Self-employed people and employers in Victoria who fail to notify WorkSafe about positive COVID-19 tests or confirmed coronavirus cases attending workplaces in the infectious period now face a fine of up to $39,652 for individuals and $198,264 for a body corporate.
The new penalties which came into force on Tuesday 28 July 2020 – under the Occupational Health and Safety Act – remain in force for 12 months.
The aim of the new penalties is to reduce workplace transmissions which have been a key factor of the re-emergence of COVID-19 in Victoria.
WorkSafe said in a statement the infectious period began on the date 14 days prior to the onset of symptoms or a confirmed diagnosis (whichever comes first), until the day when the person receives a clearance from isolation from the Department of Health and Human Services.
Employers or self-employed people should notify WorkSafe through its advisory service on 13 23 60.
