Coronavirus Alert: Can employers mandate COVID-19 vaccinations?

In some limited circumstances, employers may require employees to be vaccinated.

There are various public health orders in place mandating vaccination of certain high-risk workers, such as those working in health services, hotel quarantine and transportation services. The directions have been issued at a State level, although the Federal Cabinet announced in June that vaccination would be mandatory for residential aged care workers later this year. Otherwise, there are no laws specifically enabling employers to mandate vaccination, and the Australian Government’s position is that vaccination is voluntary.

That said, employers can give employees directions that are lawful and reasonable.

This depends on the circumstances of the business and the individual employee. Consideration should be given to:

• Whether any applicable enterprise agreement, award or employment contract says anything about vaccination.
• The requirements of the employee’s role including:
  • whether there is exposure to people with an increased risk of infection (eg border control workers); and
  • proximity to vulnerable people and whether social distancing is possible (eg health care workers); and
  • any legitimate reasons for refusing vaccination (eg on medical grounds), which may also trigger protections under discrimination laws.

Employers should seek advice if they are considering mandating vaccination or they operate in a high risk environment (eg meat processing or health care). 

Duty under work health and safety laws

Employers have a duty to minimise the risk of exposure to COVID-19 at work and must take reasonably practicable measures to manage that risk.

Safe Work Australia has issued guidance indicating that employers do not necessarily need to mandate vaccination to manage the risk.

There are various other control measures that should already be in place (eg social distancing, regular cleaning etc).

Employers should conduct ongoing risk assessments and reconsider appropriate control measures, particularly as outbreaks occur and public health advice evolves.

If you have any questions, or would like any advice about vaccination, or complying with work health and safety duties, please get in touch.

Seeking advice

We recommend you seek advice about your particular circumstances where:

• Your employees are exposed to people with an increased risk of infection (eg border control workers);
• Your employees work in close proximity to vulnerable people or where social distancing is not possible (eg health care workers);
• You would like assistance in conducting a safe work assessment or identifying appropriate control measures; or
• You would like specific advice on reasons for refusing vaccination.

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