In 2020, CME’s cross-portfolio COVID-19 working group was formed and regularly met regarding COVID-19. In December the working group agreed to cease regular meetings, with the remaining issues being dealt with by the relevant CME portfolios. While the meetings have ceased, the distribution list will remain active, and those members will be provided updates as necessary and meet as required. There are several WHS-related COVID-19 projects remaining.
As such, a new COVID-19 WHS working group has been formed. The new group is focused solely on responding to specific health and safety issues and meet on an as-needs basis. The group had its first meeting this month to discuss the current priorities (all commenced by the previous working group), including second wave planning, outbreak planning, vaccinations, and screening/FIFO DETECT. CME members that are interested in participating can contact (L.Nowell@cmewa.com).
Additionally, the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) has recently released a new standard, Occupational health and safety management – Safe working during the COVID-19 Pandemic (ISO/PAS 45005:2020). The document provides guidelines to organisations on how to manage the risks arising from COVID-19 to protect work-related health, safety and well-being. The standard is publicly available in a read-only format here, and is applicable to organisations of all sizes and sectors
