CLUB COVID-19 INDUCTION

Gymnastics NSW and its clubs will consult with employees to ensure everyone associated with the work has a shared understanding of what the risks are, which workers are affected, and how the risks will be controlled.

COVID 19 has raised a range of new risks to the health and safety of employees within the workplace. Gymnastics NSW and clubs will consult with employees on these and other workplace related risks.

The exchange of information will allow the duty holders to work together to plan and manage health and safety.

The consultation should be regular and will provide valuable information for the management of risk. It will determine which health and safety duties are shared and what each person needs to do to cooperate and coordinate activities with each other and to ensure they each comply with their health and safety duty.

The objective of consultation is to;

1. make sure everyone associated with the work has a shared understanding of what the risks are,
2. understand which workers are affected, and
3. how the risks will be controlled.

The exchange of information will allow the duty holders to work together to plan and manage health and safety.

 

Additional Links:

• Pictorial for effective consultation
• Template letter for clubs to use when consulting with employees
• Work health and safety consultation, cooperation and coordination code of practice

To manage risks associated with COVID-19 within clubs, Gymnastics NSW will work with clubs to adopt the NSW WHS Code of Practice.

Under the Code employers have a primary duty of care to, as far as reasonably practical, eliminate risks to the health and safety of their workers (paid and unpaid), our members and visitors.

Clubs should manage risk by:

1.       thinking about what could go wrong,

2.       determining what the consequence might be and

3.       deciding what is reasonably practical to minimise or eliminate the risk.

Through consultation with workers each club will determine its priorities for managing risk. These shall be:

1.       Collectively Identified

2.       Implemented by ALL

3.       Monitored and reviewed regularly by club management, WHS Representative/Committee

To implement these quality improvement measures with workers, Gymnastics NSW recommends that clubs should set a standing item on all meeting agendas for discussion and reporting.

 

Additional Links:

• Information Sheet Step by Step Risk Management Process
• Risk Register/Assessment Template including Risk Matrix
• Infection Prevention and Control Checklist
• Cleaning Equipment Procedure

Everyone can help build a COVIDSafe Australia. Everyone must continue to practise good hygiene at all times to prevent the virus spreading.

 

Gymnastics clubs should implement hygiene and biosecurity measures by applying some of the following practices;

Personal hygiene;

1.       Advise all staff to wash their hands – before, during and after training. Note that correct hand washing technique is shown on posters on wall.

2.       Advise staff to wipe over any surfaces they touch with disinfectant – for example, telephone, keyboard, desk, light switches, door handles.

3.       Inform all athletes to clean hands before and after training.

 

Physical environment;

4.       Instruct and demonstrate to staff how to clean equipment

5.       Explain any cleaning required between participation

6.       Inform members of any steps taken to improve ventilation.

7.       Remove any unnecessary used of shared items eg. avoid shared paper copies. Explain steps to move to a paperless office.

a.       Staff must use their own cup, plates and cutlery. They are responsible for keeping them clean.

b.       No food preparation is permitted on site.

8.       Explain how many people are allowed in the lunchroom at any one time. Explain if there will be some rostering of staff breaks.

 

Additional Links:

• Cleaning Checklist - created by Safe Work Australia
• How to disinfect the workplace - created by Safe Work Australia
• Gymnastics NSW & Australia Resources

Physical distancing (also known as social distancing) is one of the most effective methods of reducing the spread of viruses.

The more space between you and others the harder it is for the virus to spread.

 If a person is found to be positive for COVID-19, the risk of transmission to the rest of the workforce is minimised if the workplace has been practicing social distancing.

 Good practice physical distancing principles are to:

1.       maintain 1.5 metre separation between people who are not from the same household; and

2.       maintain a minimum of 4sqm per person.

3.       Allow a maximum of 20 people (excluding coaches) per class. 

4.       Discourage onlookers/audience unless required (ie parent or carer).

 

Due to current restrictions on indoor sport the measures outlined in the Return to Gymnastics Plan are intended to provide guidance that will inform planning as the restrictions are lifted.

 

How to measure your space

The maximum occupancy can be calculated by following these steps:

1.       Measure the area accessible to the public or members.

2.       To find the square meterage for a rectangular area, multiply the length times the width. If there are adjoining areas or alcoves, measure them and calculate the square meterage.

3.       Add the results of each measurement together to find the total area in square metres.

4.       Staff only areas, toilets and areas occupied by fixed furniture such as counters and bars must not be included in this calculation.

5.       Divide the total square metre area by 4 to give the maximum permissible number of patrons. Any establishment with a total area greater than 80sqm will be limited to 20 patrons.

 

 

Gymnastics clubs should limit the number of people within the general gym area by:

 

Registration

 

1.       Ensuring pre-registration for classes.

2.       Promoting the increased use of online registration rather than face to face administration.

 

Physical layout

 

3.       Providing training and direct staff and members to keep 1.5 metres of distance between people.

4.       Restricting the number of people allowed in specified areas.

5.       Put signs around the gym floor on walls and the floor to promote physical distancing measures and 1.5m distance.

