Public health order

Public health orders are legal directives issued by government authorities to address public health concerns, such as during a pandemic. These orders can mandate specific actions, like vaccination for certain groups of workers, to ensure public safety. Employers and employees are legally obligated to adhere to these orders, which can vary based on location and the current health situation.

Public health orders and your workplace

When a public health order applies to your business or workers, you must comply with it, and you also have duties under work health and safety laws to manage health risks and consult workers. Requiring employees to follow an order is generally a lawful and reasonable direction. If an order stops employees working and there is no useful work for them, a stand down may be possible. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, some state orders required certain health and aged care workers to be vaccinated, and employers had to check their workers' vaccination status.

Read our guide to standing down employees or call our HR advice line.