COVID-19 UPDATE / FAQ
Due to the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) we are all experiencing a challenging time at present and the situation is, quite literally, changing daily. The health and safety of the whole Horner Community (our staff, our clients, our candidates and our casual on-hired staff) remains our priority. We understand it’s a difficult time for all and we are doing all we can to help you.
We also thank those in the Horner community who have encouraged and supported our actions in support of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the situation continually changing, we will also continue to work with our clients for any additional protocols that you introduce.
On this page, we have provided and will continue to provide, updates and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ).
We’re here to help.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Horner’s General Manager, Kylie Heffernan or Manager – Corporate Services, Tess Jones, on 03 9604 2800 or email horner@horner.com.au.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is Horner open for business?
A. Yes Horner is still open for business. We’re here to help and we want to reassure you that it’s still ‘business as usual’ for the Horner team, albeit with extra precautions in place. The Horner team are available via email, office telephone, mobile, Zoom and in person (where possible).
Q. What are the current restrictions in Victoria?
A. Refer to the DHHS website for current restrictions in Victoria.
Q. Does Horner have a COVIDSafe Plan?
A. Yes. Our Executive team and OHS Committee have updated our COVIDSafe Plan in line with legislative requirements to ensure we are structured to support our clients’ needs and ensure the ongoing safety and wellbeing of our on-hired casual workers and staff.
Q. How do I wear a face mask correctly?
A. For details on how to safely and correctly put on and remove a face mask, please refer to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) website >
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/face-masks-covid-19
Q. What is the coronavirus (COVID-19)?
A. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new virus that can cause an infection in people, including a severe respiratory illness. The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
Q. What are the symptoms?
A. The symptoms to watch out for are:
- Fever
- Chills or sweats
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Runny nose
- Loss of sense of smell or taste
In certain circumstances, headache, muscle soreness, stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also be considered.
If you have any of the symptoms, however mild, you should seek advice and get tested. To get further advice, call the 24-hour coronavirus hotline 1800 675 398, your general practitioner or use the Government’s online self-assessment tool.
Q. How do we all minimise the risk of spreading the coronavirus?
A. As per the Australian and Victorian Government guidelines:
- practice good hygiene
- wash your hands regularly
- maintain physical distancing, keep at least 1.5 metres away from others
- cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow
- understand the risk and symptoms
- get tested, even if you have mild symptoms
- stay home and avoid contact if you’re feeling unwell
- take care wherever you go, assume others may be carrying the virus
More information on current restrictions and how to stay safe can be viewed on the DHHS Coronavirus (COVID-19) page.
Q. What COVID-19 protocols does Horner have in place?
A. We have been monitoring and following the guidance of the Government and have introduced a range of measures and procedures to minimise the risks involved with COVID-19. Our OHS Committee meets regularly to reassess and update our protocols as necessary.
- Communication | Horner Casual Workers and contractors are being kept up-to-date with information, reminders, support and guidance via their consultant and the Horner management team, monthly OHS eBulletins, sms messages, messages on their payslips notices, and social media.
- Screening & Selection | COVID-19 specific Screening & Selection Questionnaire are integrated into our screening and selection process for all newly registered / interviewed candidates that are placed on host employer sites.
- Interviewing | Interviews can be conducted by phone or video conference tools in person (where possible).
- Assignment Confirmations | Every Casual Worker receives a Casual Worker Assignment Confirmation at the commencement of every new casual assignment; this confirmation has a COVID-19 checklist attached in addition to wording specifically stating the circumstances under which Casual Workers should not attend work.
- Illness Protocols | Horner staff or Casual Workers are not to attend work if unwell, have any COVID-19 symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19, or have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, or are awaiting test results. If you are Horner Casual Worker you must notify your Consultant.
- Client Site Visits, OHS Evaluations, Incident/Injury Investigations | Horner consultants will attend client sites if safe to do so ie appropriate Client Site COVID-19 Protocols and a COVID Safe Plan exists, available PPE & social distancing applies.
Q. Do you have Working from home (WFH) capability for Casual workers?
A. Yes we do. If some or all of your organisation’s workforce are working from home (WFH) and you require temporary staff that also need to work from home we have policies, procedures and insurance in place to be able to facilitate this. The safety of our temporary staff is of utmost importance and we have additional online OHS modules for temporary staff to undertake to minimise risks when working from home.
Q. What leave entitlements do Casual Workers have if they get sick with coronavirus?
A. Casual Workers aren’t entitled to paid sick or carer’s leave under the National Employment Standards. Casual employees are paid a casual loading instead of accumulating paid leave entitlements.
Casual Workers who get sick with coronavirus may be eligible for unpaid pandemic leave. The Fair Work Commission recently inserted temporary measures in 99 Modern Awards to allow all employees to access 2 weeks of unpaid pandemic leave. Here is further information about COVID-19 and employee entitlements and employee and employer responsibilities from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Casual Workers who need to care for an immediate family member or household member who is sick with coronavirus can take 2 days of unpaid carer’s leave on each occasion.
Mental health support during coronavirus
If you or someone you know is struggling with COVID-19 or any other matter, we encourage you to get support from your medical practitioner or a support agency.
Lifeline Australia
Phone 13 11 14
A crisis support service offering short term support at any time for people who are having difficulty coping or staying safe.
www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue
Phone 1800 512 348
Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service.
https://coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au/
Eheadspace
Phone 1800 650 893
Online and webchat support and counselling for 12-25 year olds, their family and friends.
www.headspace.org.au/eheadspace/
Care in Mind
Phone: 1300 096 269 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Online and phone counselling for people living, working, or studying in Melbourne’s northern, central, and western suburbs.
https://careinmind.com.au/phone-and-online-counselling/careinmind-online-counselling/
MensLine
Phone 1300 78 99 78 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Professional telephone and online support and information service for Australian men.
https://www.mensline.org.au
Contact Horner
We’re here to help. If you have any questions or concerns please contact your Consultant or Horner’s General Manager, Kylie Heffernan or Manager – Corporate Services, Tess Jones, on 03 9604 2800 or email horner@horner.com.au.