Guidance for using RATs in the workplace

Safe Work Australia (SWA) has released guidance for employers who might be looking to use rapid antigen testing (RAT) as a major component in preventing the spread of COVID-19 throughout a workplace.

This page provides information for employers in the food processing and manufacturing sector. In order to rely on a RAT program to prevent the spread of COVID-19, various control measures must be in place. For example, vaccination should at the very least be encouraged, if not guaranteed; ventilation should be improved where possible; good hygiene must be practised; and workers who are sick should be required to stay home to recuperate. The full list of suggested control measures are outlined on the linked page.

If these measures are followed, rapid antigen testing may be an applicable way of reducing the spread of disease. Employers must also undertake a risk assessment and consult with workers and those responsible for their health and safety.

Not all workplaces will find that a RAT program is appropriate or possible and it cannot be relied upon in isolation. However, employers may find it possible to integrate a program into their set of control measures to boost worker safety.

SWA has produced advice for other industries here, along with a range of information for other COVID-19-related information for the workplace.

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