Guidance on rapid antigen testing of workers
Safe Work Australia has published guidance for employers on COVID-19 rapid antigen testing (RAT). This information will help employers determine whether a rapid antigen testing program for their workers is a reasonably practicable control measure to manage the risks of COVID-19 at work.
Employers have a duty under the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 to eliminate, or if not reasonable, minimise risks that could occur in the workplace. Under safe work Queensland’s Coronavirus (COVID-19) campaign, it is outlined that employers must take action to protect workers and others at the workplace from the risk of exposure to COVID-19 and consult with them how to mitigate those risks. This includes the introduction of WHS or other workplace policies relating to COVID-19 rapid antigen testing (RAT) of workers and RAT programs.
A RAT program may assist in identifying people who are infectious with the virus and to minimise the risk of it spreading. There are other relevant control measures that should also be used in conjunction.