Masks mandatory in Melbourne & Mitchell Shire: Your obligations in the workplace

Those venturing out of home in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire face a $200 fine for not wearing a protective mask. This includes employees in the workplace unless a lawful exemption or reason applies.

Advice from the Victorian government is that employers ensure their employees wear face coverings while they are working, unless lawfully exempt. Employers should provide workers with face masks plus training and instruction on how to use them safely (such as outlined by Safe Work Australia). Workers are then obliged to comply with this training and instruction.

Facilities for hand washing and appropriate sealed disposal bins for used masks should also be provided by employers.

Employers are responsible for identifying health risks from exposure to COVID-19 at their workplace, as well as reasons why workers are unable to stay at least 1.5 metres apart for social distancing. To this end, the Worksafe website and advisory service (1800 136 089) can provide advice and assistance.

Answers to frequently asked questions about face coverings have been published by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.

Visit VASA’s full COVID-19 advice and support page