of restrictions and links the effects of this to on campus services, retail outlets and recreational activities.
Within this plan faculties and directorates will be slowly phased back to the workplace. This measured process ensures that occupancy on campus is contained and increased at manageable levels to ensure controls and support structures are able to respond adequately.
This staged and controlled response to increased occupancy on campus is critical to supporting this COVIDSafe plan by ensuring controls are adequate at each stage and that if adjustments need to be made then resources are available to respond to these requirements.
This roadmap is governed by the following four principles which support this COVIDSafe Plan:
The following are the principles that govern the return to campus of staff:
1. Always practice good hygiene
2. Ensure social distancing at all times
3. Stay at home if you are sick
4. Protect others and the most vulnerable
A detail representation of the Return to Campus Roadmap is as follows
Easing of Restrictions Progressive Reintroduction Adjusted Normal
Stage Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
Dates June - July July - August August and Beyond
Trimester 2 teaching and exams to remain online. Mandatory intensives rescheduled to a date to be confirmed.
Scheduled teaching and exams for trimester 3 to be Teaching and examination remains online. Campus access restricted and minimal on confirmed in line with government regulations. Mandatory intensives rescheduled to a date to campus services available. be confirmed. Face-to-face teaching in trimester 3 for mandatory
Teaching and examinations maintained online. and deferred intensive schools to be confirmed in line Multi phased return of staff to campus. Mandatory intensives rescheduled to a date to with government regulations.
be confirmed. Campus remains restricted with some key Staff to work from campus where possible, excluding buildings with unrestricted access. Only essential research continued. those with health related exemptions or working on
distributed working models. Research increased in line with government Core staff remain on campus and plans regulations and social distancing requirements. developed to phase staff back to campus On campus research resumed and all HDR candidates
starting in July. return to campus, if social distancing can be College occupants welcomed back with maintained. restrictions to support students in their studies. New college applicants assessed and prioritised
by application with a phasing in of new students Campus sport and recreation activities increased in Campus sport and recreation activities initiated. line with government regulations. Summary increased in line with government regulations.
On campus events restricted in line with COVIDSafe plan continues to operate across campus. COVIDSafe plan implemented campus wide. government regulations.
On campus events returned to campus in line with Retail outlets progressively opened in line with SportUNE gym and pool to open in line with government regulations. government regulations and with strict social government regulations and with strict social distancing controls. distancing controls. College occupancy returned to full capacity.
SportUNE gym and pool to remain open in line COVIDSafe Plan defined. Retail outlets progressively opened in line with with government regulations and with strict government regulations and with strict social social distancing controls. Retail outlets opened in line with government distancing controls.
regulations and with strict social distancing Community based sport to resume on campus controls. SportUNE gym and pool to remain open in line with with COVIDSafe plans. government regulations and with strict social
On campus religious gatherings to continue in distancing controls. On campus religious gatherings to continue in line with government restrictions. line with government restrictions. Community based sport to continue on campus with COVIDSafe plans.
On campus religious gatherings to continue in line with government restrictions.
University of New England – COVIDSafe Plan 4
Easing of Restrictions Progressive Reintroduction Adjusted Normal
Stage Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
Dates June - July July - August August and Beyond
Staff progressively returned to campus in phases. Staff able to work from campus by September. Distributed working models may need to be maintained if social Staff to work from home where possible. distancing remains. Staff progressively returned to campus in
phases. Staff working from campus / sites requires Working from home should be approved on a case by
supervisor approval and should be limited to: case basis by supervisors’ with special consideration Staff working on campus requires phased Staff - Essential on campus staff such as given to staff: planning permission and supervisor approval. maintenance, cleaning and security;
- Staff who cannot work safely or effectively - From notified vulnerable groups; Travel restricted in line with government from home; - Who have underlying health issues; regulations. - Staff required to undertake and maintain - That are following a government directive to self- mandatory research; isolate;
Travel restricted in line with government regulations.
