COVID-19 (SARS-CoV2)

  • Introduction
    1. Purpose

The Tim Cousins Australia action plan for COVID-19 sets out Tim Cousins Australia strategic approach to reduce the social and economic impacts and consequences of COVID-19 on the company.

1.2 Objective

The strategic plan’s objectives are for Tim Cousins Australia and all employees to:

  • Plan for COVID-19
  • Undertake preparedness activities to reduce the impacts of pandemic influenza
  • Take action to contain the disease and assist all sectors of the company to continue functioning
  • Facilitate accurate, timely and helpful communications to and within all sectors of the company.

The action plan sets out: 

  • The potential impacts and consequences of Covid-19 on the company
  • The preparation and response actions to mitigate these risks 
  • Communication considerations to ensure accurate, timely and helpful information is provided to all employees of the company 

1.3 Scope

Tim Cousins Australia has a strategic plan for COVID-19

The strategic plan outlines the companies preparedness and response strategies to minimise morbidity and mortality and protect the health and safety of its employees.

1.5 Activation of this Plan

The arrangements in this plan apply on a continuing basis, until such time as Senior Management believes that the threat has passed.

1.6 Review

This strategic plan will be reviewed by senior management within the company on a weekly basis.

Should the current Victorian/Australian COVID-19 emergency response status change, senior management will meet to discuss any relevant and necessary changes as soon as possible.

2 Context of the Emergency

2.1 Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness caused by a new virus. Symptoms range from a mild cough to pneumonia. Some people recover easily, others may get very sick very quickly. There is evidence that it spreads from person to person. Good hygiene practises can help prevent infection.

Influenza type pandemics have historically occurred every 10–50 years. During an influenza type pandemic, the virus spreads rapidly around the world causing high rates of illness and death – resulting in severe social and economic disruption.  

3 Potential impacts on the business

  • Restricted travel for employees
  • Higher Cost of travel to interstate and regional areas
  • Employees on sick leave or self isolation
  • Inability to take on projects due to employee illness
  • Cash flow shortages

4 Personal Risk

All employees are requested to assess and advise their own level of personal risk, ie high risk or low risk.

People in the high risk category can include the following:

  • Immunosuppressed individuals
  • Asthmatics
  • Aged over 60
  • People with serious chronic medical conditions such as:
    • Heart Disease
    • Diabetes
    • Lung Disease
  • Recent overseas travel to China, Iran and Italy
  • Contact with people that have recently travelled from overseas
  • Contact with someone who is a confirmed case of Covid-19

Control of infection within the company

Current

Personal Hygiene – all employees are required to utilise effective personal hygiene practises.  This includes but is not limited to

  • Wearing Masks and Gloves when inspecting evidence in the Forensic Workshop
  • Utilising disposable tissues rather than handkerchiefs
  • Regularly cleaning workstations, including keyboard & mouse
  • Regularly cleaning mobile phones
  • Avoid touching your face

Hand Hygiene – 

  • Washing hands with soap and water, utilising correct hand washing techniques
  • Use of paper towels or personalised cloths for had drying.
  • Utilising alcohol based hand rub (ABHR), with correct technique
  • Utilising Antibacterial wipes when soap and water or ABHR is not available
  • Practising hand hygiene after – 
    • Coughing
    • Sneezing
    • Touching your face
    • Using the bathroom
    • Before meal preparation or eating

INSURANCE COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA

COVID-19: GUIDANCE FOR ON-SITE
ASSESSMENTS AND REPAIRS

15:00 AEDT 26 MARCH 2020 (VERSION 1.1)

This information is current as at the above timestamp. Given the rapidly developing nature of the Coronavirus pandemic, this guidance may become out-of-date as a result of further Government announcements.

Insurance services under Government restrictions

Federal and State Governments have acknowledged construction work as an essential service that can continue during current social restrictions. Under current stage 2 restrictions, on-site visits for the purpose of insurance assessments and repairs are permitted, however staff and contractors should exercise additional care and enhanced hygiene (see below). Roadside assistance services, motor vehicle assessments and motor repairs can also continue.
Under a more ‘comprehensive lockdown’ (yet to be announced), on-site assessments and repairs should be limited to emergency makesafes or urgent works required to ensure a building is safe and secure. Repairs for major property losses may be able to continue depending upon the extent of the lockdown announced by Government, the location of the site and ability to maintain social distancing and hygiene. Motor assessments, claims and repairs should only continue where the vehicle is required for the delivery of a critical service (food, health, emergency service etc) or where the owner exhibits a particular vulnerability requiring access to the vehicle.

On-site hygiene and social distancing

Assessors and contractors conducting on-site visits must follow Government health guidelines at all times. Assessors and contractors should wash their hands regularly with soap or sanitiser, particularly before and after each on-site visit. Assessors and contractors should also maintain 1.5m distance from others. In addition to Government health guidelines, assessors and contractors should:

• avoid unnecessary contact with surfaces on-site;
• where practical, clean work surfaces with disinfectant wipes;
• have on-site conversations outdoors or in well ventilated areas;
• regularly clean equipment with disinfectant wipes (clipboards, tools etc); and
• if a signature is required, where possible, have signee to use their own pen.

If staff or contractors are displaying any symptoms of COVID-19 (ie fever, dry cough, fatigue) or have had contact with a person suspected of contracting COVID-19, they must notify their manager and immediately self-isolate.

Crossing of State Borders

Under current ‘stage 2 restrictions’ insurance assessors, builders and tradespersons may cross restricted State borders for the purpose of carrying-out construction services (which includes insurance assessments and repairs). Notwithstanding, assessors and contractors should follow the directions of any police or emergency services at border checkpoints.

Some States, such as Queensland, require a permit which can be applied for online. Assessors and contractors entering Queensland for a day-trip will not be required to self-quarantine. However, if staying in Queensland overnight, they will be required to quarantine for 14 days.
All personnel should carry identification (ie company ID card or business card) and, if possible, a document specifying the work, such as a work order.

For further information on the above, contact the ICA’s Catastrophe Hotline on 1800 734 621.