6.       Removing access to some areas through a physical barrier and signage.

7.       Reviewing the equipment layout to facilitate physical distancing requirements.

8.       Marking equipment not permitted for use.

9.       Establishing specific pathways, preferably in one direction, between equipment through the use of wall and floor markings.

10.   Place markings on the floor at each piece of equipment to indicate where participants should sit/stand while waiting for their turn.

11.   Ensuring a clear path for entry and exit in an emergency without risks.

12.   Ensure adequate ventilation if held indoors

 

Classes

13.   Coordinating classes to ensure sufficient changeover times.

14.   Limiting exposure to a group on a piece of equipment prior to cleaning.

15.   Asking members to leave the premises once they have completed their class.

16.   Tailor sessions to ensure the minimal need for spotting athletes.

 

Additional employee considerations

17.   Postpone or cancel non-essential gatherings and meetings.

18.   Reduce the number of employees using common areas. This may require staggered break times.

19.   Provide training and support to ensure staff are familiar with the requirements. For employees where English is not their first language this may require translation assistance.

20.   Non-essential visits to the workplace should be cancelled or postponed.

 

Deliveries

21.   Delegate an employee the responsibility of collecting deliveries and provide them with training on COVID 19 safe practices.

22.   Delivery drivers and other contractors who need to attend the workplace, to provide maintenance or repair services or perform other essential activities, should be given clear instructions of physical distancing requirements while on site.

23.   Ensure handwashing facilities, or if not possible, alcohol-based hand sanitiser is readily available for staff after physically handling deliveries.

24.   Direct visiting delivery drivers and contractors to remain in vehicles and use contactless methods such as mobile phones to communicate with staff wherever possible.

25.   Direct visiting delivery drivers and contractors to use alcohol-based hand sanitiser before handling products being delivered.

26.   Use, and ask delivery drivers and contractors to use, electronic paperwork where possible, to minimise physical interaction. If a pen or other utensil is required for signature, ideally use your own pen or ask that the pen or utensil is cleaned or sanitised before use.

 

On-going review and monitoring

 

If physical distancing measures introduce new health and safety risks these risks also need to be managed. Put processes in place to regularly monitor and review the implementation of physical distancing measures to ensure they are being followed and remain effective.

 

Additional Links:

• Complete the Physical Distancing Checklist
• Australian Government Department of Health Social Distancing Guidance

Public health authorities advise all people to stay at home if they are unwell or display any symptoms of COVID-19 infection. People are advised to seek medical advice and testing for COVID-19 if they suspect they have the infection.

 

‘Stay at home if unwell’ posters will be displayed within all gymnastics clubs in a prominent location and the message will be reiterated through Gymnastics NSW social media, website and club and coach EDM’s.

 

Training will be provided for all clubs and coaches through the Clubs COVID 19 Induction and Coaches COVID 19 Induction.

 

Employees:

 

Employees should be informed:

 

1.       they must not attend work if they have symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath and fatigue), or suspect they may have been infected with COVID-19 (this includes close contact with another person diagnosed with COVID-19);

2.       of the gymnastics clubs leave policy for COVID-19 related absences; and

3.       how and to whom they communicate a COVID-19 sickness absence.

4.       If an employees is noted to be unwell at work with symptoms of COVID-19, clubs must ask them to leave work immediately and advise them to seek medical advice.

5.       That if diagnosed with COVID-19 they will be quarantined by health authorities until they are cleared from the virus. This will be managed by health authorities. Once an employee has recovered from the virus and is cleared by health authorities they can return to work as usual.

6.       That although the majority of suspected cases of COVID-19 are likely to be negative, all persons who have been tested for COVID-19 must self isolate until they receive their results from health authorities which may take up to 5 days.

7.       That clubs should consider how they will manage rosters to ensure sufficient staff to cover for staff absences at short notice and for the length of any isolation requirements.

8.       That if a member of the team tests positive for COVID-19 you will be contacted by public health authorities who will advise you of the steps required to manage your worksite.

9.       That if they are a vulnerable employee they are encouraged to advise you so that steps could be taken to minimize the risk of infection in the workplace. This may include modifying duties where reasonably practicable to reduce exposure. Each case should be considered on a case by case basis following the completion of a risk assessment of the employees environment, maintaining privacy and avoiding discriminatory actions.

10.   All employees should be treated with compassion and understanding.

11.   It is reasonable to request a medical certificate if a team member advises that they are a vulnerable employee. The certificate should indicate work capacity (i.e. fit for modified duties or absence recommended) and the period of time of the certification. If additional assistance is required to manage a vulnerable worker at work, an Occupational Physician could be consulted.

 

Vulnerable Employee

 

Vulnerable workers are staff who are at increased risk of severe illness if they contract COVID-19. This includes:

 

1.          Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 years and older with one or more chronic medical conditions.

2.          People 65 years and older with one or more chronic medical conditions.

3.          People 70 years and older, and

4.          People with compromised immune systems.

 

For Members

 

All members should be advised that they must not attend training:

 

1.       if they are unwell.