Students supported through online teaching Students welcome back to campus in line with modality and online examinations. government regulations and social distancing. Students supported through online teaching Students supported through online teaching modality modality and online examinations. Students welcome back to campus who: and examinations in trimester 2 with mandatory and - Need assistance for health and well-being deferred intensive schools in trimester 3 to be Students welcome back to campus who: requirements confirmed in line with government regulations. - Need assistance for health and well-being - Require study space and Wi-Fi Students requirements - Must attend face-to-face teaching activities On campus activities resumed in line with government - Require study space and Wi-Fi that are mandatory to complete study regulations. - Are experiencing hardship requirements - Are experiencing hardship Dixson Library to ease restrictions. Dixson Library to reopen with restrictions and social distancing measures. Dixson Library to remain open with restrictions and social distancing measures.
Resume all research on campus where possible in line with social distancing and COVID safe Active research reduced and no new research Research that requires access to facilities, practices. projects initiated. infrastructure, materials or equipment should
Research be conducted on-campus/sites. COVID-19 restrictions may limit access to HDR candidates prioritised for access where or availability of some facilities / services. required. Research field work by application only.
HDR candidates welcomed back to campus by All HDR's to be given access to campus by September. application and in line with staff phasing.
Trimester 2 teaching and exams to remain online. Mandatory intensives rescheduled to a date to be confirmed, with the only face-to-face teaching undertaken where it cannot be delivered in any other way and is necessary for student academic Teaching maintained through online modality. Teaching continues predominantly online. progression. COVID Safe controls and strict social Teaching and distancing to apply. Learning Mandatory intensive schools deferred to Mandatory intensive schools deferred to Trimester 3. Trimester 3. Scheduled teaching and exams for trimester 3 to be confirmed in line with government regulations.
Face-to-face teaching in trimester 3 for mandatory and deferred intensive schools to be confirmed in line with government regulations.
University of New England – COVIDSafe Plan 5
Easing of Restrictions Progressive Reintroduction Adjusted Normal
Stage Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
Dates June - July July - August August and Beyond
Free car parking across campus. Free car parking across campus. Free car parking across campus.
Key buildings opened for student access. Most Key buildings opened for student access. Most Key buildings and teaching spaces opened for student buildings remain accessible by swipe cards only. buildings remain accessible by swipe cards only. access. Some buildings remain accessible by swipe cards only. Enhanced cleaning and hygiene facilities Enhanced cleaning and hygiene facilities provided. provided. Enhanced cleaning and hygiene facilities provided. Campus Operations Essential events in line with government Essential events in line with government Essential events in line with government regulation regulations permissible on application. regulations permissible on application. permissible on application.
Social distancing controls across campus Social distancing controls across campus Social distancing controls across campus implemented. implemented. implemented.
COVID Safe plan implemented progressively COVID Safe plan implemented progressively COVID Safe plan implemented progressively across across campus. across campus. campus.
Residential occupancy prioritised for those students with practical classes on campus or Limited residential occupancy prioritised for those experiencing significant connectivity those students with practical classes on campus issues/hardship in current living environment. or those experiencing significant connectivity Residential colleges may re-open at full capacity. issues/hardship in current living environment. Potential capacity in colleges increased in line
with phasing plans. Limited social activities. Capacity in colleges restricted to maximum 2
residents per bathroom. Limited social activities to be reviewed in line Indoor communal areas open. with government regulations with possible
Accommodation No organised social activities. return to full capacity. Dining halls to consider returning to serving buffet
meals. No communal areas open. Indoor communal areas open.
Governmental social distancing regulations apply and Dining halls serving pre-packed meals. Dining halls serving pre-packed meals activities to be reviewed in line with potential easing of to be reviewed in line with government restrictions. Governmental social distancing regulations regulations with possible return to buffet meals. apply including 4m² rule and maximum 10 persons indoor and outdoor. Governmental social distancing regulations apply and to be reviewed in line with potential easing of restrictions.
