Cannery manufacturing processor SPC has become the first Australian business outside of the prime areas of Aged Care, Child Care and Health to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for all staff and visitors.
We have already provided guidance and viewpoints on this particular topic in the articles
Regarding whether an Employer can direct an employee to get the COVID-19 vaccination for workplace purposes.
Although Safe Work Australia have put up on their website a generalised viewpoint that it is unlikely to be held “reasonably practicable” to direct an employee to take the COVID-19 vaccine the case law commentary seems to differ in this approach – (read https://www.lawyersforemployers.com.au/will-directing-an-employee-t...)
SPC are requiring all workers and any visitors to their sites to be vaccinated by November providing the following:
The Union claims they were not consulted with the roll out of this policy and potentially there may be challenges on a number of fronts which will require further debate. Some of the challenges are:
This is a challenge all Employers will need to face.
At this stage the rollout of the vaccine has made this to some extent a moot discussion but the actions of SPC could kickstart a number of Employers implementing a similar policy.
Legal advice is highly recommended in this area. NB Lawyers – Lawyers for Employers undertake and offer an obligation free consultation – we are happy to help.
Reach out via service@nb-lawyers.com.au or +61 (07) 3876 5111 to book an appointment.
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Written By
Director
NB Lawyers – Lawyers for Employers
Jonathan Mamaril leads a team of handpicked experts in the areas of employment law and commercial law who focus on educating clients to avoid headaches, provide advice on issues before they fester and when action needs to be taken and there is a problem mitigate risk and liability. With a core value of helping first and providing practical advice, Jonathan is a sought after advisor to a number of Employers and as a speaker for forums and seminars where his expertise is invaluable as a leader in this area as a lawyer for employers.
© 2022 Created by Jo Knox.
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