COVID–19 – Action Plan Update (7)

COVID–19 – The Second Step – Action Plan Update (7)

In response to the Victorian Premiers announcement on 27^th of September we have updated our COVID-19 Action Plan as follows.

Re Support Worker use of PPE

There have been no changes to the use of PPE by Support Workers therefore as previously advised in action plan update (5), based on the DHHS guidelines all Support Workers at a minimum must always wear a surgical disposable face mask and a reusable face shield whilst on shift.

If you require additional face masks and or a new shield please advise the Hearth team by emailing info@hearthaustralia.com.au or calling 1800 894 013 and we will do our best to assist.

As previously advised Support Workers should be able to access gloves from the participant. If you cannot access gloves whilst on shift please advise the team at Hearth on info@hearthaustralia.com.au or calling 1800 894 013 and we will do our best to assist.

Also please ensure that you correctly put on, remove and dispose of your disposable face mask as per Victorian government guidelines detailed in this video

Re Support Worker use of PPE – “when clients have coronavirus (COVID-19) risk factors”

As per DHHS advice should a participant fall into this category we have developed an “emergency care pack” containing

1. Surgical masks or P2/N95 masks
2. Face shield
3. Nitrile gloves
4. Disposable gowns

These will be despatched as required. Should you require an emergency care pack please contact your Relationship Manager as soon as you find out one is required, and we will despatch it immediately.

Re Safe Work Practices

We need to continue to practice physical distancing and strict hygiene measures the following provides a summary of the key steps we need to maintain.

• A distance of 1.5 metres between adults where possible, maximising air flow, using outdoor spaces and staggering break times.
• Where possible hold all meetings remotely via Zoom
• Hygiene requirements including handwashing.
• Any member of staff who is unwell and has one of the following symptoms must advise their manager
  • fever
  • headache
  • muscle aches
  • lethargy
  • inflammation of the mucous membrane (Blocked sinuses)
  • sore throat
  • cough
• A support worker must inform their Relationship Manager or the appropriate manager that they are going to be unable to work. This must be done as soon as possible prior to the support worker’s next shift. They should also specify how long they expect to be off work.

As always, we are here to help if you need any kind of assistance please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of the Hearth team and we will do our best to assist.

Warm Regards

Justin Scanlon