The Shop (incl. Post Office & Bookshop)- open – The Shop (incl. Post Office & Bookshop)- open – The Shop (incl. Post Office & Bookshop)- open – 1 1 person per 4m² (8-5 Mon - Fri + online orders 1 person per 4m² (8-5 Mon - Fri + online orders person per 4m² (8-5 Mon - Fri + online orders 24/7) 24/7) 24/7)
Sleek Hair Studio – open – Wed to Fri by appointment Sleek Hair Studio – open – Wed to Fri by Sleek Hair Studio – open – Wed to Fri by only - 1 person per 4m² appointment only - 1 person per 4m² appointment only - 1 person per 4 square
metres The Stro – opening in line with government The Stro – open in line with government restrictions on social distancing. restrictions on social distancing. The Stro – open - with capacity in line with
On-Campus government restrictions on social distancing. Café Life– open -with capacity in line with government Café Life– open in line with government Retail restrictions on social distancing. restrictions on social distancing. Café Life– open - with capacity in line with
government restrictions on social distancing. Belgrave Cinema – open in line with government Belgrave Cinema – open in line with restrictions on social distancing. government restrictions on social distancing. Belgrave Cinema – closed
Booloominbah Collection & Café 77 – closed (Re- Booloominbah Collection & Café 77 – closed Booloominbah Collection & Café 77 - closed. opening TBC possibly Sept 2020) (Re-opening TBC possibly Sept 2020)
Yarm Gwanga to operate normally with Yarm Gwanga to operate normally with COVIDSafe Yarm Gwanga to operate normally with COVIDSafe controls. controls. COVIDSafe controls.
University of New England – COVIDSafe Plan 6
Easing of Restrictions Progressive Reintroduction Adjusted Normal
Stage Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3
Dates June - July July - August August and Beyond
Outdoor sporting competitions continue for Some outdoor sporting competitions resume in Indoor pool open in line with the government players, referees/umpires, coaches, spectators line with the government regulations and with regulations and with strict social distancing. and others in line with the government strict social distancing regulations and with strict social distancing. Sport UNE Gym, Pilates, yoga studio to remain in
On- Campus Pool to reopen for member’s in line with the operation in line with the government regulations and Pool to remain open for members in line with Sport and government regulations and with strict social with strict social distancing. the government regulations and with strict Recreation distancing. social distancing. Playing fields - Sports specific COVID-19 Safe State
Sport UNE gym to reopen for members in line Sporting Organisations vary in their requirements. Sport UNE gym to remain open in line with the with the government regulations and with strict Each sport will be complete UNE COVID-19 risk government regulations and with strict social social distancing from the 15th of June. Management Plans. distancing.
University of New England – COVIDSafe Plan 7
The Return to Campus Process
To support this COVID Safe Plan the following process has been designed to manage the return of staff in a structured manner to ensure the workplace is structured in line with the return to campus principles and that staff are aware of the key part they play in the return to campus process.
1 2 3 4 5 6 28 Days Before Return Download a Managers/ Review COVIDSafe Plan Through Consultation Employees to Complete Submit Documentation to Starts Return to Work and Develop Actions then with Staff Define the the Online Induction UNE WHS Faculty/Directorate Allocated (excluding Group 1) Faculty/Directorate Approved Group is Approaching Coordinators Guide Complete Risk Return to Work Plan For to Access on Return Date Assessment Your Workplace Attend Return To Campus Information Session
Key Aspects of this process are as follows:
1. Attending a return to campus information session – attendees to this session will be provided with information regarding how to complete the required return to campus documentation as well as being provided with the details of the support structures available to assist with the transition of staff back to campus. 2. Download the managers/Return to Campus Coordinators guide – The responsible manager and the Return to Campus Coordinator should download this guide and start to familiarise themselves with its detail. 3. Review the University’s COVIDSafe Plan and complete the return to campus risk assessment – the Return to Campus Coordinator should review the responsibilities for faculties and departments under the COVIDSafe plan and develop actions. They should then complete the work place specific risk assessment. This risk assessment is specific to the work place and is seen as additional to the controls listed in the University’s COVIDSafe Plan detailed in this document. 4. Define a return to campus plan – After the risk assessment is completed a workplace specific return to campus plan should be developed in consultation with staff. By working through the Return to Campus Coordinators guide staff will be able to progressively build a COVID safe return to campus plan. 5. Complete the online induction – before all employees are returned to campus they must complete a COVID Safe induction. UNE WHS will need a list of all staff and email addresses sent to [email protected] to distribute an email link to undertake the induction. Please include HDR candidates. 6. Once all documentation is completed it should be submitted to the University WHS team on [email protected]. Any work plans or adjusted occupancy details should be submitted for review prior to your allocated groups start date.
