COVID-19: vaccinations and what it means for employers
COVID-19: vaccinations and what it means for employers
4 November 2021 | 9am-12pm AEST | Online Conference
Employers and employees are seeking clarity on their workplace rights and obligations as COVID-19 vaccines have become available in Australia. How can employers navigate these complex issues as they protect the health and safety of their workforces while avoiding infringement of the rights of individual employees, co-workers or customers?
The Thomson Reuters COVID-19 Vaccination webinar is taking place online on the 4 November 2021, the conference addresses the challenging WHS, employment law and privacy issues of COVID-19 vaccines for employers.
We look forward to you joining us.
For any event enquiries, please email eventsanz@thomsonreuters.com
Dates & Locations
Online 4 November 2021
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM AEST
(3 hours CPD)
Your Investment
Early Bird*
$295 + GST
Standard Pricing
$345 + GST
*Early bird closes 14 October 2021
For any event enquiries email eventsanz@thomsonreuters.com
Agenda
WELCOME FROM THE CHAIR
Paul Lorraine, Executive Counsel and Team Leader, Harmers Workplace Lawyers
COVID-19 vaccines and testing and vaccination passport policies
- What are the wage-hour implications of time expended getting vaccinations or leave due to vaccination side effects?
- What are considerations are there for unpaid leave if it’s not possible for an employee to work from home?
- Can an employer incentivise employees to be vaccinated through bonuses, vouchers, extra time-off?
- Would workplaces be able to turn away unvaccinated visitors or customers?
- Policies for evidence requirements for proof of vaccination
Claire Brattey, Special Counsel, Corrs Chambers Westgarth
COVID-19 Vaccines & WHS - Can an employer impose requirements on WHS grounds for employees refusing to be vaccinated?
- Can an employer require employees to be vaccinated on WHS grounds?
- Can businesses make similar requirements of contractors or customers?
- What evidence is required if there are exceptions or objections on religious or medical grounds?
- Do employers have an obligation to ensure employees are vaccinated under workplace health and safety laws?
- Is an employer liable for expenses or damages arising from illness sustained through an adverse reaction to the vaccine if they required employees to be vaccinated?
Michael Byrnes, Partner, Swaab
Break
COVID-19 employer vaccine mandates and vaccine hesitancy
- How can organisations build positive cultures for vaccine acceptance?
- What should organisations consider before, during and after introducing vaccine mandates?
- What communication strategies can employers use when dealing with vaccine hesitant or refusing employees in the context of a workplace mandate?
Dr Katie Attwell, Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Fellow / Senior, Lecturer, The University of Western Australia
COVID-19 & emerging IR issues including return to work, disciplinary actions
- Where an employer has mandated vaccinations, what action may be taken where an employee refuses to be vaccinated?
- How could an employer address a false disclosure about vaccine status?
- Can an employee refuse to attend a workplace because a co-worker isn’t vaccinated against COVID-19?
- If an employee refuses to be vaccinated and returns to the workplace, can an employer lawfully direct them to wear a mask, socially distance or stay home?
Nicola McMahon, Senior Associate, McCullough Robertson