I was watching a segment with the nurse union representative and from what I can gather there was no prior consultation or engagement on the topic. For interest I would recommend you contact WorkSafe NZ directly and get their view on the matter

We took the precaution and separated our teams into strategic bubbles a month ago and will keep the bubbles until after the omicron peak. Wall mounted thermometers. RAT to monitor

Good Luck. I feel your pain :)

That not going to be a easy one. Screenshot via email or text message to manager time and date stamped. Should the staff get a positive RAT is needs to be verified by a PCR.

Before phase 1 they would receive a call for a positive PCR test, but during phase 2 and 3, confirmation will be received via text which will need to be forward to managers to email to me to keep as reference as they will be time and date stamped in case verification is required for the government subsidies.

Hi

The RAT results can be recorded via the My Covid Record

Here is the link
https://www.health.govt.nz/covid-19-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-health-advice-public/assessment-and-testing-covid-19/rapid-antigen-testing

Recommendations:
Test taking in morning
Screen shots to manager of results

If result positive
Stand down of positive
Isolate
Get PCR test

If results negative
Continue as normal

Hi Steve

At the moment I understand that the airplane (COVID response) is being built as the plane is flying and I would push back on this to. As generally I develop processes in line to comply with the guideline.

With the use of technology such as zoom, etc if a project manager was assigned per government department, and each guideline was streamlined and project managed and tested with one or two companies to determine the use of ease on the application of the guideline.

When it comes to small and medium businesses, the guidelines should also be supplemented with templates that are editable and ready to use. This would ensure easier understanding of what needs to be done.

If any of my staff require testing they will need to go directly for PCR testing due to the lack of RAT Kit test location points.

The closest are between one hour to three hours away from where the business is located. At this point a person that is positive needs to climb in their car, drive to the clinic for the test (as most of the GP's here do not do COVID testing)

Until the RATs are distributed to more businesses, and there are more collection points, PCR testing will be required when a RAT is positive to verify that the person still has omicron. As we only have two locations were it can be done for free (one is a walk-in and one a clinic) I have made this the main means of testing and confirmation until further notice.

Verification required in the form of a text, so that employee can email employer, to ensure that they can apply for COVID-19 Short Term Absence Payment and COVID-19 Leave Payment to met the eligibility criteria.

It would be a lot easier if all the government departments were on the same page when putting guidance publications together .

Putting the COVID response plan has been quite challenging as I have to make enquires with MSD, Work and Income, Healthline, covid response team, business connect response team, critical services escalations team, COVID health supply chain response team, etc to streamline the company response plan.

It has been quite a journey.

Yep. Not really cost effect for small to medium business, Free supply may open up at phase 3. so until then use of walk in clinics and appointment only clinics for free PCR testing only really viable option for staff to ensure eligibility for government subsidies as there is little in the way for business support packages at the moment. Hopefully that will change soon

Pretty much what I am doing.

My staff will be instructed to go for PCR testing at the local community clinic to ensure they are eligible for the government subsidies should they test positive as the eligibility does not apply to RAT test results

I had a look at the form and there are no collection points in our local area. Staff member would have to drive an hour to a collection point. No where on the form to organize a delivery

Thank-you. The first straight answer I go this entire morning. All reply's I had so far are links to websites that I have already referenced when putting my covid response plan together

So update on this trying to adhere to government guideline for Rapid antigen testing Guidance for critical workers

Registering as a critical service
• I have the email confirmation of registration
• Business connect website dashboard not showing information when checked
• Still waiting response on query on what to do next

Rapid Antigen Testing Form link via Ministry of Health website
• Link not available on Ministry of Health website
• Registered as a critical business
• Cannot use webform as per government guidance
• Still waiting response on query on what to do next

Collection Sites on Healthpoint
• Information available on Healthpoint
• No RATs available in Canterbury as per website response
• Still waiting response on query on what to do next

As it stands there are no RAT kits available at our at our local Community-Based Assessment Centre (CBAC).