University of New England – COVIDSafe Plan 8
Understanding COVID-19
COVID-19 is a contagious viral infection that generally causes respiratory illness in humans. Presentation can range from no symptoms (asymptomatic) to severe illness with potentially life- threatening complications.
Symptoms
Symptoms of COVID-19 can range from mild illness to pneumonia. Some people will recover easily, and others may get very sick very quickly. People with coronavirus may experience symptoms such as1:
- Fever - Respiratory symptoms o coughing o sore throat o shortness of breath Other symptoms can include runny nose, headache, muscle or joint pains, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, loss of sense of smell, altered sense of taste, loss of appetite and fatigue.
How it spreads
The virus can spread from person to person through:
- Close contact with an infectious person (including in the 48 hours before they had symptoms). - Contact with droplets from an infected person’s cough or sneeze. - Touching objects or surfaces (like doorknobs or tables) that have droplets from an infected person, and then touching your mouth or face.
COVID-19 is a new disease, so there is no existing immunity in our community. This means that COVID- 19 could spread widely and quickly.
Who is most at risk
In Australia, the people most at risk of getting the virus are:
- Travellers who have recently been overseas. - Those who have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID- 19. - People in group residential settings
People who are, or are more likely to be, at higher risk of serious illness if they get the virus are:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 years and older with one or more chronic medical conditions. - People 65 years and older with chronic medical conditions - People 70 years and older - People with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems - People in aged care facilities
1 https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/coronavirus
University of New England – COVIDSafe Plan 9
Legal Framework
It is the responsibility of UNE to identify and comply with relevant legislation and regulations. The University must fulfil its legal responsibilities in relation to infection control by adopting standard and transmission-based precautions as directed in the Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (2019) and by NSW public health authorities2. COVID -19 is a notifiable condition under the Australian National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS). This means that in all Australian states and territories, either the medical officer requesting the test and/or the laboratory performing the test, are responsible for notifying the relevant jurisdictional public health authority of the case of COVID-19, as per local legislative requirements.
The University must also fulfil its legal responsibilities in relation to work health and safety as prescribed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW)3. The University will achieve this by adopting clear health and safety requirements in relation to hazard management to identify the hazards, assess their risks and implement effective control measures to prevent illness occurring to any individual staff and students while conducting University activities.
COVID-19 contracted due to University’s business or undertaking is a notifiable incident to NSW Safe Work as its regulator.
COVIDSafe Roles and Responsibilities
Deans, Associate Deans, Directors and Associate Directors
The primary responsibility of managing prevention of COVID-19 outbreaks lies with Deans and Directors across campus, within their responsibilities of oversight for their operating areas. An outbreak is defined as one or more cases of COVID-19 being confirmed. Deans and Director are required to:
- Comply with government regulations and the specifics of this COVIDSafe Plan. - Confirm that Health and Safety Protocols for COVID-19 are planned for, implemented and followed. - Risk assess and develop controls to specific risks within the workplace. - Ensure that the consequences of non-compliance to COVID-19 protocols are enforced. - Where possible ensure any near miss or confirmed incidents are reported via Skytrust for case management. A reporting protocol from Skytrust is in place to notify the relevant authorities including and University Executive Group.
2 https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/Pages/public-health-orders.aspx 3 Section 19 of the Act details the primary duty of care to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the risk to a workers health and safety is managed. Section 17 Management of risks requires the elimination of risks as the first option and, where this is not reasonably practicable, to minimise the risks as far as is reasonably practicable. Reasonably practicable is defined in the Act under section 18 as taking into account numerous relevant factors such as: likelihood, degree of harm, knowledge of the risk, availability and suitability of controls and cost. The other key legislative consideration is the duty to consult; this needs to be demonstrated but there are numerous ways to achieve this.
