Updates to SCS: Return to Work and COVID-related matters

Staged Return to Work for SCS Staff

Following the instruction from the Vice-Chancellor earlier this week, SCS has commenced a staged return to work.

The initial priority will be for a staged return of research staff who require access to labs and specialist equipment. As per Government and University guidelines, there will be occupancy limits in all spaces, including offices, meeting rooms, and laboratories.


All staff who are able to continue working from home should do so for the remainder of May, until further instruction from the University.

The School has been working closely with Heads of Department to create signage for each of these rooms across all departments. Staff are asked to follow the maximum occupancy guidelines (4 m2 per person), as well as the 1.5 m social distancing requirement.

In order to accommodate these guidelines, staff are asked to work with their supervisors and group leaders to develop appropriate bespoke return-to-work plans. This may include flexible options such as a roster for staff to attend work and utilise offices and workstations, or altered start and finish times to allow for a staggered use of facilities.

All staff are required to complete the mandatory e-OHS module: "E- OHS Reactivating Campus Induction". 

To access the video, please go to your myDevelopment training record. and select 'Launch'.

Importantly:

• If you have a temperature or are feeling even slightly unwell, you must remain away from work and arrange for a COVID-19 test. The Commonwealth Government coronavirus app has a symptom checker that we wish all to use every day (this is distinct from the COVID-safe contact tracing app and has only the latest information)
• Departments are in the process of purchasing extra hand-sanitising stations and cleaning products. Wash your hands often.
• Hot-desk use is discouraged, and any hot desk areas will need to be wiped down with a cleaning product before and after use.
• Seating areas in kitchens and lunchrooms will not be used until further instruction. Staff are able to access kitchens, however, for water, tea/coffee, and to use microwaves.
• At MMC, staff and students should enter every day via one of the main hospital entrances in order to have a thermal scan.
• Staff may wish to consider downloading the government's COVID SAFE app and have it activated when on-site.  CLICK HERE for more information.

Please consult with your supervisor and Head of Department if you have any queries.

Working From Home

Staff are required to register for working from home. If you have not already done so, please register via the link via Working from Home Registration link

It is mandatory for staff to complete the self-ergonomic assessment.

If you have not done it please take 10 mins to complete this online training, which can be accessed via the HR employment tile at my.monash:

• Go to my.monash
• Select "HR & Employment"
• Select "myDevelopment"
• Access the Ergonomic Principles online program here

Carer's Leave for Home Schooling

The University has provided an update on staff access to Carer’s Leave whilst schooling at home, after reaching agreement with the NTEU on the following:

To assist staff (excluding casual and sessional staff) who are required to work from home and who have school-aged children requiring home schooling in Term 2, staff are able to apply for a maximum of one day per week of Carer’s Leave in the week commencing 18 May up until when children return to school in Term 2. This is currently Tuesday 26 May for prep, grade 1 and grade 2, Year 11 or 12 and is Tuesday 9 June for all other years. This may be a later date for some independent schools.

There is no eligibility for any retrospective claims on this matter. The appropriate guideline has been amended and a workplace post has been posted at ‘Everyone at Monash’ to inform staff of this change.  Application is via ESS per normal carer’s leave applications and the guidelines for COVID-19 Physical Distancing at Work, Alternative working Arrangements and Working from Home Guide  have been updated to reflect the changes.

For the latest information and resources regarding Monash’s response to COVID-19, please visit our COVID-19 updates website.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Professor Julian Smith, Chair, SCS OHS Committee
Dr Eugene Fredericks, School Manager