2.       have symptoms of COVID-19

3.       suspect they may have been infected with COVID-19 (including close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19), or

4.       been advised by health authorities to self isolate.

 

This message should be regularly communicated to members via newsletters and signage. A member who is observed to be reasonably displaying symptoms (for example persistent coughing) of COVID-19 in a gym should be politely asked to leave the site.

 

Gymnastics members who are vulnerable to a serious COVID-19 infection should discuss with their doctor what activities it is safe for them to resume once restrictions are eased. The onus is on the member to determine their capacity to safely resume participation.

 

Additional Links:

• Employee checklist
• AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport
  • Returning to Community and Individual Sport – Vulnerable Groups
  • Returning to sport after recovering from COVID-19

Gymnastics NSW adopts the recommendations of Sport Australia’s Return to Sport Plan for the introduction of a COVID-19 Safety Coordinator.

 

The Coordinator is the key resource and central point of contact for all matters COVID-19 within Gymnastics NSW.

 

The Coordinator is responsible for liaising with clubs, associations, State and National Sporting Organisations and other relevant stakeholders in relation to our response to COVID-19.

 

The COVID-19 Safety Coordinator will:

 

1. Complete the COVID-19 Safety Plan checklist by considering the actions and implementing (or arranging to implement) relevant considerations in Gymnastics NSW and documenting justifications for not undertaking particular actions.
    
2. Oversee the development and implementation of the Gymnastics NSW return to sport arrangements by documenting those arrangements including:
   Points of COVID-19 transmission risk;
   Transmission controls;
   Hygiene and behaviour requirements;
   Physical and fitness preparations before a restart; and
   Education and communication to relevant personnel.
    
3. Periodically review the effectiveness of the COVID-19 Safety Plan and amend, update or improve as necessary.
    
4. Advise management on the effectiveness of COVID-19 Safety Plan arrangements and seek assistance where required.
    
5. Assist Gymnastics NSW to safely ramp up activity through the three phases of the Australian government’s “Roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia” and as permitted by the NSW government.
    
6. Act as the contact point for Gymnastics NSW members and participants – particularly around questions relating to return to sport and the actions your organisation has taken to be COVIDSafe – and other relevant stakeholders (including government, public health and other authorities, other clubs, associations, State and National Sporting Organisations).
    

At this stage NSW clubs are not required to have a club COVID Safe Coordinator. If this changes clubs will be notified by Gymnastics NSW and a template position description and training notes will be provided.

 

Additional Links:

• Gymnastics NSW COVID-19 Safety Coordinator: compliance@gymnsw.org.au 
• Sport Australia COVID-19 Safety Coordinator Roles & Responsibilities

In the case that there is a suspected case of COVID-19 within a gymnastics facility, clubs are to:

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1.   Isolate the child in a place where they can be supervised but stay away from others. 

2.   Call the parents and ask for immediate pick up

3.   Ask parents to call from the car upon arrival and have child meet the parent at the car, with a staff supervising from a safe distance. 

4.   Record the time, class and date of the gymnasts attendance and keep in an easy to file place. 

5.   Follow up with family the next day. 

 

In the case that there is a CONFIRMED POSITIVE case in the gym;

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1.   Confirm the date and time the member was in the facility 

2.   Call NSW Health (if they have't already contacted you)

3.   You may be asked to provide a list of all individuals present at the time of contact and temporarily close your facility.

4.   Call Gymnastics NSW, who will action the Crisis Communication Strategy

 

 

Contact tracing is essential in the fast response and control of COVID-19 spread. NSW Health are working closely with community groups to inform of suspected or confirmed cases, and will help advise with necessary steps. 

In the case that your member informs you directly;

 

1.   Contact the NSW Health Department on 1800 020 080 report the case knowing the following:

a.   Participants full name

b.   Date and time the member was in the gym

c.    Length of time they were in the gym

d.   Number of people in the building at the time

e.   Contact details of those people

2.   Contact the Gymnastics NSW COVID Safety Officer on 0488 111 260

3.   Inform your members via the below methods. 

 

Contact Tracing

Close Contact

A 'close contact' is someone who has spent significant time either face-to-face (15mins) or in an enclosed space (two hours or more) as someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus. In gymnastics this will include the coaches and athletes involved in the class at the same time as the infected athlete. 
 

Parents will be notified via a phone call and formally in writing if their child has been in close contact with someone who has tested positive to COVID-19 while at gymnastics. Parents will be notified when they can return to gymnastics. 

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Casual Contact

A 'casual contact' is someone who has been in the facility at the time the confirmed case (for example in multipurpose centres with other sports in operation) was onsite but has not had close contact with the confirmed case. Where a child is not deemed a close contact to a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the gymnastics community, parents will be advised to monitor for symptoms and seek treatment if appropriate. In these situations, gymnasts and coaches are not required to self-isolate and can continue to attend engage in their normal activities within the community.

All families will receive a formal letter from the gymnastics to advise what to do if they have been at gymnastics  on a day when the confirmed case was considered to be infectious.

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Guidelines based off the NSW DET Response Protocols for COVID-19 

 

Additional Links:

• Download the COVIDSafe App