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COVID-19 will raise a lot of questions for growers on the importance of preparing your workplace for next season with the threat of COVID-19 still being present.  With that in mind we have provided , several resource links below that will assist growers with this. Safe Work Australia have provided checklists on physical distancing, cleaning, health and hygiene and how to do a risk assessment if one of your employees is a vulnerable worker and PMA have released an information flyer on “How to Protect your Workforce”.  Hopefully some of the links below may assist with answers:

COVID-19 & Fresh Produce Protecting your workforce
This checklist has been developed by PMA A-NZ to assist business in the fresh produce industry (fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers) better manage teams in the unique environments of harvesting and packing fresh produce. While the document has been developed specifically in response to COVID-19 we remind all businesses in the fresh produce industry to keep in mind food safety of your product and the health and safety of your teams. Download your copy of the Checklist here...

Safe Work Australia Resources:

• Safe Work Checklists- Visit the Safe work website to view and download relevant checklists...These checklists will help employers to identify how they can keep their workers safe and limit the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. 
• Safe Work Australia: About Covid-19- to view details on Covid-19 such as information on Symptoms and how it is spread, visit the Safe Work website
• Vulnerable workers- If you employ a Vulnerable worker, the Safe Work website has information on Vulnerable workers and conducting risk assessments. Visit the Safe Work website for more information..

Agriculture Victoria Resources:

• Commuting and accommodating seasonal/contract workers during coronavirus (COVID-19): The Victorian Government recognises the importance of the agricultural sector and are committed to providing support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Visit the Ag Vic website for more information on slowing the spread, Employing Seasonal Workers, Commuting to, from and around work and Accommodating workers.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)- As restrictions are being are eased, the Victorian Government continues to recognise the critical importance of the agriculture and food sector and will ensure our farms and agribusinesses keep operating – to keep the supermarket shelves stocked and food on Victorians’ tables. Visit the Ag Vic website for more information on frequently asked questions, You can also access checklist for Agriculture workers on symptoms and testing...

Fruit Growers Victoria Resources:

• Download 'Worksafe Vic Covid-19' document for some useful links from Work Safe Australia and relevant information that may be of assistance. Download Worksafe Vic Covid-19 document here.... You can also download a copy of 'Procurement of Personal Protective equipment' here also... 

• Checklist for Reducing Workforce Impact from COVID-19- Download your copy of the 'Reducing Workforce impact from Covid-19 here...

How farmers and essential agricultural workers are protecting food security during COVID-19
Australian farmers and people working in agricultural industries are scrambling to protect food and fibre production from the threat of a COVID-19 shutdown. Essential agricultural workers are continuing to travel across regional areas and some state boundaries and, while most Australians are confined to their neighbourhoods, farmers must allow seasonal workers onto their properties for essential work, such as picking crops or shearing sheep. But human biosecurity is at the forefront this season. Read more of this ABC news article...

COVID-19 – accommodation for travelling workers: MADEC
Workers in horticulture have been deemed ‘essential labour’ under COVID-19 conditions so have been exempted from many travel and quarantine requirements. Visit the MADEC website for more information on Essential workers and COVID-19 exemptions...