In the interim as there are not RATs available in Canterbury, should any of my staff identify with symptoms, identified as a household member or close contact I will have them stand down immediately with instructions to go for PCR immediately, and if instructed by lab staff to isolate and do the required additional tests at the local covid testing locations.

As a health and safety professional is it a case of singing from the same song book as most of the protocols were drafted in the first outbreak.

As emergency response planning is part and parcel if what we do it is not such a burden.

I have put a response plan in place but have reverted back to work bubbles in an attempt to delay the inevitable contagion.

Here we go again....

Hi Andrew

I found the answer via a view phone calls. The WINZ Business COVID Helpline 0800 40 80 40 really helpful.

To answer my own queries (and as a FYI):
Firstly, WINZ will not be asking for verification from the employer in regards to the employee. Will only do so in case of an audit. Good idea for employer to get the verification email or screenshot of text and keep on record.

Secondly, the employee needs to be stood down on advisement of a medical practitioner, NITC or medical office of health.

Thirdly, in regards to eligibility criteria I go a bit confused here but if you stick to the definitions to be eligible they are or have household members who are in the risk of sever illness form COVID-19 BUT not eligible if a household member or secondary contact of a identified close contact.

it is still a demand and lack of supply issue as per the NZ Herald article below

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/government-should-prove-it-is-telling-the-truth-about-rapid-antigen-test-supplies-says-testing-provider/YWFFY232J7XIC3RPWJIY5Y3J5U/

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/covid-19-omicron-outbreak-foodstuffs-preparing-for-30-per-cent-hit-to-workforce-rats-sold-at-retail-prohibited/24FONU4JMRAGMZYP4JH5PLAY5Q/

Hi Sheri

I am in the same boat in regards in waiting for clarification on due process.

I am in the process of developing the protocols for omicron and have looked on the MoH website and looking for a list of what is the definition of a ‘critical worker’ and in what industry?

In regard to the RATs, as per the the news, the MoH is commandeering the supply of RATs and business’s will be able to get them for free, but the MoH website contradicts this stating ‘…Businesses that use rapid antigen tests above and beyond the requirements of mandatory testing must pay for tests themselves…’.

I called one of our local pharmacies to enquire as to the supply of RATs, and was informed they are still waiting on the government to notify them of the way forward, as MoH have commandeered their supply. So, as a local business, we cannot purchase any stock for health monitoring purposes as per the MoH website as prescribed ‘…To maximise the performance of a rapid antigen test and increase the likelihood of detecting a case, surveillance testing two to three per week as a minimum is recommended for individuals who are at increased risk of infection…’.

I have sent these queries to MBIE and waiting on feedback

Hi Riki

Welcome to the health and safety community. The skills you are learning are transferable in any industry. My advise is to find what you are passionate about and not to discount your skills and experience over the past 10 years as a people leader.

Depending on your location register with a good recruitment company, use seek and trade me and through out your net and see what comes back.

Good luck with your journey

Regards
Tracy

Afternoon All

I find that the issue is than when investigating events, risks, incidents the focus needs to move away from human error and go a bit more in-depth into organizational issues such as process, training methodology, risk assessments, incident investigations, management reviews, etc

Secondly, the way we train is a big issue to as we need to build the capability of the employees by encouraging them to think and learn on the job, instead of telling them what to do.

Lastly, holding people leaders accountable while focusing on soft skills training such as facilitation, how to manage poor performance, etc and building a toolkit for the managers to use and refer to

All good points.

I would recommend implementation of a monthly health monitoring program that covers all staff, as the effectiveness of the covid vaccinations also needs to be taken into consideration, as they have a tendency to loose their strength within 6 months requiring boosters.

I would not be surprised if the annual covid jab becomes the norm in the future.

It is definitely an evolving conversation. And warrants much more discussion.