University of New England – COVIDSafe Plan 10
Individual Staff/Students
Every individual is responsible for maintaining their own health and safety, and that of their colleagues across the University. Each individual is required to:
- Comply with government regulations and the specifics of this COVIDSafe Plan. - Not attend work or leave campus if they are feeling unwell. - Ensure compliance social distancing and hygiene is maintained. - Report any near miss or confirmed incidents via Skytrust - Report instances of lack of compliance with this plan.
Support Responsibilities of the University
The University has the overall responsibility to provide a safe workplace for staff and students. To support this COVIDSafe Plan the University will:
- Through UNE WHS risk assess and provide general COVIDSafe controls for the University in consultation with Health and Safety Representatives. - Develop the COVIDSafe plan. - Develop the return to campus plan and documentation. - Provide support structures to the return to campus process. - Through Facility Management Services (FMS) and WHS provide space assessment to departments if required.
COVIDSafe Risk Assessment
Risk management is an essential to controlling and managing the effects of COVID-19 on the University. To facilitate this the University is committed to conducting risk assessments on the potential effects of COVID-19 in the following circumstances:
- When changes are made to work practices, procedures or the work environment. - When the University increases operations following a period of reduced operations. - When the University introduces workers back into the workplace following the cessation of working from home or stand-down arrangements - When the University is responding to workplace incidents (e.g. where a worker has tested positive to COVID-19). - When the University is responding to concerns raised by workers, health and safety representatives, or others at the workplace.
In line with these commitments the University is utilising the following risk management process under this COVIDSafe plan to control the potential health effects for staff and students posed by COVID-19 when returning to campus:
- Enterprise risk assessment – risk assessing the general health risk posed by COVID-19 and implementing enterprise risk controls such as cleaning schedules, hygiene facilities and signage that will implemented as a standard across the University - Workplace risk assessment – this will be undertaken by Return to Campus Coordinators when business units return to campus and will address specific risks in the workplace not covered by the enterprise risk assessment.
These risk assessments involve considering what could happen if someone is exposed to COVID-19 and the likelihood of it happening. By performing these assessments the University will be able to determine:
University of New England – COVIDSafe Plan 11
- How severe a risk is - Whether any existing control measures are effective - What action you should take to control the risk, and - How urgently the action needs to be taken.
These risk assessments will be reviewed periodically as the operating environment changes (for example, in response to changes in COVID-19 cases or changes to public health orders) or when new information on workplace risks associated with COVID-19 becomes available. This will also include the periodic review of control measures implemented to ensure their ongoing appropriateness and effectiveness based on the latest information. Risk Assessments should be completed in line with WHS P004 Risk Management Protocol and WHS OP008 Risk Assessment Procedure.
The risk assessment process and the development of the University is shown in the following flow chart:
Return To Campus Plan Finalised
University Risk Assessment on COVID-19 Completed
Consultation on Risk Assessment Undertaken with Health and Safety Representatives
Risk Assessment Controls Amended with Controls Require YES Health and Safety Amending Representatives Feedback
NO
Finalised University Risk Assessment
Satellite Campus’s and Faculty and Directorate Risk Residential Accommodation Outreach Centres Risk Assessment of the Risk Assessment Assessment Workplace
Controls Finalised Controls Finalised Controls Finalised and Implemented and Implemented and Implemented
University COVIDSafe Plan
University of New England – COVIDSafe Plan 12
COVID-19 Positive Guideline
The University has developed a guideline for managing positive presentations of COVID-19 amongst staff and students. This guideline forms part of the University’s return to campus guidelines. These positives guidelines can be found on Safety Hub (https://www.une.edu.au/safety). Please staff and supervisors are aware of their responsibilities under the guideline.
Return to Campus COVIDSafe Checklist
To assist the Return to Campus Coordinator in ensuring that the local COVID Safe Plan has been fully considered there is a COVID Safe checklist attached in appendix 1.
