Providing tools to vaccinate workforces

A simplified vaccination assessment tool provided by the government will be able to be used mid-December to help employers decide if they would require vaccination for different types of work. 

The government says workers covered by the My Vaccine Pass mandate need to have their first dose by December 3, 2021 and be fully vaccinated by January 17, 2022. 

Workplace relations and safety minister Michael Wood says the government has developed a tool to help clarify what work should be covered by vaccinated workers and to create a simple and clear tool for assessing when it is reasonable to require vaccination for other work.

“This tool provides a clear, legal framework to help businesses make decisions about vaccinations in the workplace,” Wood says. 

“It builds on the guidance provided by WorkSafe and has had input from BusinessNZ and the CTU. The tool will specify four key factors, at least three of which must be met, before it would be reasonable to require vaccination for particular work. 

“This new process won’t override risk assessments that businesses have already done under the existing health and safety guidelines. Businesses can choose which one they use, and any assessments done to date remain valid.

“Legislation allowing the vaccination assessment tool to be created, as well as introducing four weeks’ paid notice of termination and paid time off to get vaccinated, will be passed under urgency this week. 

“This legislation will come into effect the day after it is passed. The assessment tool will then be available for businesses to use once regulations are made in mid-December under the amended law.

“It’s common sense to ensure staff in workplaces that are either required to or can use the My Vaccine Pass are vaccinated. This is regardless of whether the business chooses to require My Vaccine Passes from customers or attendees. It gives confidence to the customers who are vaccinated and means the business will be less likely to be affected by cases. 

“We have tested this requirement with stakeholders, and it has received broad support, including from religious communities. Everyone wants to keep their staff, customers and congregations safe. 

“This requirement to be vaccinated applies to hospitality, events, gatherings, close contact businesses and gyms. To continue doing work in these areas, workers will need to have their first vaccination by the day that the COVID-19 protection framework comes into effect, which will be Friday December 3. These workers will need to be fully vaccinated by January 17, 2022 to continue doing that work,” Wood says.