THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell said the new dedicated coronavirus mental health support service for small and medium-sized businesses announced by the Federal Government today, is a ‘life-saving’ initiative.

“The government is providing substantial funding to Beyond Blue to deliver a coronavirus well-being support line for those experiencing stress or anxiety related to the COVID-19 crisis,” Ms Carnell said.

“It’s absolutely vital that there is a specialised approach for SMEs and sole traders, who are under extraordinary pressure right now.

“My office will be working closely with Beyond Blue to help ensure small businesses are being supported during this uncertain time.

“Our My Business Health web portal will be an important part of this mental health initiative. It also features a section for those struggling with the COVID-19 crisis.

“We will continue to build on the work we have already done with leading mental health organisations, such as Beyond Blue, to add to the evidenced-based resources available on the My Business Health," Ms Carnell said.

“It’s essential we deal with the devastating impact coronavirus has had on small businesses in a holistic way.

“There are small businesses that have been forced to close their doors and many more that are fighting for their survival.

“Make no mistake the toll this is taking on their mental health is huge, which is why this initiative announced today will save lives.”

The 24-hour telephone support is available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

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ARVENTA, a leading provider of cloud based risk management software, has begun providing free access to its interactive, guided COVID-19 Risk Assessment to all businesses. 

This free tool will analyse businesses for compliance and best practices surrounding COVID-19, assisting them to adequately prepare and manage this unprecedented situation.

The COVID-19 Risk Assessments were created through collating the current best expert advice from a range of sources, including the Australian Government Department of Health, Safe Work Australia, and WorkSafe Victoria.

Three separate COVID-19 Risk Assessments have been provided, to ensure the needs of the user are being met.

For business owners and managers, a specific business risk assessment advises how best to provide a safe workspace and prevent disruption to staff and customers.

For contractors and visitors, a separate Risk Assessment has been created to ensure that they are appropriately taken care of.

For those working from home, a risk assessment has been specifically tailored to ensure ergonomic and mental health issues are adequately covered as well.

For businesses who require guidance, free online training seminars are being held daily. These guided training sessions will provide expert assistance, and help explain the risks and mitigation strategies surrounding COVID-19.

The free COVID-19 Risk Assessments can be found at www.whsmonitor.com.au.

THE AWU and Master Builders Australia are jointly calling on governments to ensure the building and construction industry continues to operate, "because without it the economic knock-on effects would be devastating on a scale that would dwarf what we have seen to date".  

A statement read: "The shutdown of the construction industry would jeopardise not just those employed directly, but the whole livelihoods of millions of Australians employed in precarious sectors like manufacturing. It would devastate nationally important industries in the building supply chain, like the $30 billion steel industry. 

"Forcing the industry’s closure would also blunt the impact of federal, state and territory government stimulus packages as infrastructure projects would immediately grind to a halt. Civil construction, in particular, must continue to build the nation and can do so safely given the nature of its sites.  

"Indeed, the catastrophic threat of a construction shutdown means the whole construction industry has a civic duty to impress upon authorities it can operate while ensuring compliance with social distancing and hygiene requirements. 

"That means everyone in the industry has to step up and be accountable.

"Construction companies and project managers must ensure that protocols at their site are enforced. Construction workers owe it to each other and their families to be responsible and do the right thing. This is only the only way the industry can continue working while reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. 

"In times of crisis people look to unions, industry, and government to work together. We have to show we can not only slow the spread of COIVID-19 but ensure there's an economy left when the crisis is over."

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FOLLOWING Monday’s closure of gyms, thousands of Australians have turned to online personal training, live streaming of classes and fitness videos to ensure they can continue to exercise in the safety of their own home during COVID-19.

However, following reports police had threatened one operator with a $5,000 fine for privately using their facility for the purpose of digital content only, Fitness Australia is calling on authorities to apply common sense in allowing personal trainers and gym operators to safely use facilities to film online workouts.

“Gyms and personal trainers need to be allowed to safely create digital content for the benefit of their members and the broader community. Exercise is critical for our immune function and physical and mental wellbeing” Fitness Australia CEO Barrie Elvish said.

Mr Elvish said gyms who were using facilities to film online content are complying with all indoor social distancing guidelines as advised by the government and the Chief Medical Officer.

“Personal trainers are using gym facilities to film safe and appropriate home exercise programs to allow people to continue their training and fitness routine while in isolation.

“The gyms or facilities that are being used for filming this content are not open to the public, or members, under any circumstances.”

Mr Elvish said people are looking for ways to keep active in isolation and digital workouts were the ideal way for people to keep in touch with their personal trainer or participate in a virtual group class.

“People are calling out for online exercise programs that are suitable to do at home. Enabling personal trainers and gyms to film regular content is vital in keeping members engaged and motivated to continue their daily exercise routine.”

With safety as the number one priority, Fitness Australia continues to follow the directives and guidelines set out by the state and federal governments and the Chief Medical Officer.

“We are continuing to communicate with our members to ensure they are up to date with the latest government guidelines, including social distancing requirements, when it comes to fitness and exercise,” Mr Elvish said

“Together with all our members, Fitness Australia continues to have the health and wellbeing of all Australians as our top priority. 

“However, like many businesses facing the impacts of COVID-19, our members are having to adapt and develop new initiatives to ensure they can remain viable and continue to support their clients during these tough times.”

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