University of New England – COVIDSafe Plan 13
COVIDSafe Controls
Risks That Could Promote COVID-19 Spreading COVIDSafe Control Control Owner Return To Campus Stage
COVID-19 webpage to provide information on the virus for staff WHS and UNE Communications All
COVID-19 information signage placed at entry to buildings and in amenities Facility Management Services All
Lack of staff knowledge of COVID-19 Mandatory COVID-19 induction for all staff WHS and Faculty’s and Directorates All
The development of COVIDSafe documentation and procedures Facilities Management Services and WHS All
COVIDSafe webpage to be developed on Safehub WHS All
Defined 3 stage return to campus process with phased increases in occupancy Facilities Management Services and WHS All
HDR campus access process to be implemented Faculty’s and Directorates All
COVIDSafe return to campus document for staff Faculty’s and Directorates All
Mandatory COVID-19 induction for staff and HDR candidates WHS and Faculty’s and Directorates All
Returning staff and students to campus Faculty’s and directorates to conduct workplace specific risk assessment Faculty’s and Directorates All
COVIDSafe checklist developed to assist faculty’s and directorates in ensuring controls are present Faculty’s and Directorates All
Campus doors to remain locked to prevent unauthorised access to buildings Facility Management Services All
Public facing service desks to implement sign and sign out procedures Faculty’s and Directorates All
Visitors to campus to be discouraged. If necessary controls must implemented and approved by supervisors Faculty’s and Directorates All
Social distancing information signage placed throughout buildings Facility Management Services All
Ensure spaces and activities are setup to ensure 1.5m separation of people Faculty’s and Directorates All
Ensure spaces comply with 4m2 area restrictions and signposted Faculty’s and Directorates All
Lack of social distancing Provide assistance with assessing social distancing requirements if no clear determination is obvious Facilities Management Services and WHS All
Distributed working models to be utilised to limit space occupancy – hot desking to be avoided Faculty’s and Directorates All
Work plans should include staggered start times and compulsory e-meetings Faculty’s and Directorates All
Lab occupancy and utilisation plans to be developed in line with social distancing regulations Faculty’s and Directorates All
University of New England – COVIDSafe Plan 14
Risks That Could Promote COVID-19 Spreading COVIDSafe Control Control Owner Return To Campus Stage
Analysis of occupancy for large bookable spaces Facilities Management Services and WHS Stage 3
In building ventilation systems to be serviced regularly to ensure air intake is maximised Facility Management Services All
COVIDSafe cleaning schedules implemented throughout the day Facility Management Services All
COVIDSafe amenities to identified for targeted day time cleaning with locations and schedules to be advertised Facility Management Services All
Hand sanitiser stations placed at entry points to buildings, kitchenettes, teaching spaces and computer labs Facility Management Services All Hygienic practices Workplace cleaning schedules and rosters to be considered and implemented Faculty’s and Directorates All
Bathrooms to be well stocked with hand soap and paper towel Facility Management Services All
Signage placed throughout buildings encouraging hygienic practices Facility Management Services All
COVID-19 positive guidelines developed for staff and students WHS All
Process for handling COVID-19 positive presentations Flow chart for Safe Work notification and ECO activation developed if an instance of COVID-19 is detected WHS All
Contact tracing methods confirmed WHS All
Colleges occupancy increased in a stagged and control fashion Residential Administration All
College specific risk assessment completed Residential Administration All
Returning college occupants Mandatory college induction to be utilised before accommodation can be booked Residential Administration All
College specific COVIDSafe controls developed for hygiene and social distancing Residential Administration All
COVIDSafe policy and procedure developed to manage student behaviour Residential Administration All
COVIDSafe cleaning schedule developed to target selected kitchenettes and bathrooms per building Facility Management Services All
Building amenities pose a risk of transmission Kitchenette usage signage placed in all kitchenettes Facility Management Services All
Cleaning schedules to be developed for staff cleaning of kitchenettes Faculty’s and Directorates All
On campus retail and sporting activities will be linked with the Government staged easing in restrictions UNE Life All On campus retail outlets and sport Retail outlets and sports specific risk assessments and COVIDSafe plans developed UNE Life All
