From 12.01am Friday, 29 April 2022, the Critical Workers Furloughing Policy is no longer in effect.
An online critical worker furloughing registration system has launched today for employers of workers who meet the critical worker criteria, as part of WA’s COVID-19 management for when the state is in a very high caseload environment.
Eligible employers are urged to register their critical roles, in the event they are likely to need them in a very high case load environment.
The critical worker furloughing policy will form an important part of WA’s COVID-19 management when a very high caseload environment is reached.
It will address potential workforce shortages and ensure critical supply chains and services are able to continue without disruption due to more people isolating as a positive case or an asymptomatic close contact.
A critical worker is someone whose role cannot be undertaken at home and who performs a critical role.
The online system requires an employer to complete and submit an online registration form, confirming their eligibility and how many potential critical roles they have identified.
When implemented. the critical worker furloughing policy will permit certain critical workers who are asymptomatic close contacts to temporarily attend work during their isolation period to alleviate workforce shortages, maintain critical services and avoid catastrophic losses such as loss of life, ongoing access to care and goods, and workplace safety.
Strict conditions will also apply for critical workers who attend work under these settings, including providing daily negative Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs), being fully vaccinated (including a third dose if eligible), wearing a mask at all times, and self-isolating when not at work.
If at any point the critical worker tests positive or develops symptoms, they are no longer permitted to attend work.
These very high caseload settings are not yet in effect. High caseload COVID-19 protocols are already in effect state-wide, including new close contact definitions and testing and isolation protocols, the use and registration of RATs and reduced quarantine for approved interstate and international travellers.
