Purpose This position statement sets out the minimum responsibilities the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation (ANMF) considers employers should meet to protect nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing from the risks associated with exposure to infectious diseases and hazardous chemicals at work.1 It should be read with the ANMF position statements: Workplace health and safety; Personal p. [...] Workers, including nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing, have the right to be protected from infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and the right to be protected from hazardous chemicals. [...] Employers must uphold these rights and support workers to meet their duty of care by collaborating with WHS committees, health and safety representatives (HSRs), staff, unions, and experts to develop and implement an effective risk management system that includes high order controls and safe work practices that eliminate or reduce exposure and risk. [...] consult with workers, including nurses, midwives and assistants in nursing, and unions to develop and implement effective policies and practices, including risk control measures, for: − minimising the risk of transmission of airborne infectious diseases − safely handling blood and body fluids − safely using hazardous substances − safely using PPE when indicated by clinical and risk assessments b. [...] provide workers with the necessary resources to comply with all relevant state, territory and national legislation and regulations, and workplace policies, procedures, practices and controls d.
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