Mosquitoes can carry diseases that make you sick. Japanese encephalitis is one of these diseases. There have been several cases of Japanese encephalitis detected in Victoria recently.
You can reduce your risk of being bitten and becoming sick by following these steps:
• Mozzies can bite through tight clothing. Cover up – wear long, loose-fitting clothing.
• Use repellents that contain picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin.
• Use mosquito nets or insect screens.
• Use ’knockdown’ fly spray, mosquito coils or plug-in repellent where you gather to sit or eat.
• If mosquito numbers are high, limit activity outdoors and move indoors if possible.
Tip: Citronella candles aren’t effective enough! Mozzie repellents are your best defense against mosquito bites.
The Victorian Government is offering a free support service for small to medium businesses to ensure your COVIDSafe Plan is up to date and reflects current COVIDSafe Settings. The Information forum will provide updates on the latest COVIDSafe Plan information and mandatory requirements, as well as tips on how to implement the Plan in your business.
Sessions are scheduled for approx. 1 hour. A link to the session will be emailed on the day of the forum. Sessions are not recorded. Slides will be circulated after the forum.
For more information or to register for this event, please click here..
The Fair Work Commission has made a decision to include a minimum hourly wage guarantee and a requirement to record hours worked by pieceworkers into the Horticulture Award.
These new provisions take effect from the first pay period that starts on or after 28 April 2022.
We’ve published a summary of the changes to help you understand the decision. We are also currently reviewing our information and tools ahead of the changes coming into effect.
The Commonwealth Senate Select Committee on Job Security has inquired into the impact of insecure or precarious employment, with evidence given to the Committee by several workers from the horticulture sector. Media stories since have further highlighted workers’ concerns and the challenges faced with cleaning up the labour hire industry servicing this sector. Read more of this article here...
The Labour Hire Authority (LHA) continues its work to prevent labour hire worker exploitation in the horticulture industry this year. Inspectors and authorised officers from WorkSafe, Labour Hire Authority and the Department of Justice and Community Safety will visit Yarra Valley farms to conduct compliance checks and offer advice on how to tackle health and safety hazards. These site visits follow an online information session giving Yarra Valley growers and providers the opportunity to refresh their knowledge on workplace health and safety. Read more of this article here...
Useful links and information:
Testing and vaccinations:
Business support and wellbeing:
COVID isolation and exemption:
and return it to: VCA Secretary, PO Box 612, Mooroopna, 3629
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