Vulnerable staff and students are at a high risk Staff and students to work or study from home Faculty’s and Directorates All
Travel and fleet usage Travel system to reflect current government restrictions on travel WHS All
University of New England – COVIDSafe Plan 15
Risks That Could Promote COVID-19 Spreading COVIDSafe Control Control Owner Return To Campus Stage
Fleet car usage policy to be developed to ensure safe travel Facility Management Services and WHS All
Fleet cars to be cleaned between usages Facility Management Services All
Mandatory contractors COVIDSafe induction to be implemented before contractors can attend campus Facility Management Services All Contractors visiting campus Contractors to submit their COVID-19 documentation Facility Management Services All
Emergency management With distributed working models a process must be in place to ensure fire wardens and first aids on campus at all times Faculty’s and Directorates All
Research COVIDSafe principles for research lab and field work to implemented Research Response Group All
Research activities to be linked to the governments framework for restrictions Research Response Group All
COVIDSafe principles for human participant research developed Research Response Group All
Associated health risks resulting from COVID-19 COVIDSafe Control Control Owner Return To Campus Stage
Psychology impact Provide employee assistance program and develop flexible working arrangements to alleviate stress Faculty’s and Directorates All
University of New England – COVIDSafe Plan 16
Appendix 1 - Return to Campus COVIDSafe Plan Checklist ACTIVITY/SPACE BEING ASSESSED: 1 MANAGING RISK 2 INDUCTION, TRAINING & SUPERVISION HAVE YOU: HAVE YOU: □ Reviewed the UNE COVIDSafe Plan? □ Completed the Return to Campus Induction? □ Gained written approval from your SET member for □ Do you understand your responsibilities in returning to the activities proposed in this plan? campus? If not email [email protected]. □ Reviewed and completed the UNE COVIDSafe return □ Ensured that your team members have completed the to campus risk assessment? Return to Campus Induction? □ Identified any vulnerable team members and □ Communicated to your staff and leadership team that they considered alternative arrangements for them? Is this must commit to the restrictions advised by the University documented? and keep up to date with any changes? And in the case of supervisors, they must monitor behaviour to ensure adherence to the UNE COVID-Safe Plan?
3 PHYSICAL DISTANCING 4 MONITORING & SCREENING HAVE YOU: HAVE YOU: □ Conducted a review of the space to determine □ Implemented a process to ensure that each person has maximum occupancy and how the space is intended to utilised a sanitiser station before entry to the space? be used? □ Allowed for 4m² and 1.5m distancing per person for □ Established a process to maintain a record of all people the activity/space? involved in the activity/space for contact tracing? □ Developed a plan for the flow of people for the full □ Advised people to stay away if unwell, have been in contact cycle of the activity, from entry to exit, in with a person who has COVID-19, have been tested for consideration of other activities and people in the area COVID-19 and/or has been instructed to quarantine or self- or facility? isolate? □ Identified and installed the physical distancing □ Reviewed and understood the UNE COVID-Positive controls such as floor markers, signage and posters? process?
5 HANDWASHING AND HYGIENE 6 CLEANING HAVE YOU: HAVE YOU: □ Ensured hand sanitiser stations and instructions are □ Reviewed the COVIDSafe cleaning plan for this space and installed at each entry and exit points in the space? understand your responsibilities in cleaning and disinfecting this space? □ Investigated if handwashing sinks are required? □ Provided instruction to people on routine cleaning procedures of touchpoints etc? □ Ensured posters are displayed in the space? □ Considered how you will manage COVID hazards from personal belongings, objects, equipment etc? □ Instructed people to limit contact with others – no □ Reviewed and understood the UNE COVID-Positive clean shaking hands, touching objects unless necessary? procedures and notification process? □ Considered controls to minimise risks of infection □ Put up posters of cleaning instructions for the space or associated with consumption of food and drink, activity? removed shared cutlery/utensils, controlled access to shared facilities including toilets? Once this checklist is completed, please sign it and have your Supervisor sign it, confirming that this space and your plan complies with the UNE COVID-Safe Plan, and then email it to [email protected]. Approved by: Approved by:
Name and Title Name and Title Date: Date:
University of New England – COVIDSafe Plan 17