COVID Information & Plan

  • Classes continue to be limited at this stage, due to continued social distancing requirements. Restrictions have recently been relaxed and distance requirements have been reduced from 4 to 2 sqm per person and we may now maintain a maximum of 100 people inside the building – Severin Hall (36), Dolphin room (18), Scott room (14), Mulgrave room (12), Computer room (12). 
  • Please ensure that you enter through the front door and exit via the back door.
  • It is strongly suggested, that members bring their own cups (disposable or otherwise) for their coffee break.
  • Please do not congregate in groups. If you wish to have a chat after class, this can be done outside of the building.
  • Presently most classes are full. You MUST register with your tutor or convener before attending a course. Please do not come to the campus unless registered.
  • Everyone attending MUST have also read the Cairns U3A COVID-19 plan.
  • Additional information will be forwarded as it becomes available. We will keep members updated as further information becomes available.
  •  Well being of voluntary workers
    • Direct voluntary workers to stay at home if they are sick, and to go home immediately if they become unwell. Require them to be tested for COVID-19 if they have any symptoms of acute respiratory disease (cough, sore throat, shortness of breath) or a fever or history of fever. They must remain in isolation at home till they get the result and it is negative for COVID-19.
    • Consider safety risks and manage these according to the appropriate hierarchy of controls i.e. elimination, substitute, isolation, administrative controls then personal protective equipment where required.
    • Implement measures to maximise the distancing between members to the extent it is safe and practical and minimise the time that voluntary workers are in close contact. Where it is practical and safe to do so, review tasks and processes that usually require close interaction and identify ways to modify these, to increase social distancing between voluntary workers.
    • Modify processes behind the counter (including in the kitchen) to limit voluntary workers having to be in close contact, as much as possible. For example assign voluntary workers to specific workstations to minimise the need to go into other spaces.
    • Consult with voluntary workers on COVID-19 measures in the workplace and provide voluntary workers with adequate information and education, including changes to work tasks and practices and appropriate cleaning and disinfection practices at work.
    • Put signs and posters up to remind workers and others of the risk of COVID-19.
  • Social distancing
    • Place signs at entry points to instruct members not to enter the campus if they are unwell or have COVID19 symptoms. The sign should state that businesses have the right to refuse service and must insist that anyone with these symptoms leaves the premises.
    • If practicable, set up separate exit and entry points.
    • Implement measures to restrict numbers on the premises, including maintaining a maximum of 100 people at any one time (not including voluntary staff) or per defined area (indoors or outdoors as per industry plan), as defined on the Queensland Government COVID website. Ensure distance of 2 square metres per person is maintained where practical.
    • Ensure social distancing by placing floor or wall markings or signs to identify 1.5 metres distance between persons for queues and waiting areas.
    • Place tables to ensure that persons seated at those tables are 1.5 metres apart and reduce the number of tables and seating capacity in line with public health directions.
    • Remove waiting area seating or space seating at least 1.5 metres apart.
    • Provide contactless payments and payment online.
  • Record keeping
    • Ensure you keep contact information for all customers, voluntary workers and contractors, including name, address and mobile phone number for a period of at least 56 days.
    • Ensure records are used only for the purposes of tracing COVID-19 infections and are captured and stored confidentially and securely.
  • Mandatory training requirements
    • Ensure all voluntary staff have completed mandatory training within two weeks of the organisation opening/reopening. (Staff that commence with your business after this two-week period must complete this training before commencing.
  • Hygiene and cleaning
    • Instruct all members to practise good hygiene by frequently cleaning their hands. Hand washing should take at least 20 to 30 seconds. Wash the whole of each hand, covering all areas with soap before washing with water. If hand washing is not practical, alcohol-based hand sanitiser containing at least 60% ethanol or 70% Isopropanol is recommended.
    • Provide hand washing facilities for members including clean running water, liquid soap, paper towels. If hand washing facilities are not readily available, provide an appropriate alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
    • Reduce the sharing of equipment and tools.
    • Clean frequently touched areas and surfaces with detergent or disinfectant (including shared equipment and tools, Eftpos equipment, tables, counter tops and sinks). Surfaces used by members, such as tables, must also be cleaned between members.
  • Deliveries, contractors and visitors attending the premises
    • Where practical, direct delivery drivers or other contractors visiting the premises to minimise physical interaction with workers.
    • Use electronic paperwork where practical. 
  • Review and monitor
    • Regularly review your systems of work to ensure they are consistent with current directions and advice provided by health authorities.
    • This checklist is a key part of your COVID Plan as outlined on the WorkSafe website.
    • Publicly display this signed checklist as evidence that you are a COVID Safe organisation.
    • Ensure you have a copy of this signed checklist which must be produced if requested from a relevant compliance/enforcement officer. This may include providing an electronic copy.
    • Keep up to date and find additional guidance at www.covid19.qld.gov.au and www.worksafe.qld.gov.au.
    • Volunteer Employees with a general work-related complaint can call WHS Queensland on 1300 362 128.
    • Members who have concerns about whether the organisation is complying with this checklist can call 13QGOV (13 74 68).

Name of person(s) conducting business or undertaking as defined in the Work Health & Safety Act 2011:

Signature………Lyn Pellett………………………….. Secretary

Date:…………16 November 2020……………………………….