Welcome to the board
LGIS WA has a new board member in Claremont councillor Paul Kelly.
Cr Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge to the role – with previous experience as board member and chairperson of the board at LGIS.
Following COVID lockdowns expect people to flock to outdoor areas and other local government facilities. Prior to opening these public spaces as part of Phase 3, local governments should make sure they are ready to be used. Every facility should be assessed and any necessary maintenance completed.
A COVID Safety Plan will also need to be completed for every venue such as libraries, recreation centres and public pools. LGIS has developed some suggested controls to help members complete their safety plan. Outdoor areas and facilities should also be assessed. The South West of WA has already seen significant winter storms and outdoor facilities which may need to be repaired.
It’s important maintenance schedules are kept for any assets closed until Phase 3 or 4.
Cleaning outdoor areas
Outdoor areas, like playgrounds generally require normal routine cleaning, but do not require disinfecting. It’s a waste of supplies and hasn’t been proven to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to the public. Give plastic or metal equipment a routine clean. Wooden surfaces (play structures, benches, tables) and groundcovers (mulch, sand, soft fall) do not need cleaning. Debris should be removed from sidewalks and groundcovers. Unused public barbeques should be cleaned as per usual procedures and debris should be removed.
Economists are predicting a global crisis like COVID-19 is unlikely to be a once in a century event. As our economies become more interconnected it is likely there will be future disruptions to the workforce and local governments.
As an example – a global cyber-attack could result in similar short-term shutdowns and while chances are remote, Western Australia could become a terrorism target.
It is therefore essential to review business continuity plans regularly and not just once a crisis hits.
Contact LGIS for support in navigating your re-opening and management of COVID-19 risks.
LGIS WA has a new board member in Claremont councillor Paul Kelly.
Cr Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge to the role – with previous experience as board member and chairperson of the board at LGIS.
As we look to the recovery phase of the current crisis, our focus in still on our people and integrating them successfully back to a new work environment.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, nearly half of all Australians were working from home at the start of May.
Many local government employees found they were also either working from home, stood down or redeployed into different departments.
Western Australia fared better than many locations around the world following the coronavirus pandemic. However, COVID-19 had an overwhelming impact on local governments and exposed weaknesses within every industry.
How local governments operate in a post COVID-19 world will determine future workplace success.
Ideally, local governments will exit the crisis better than before.
As local governments prepare for the new normal of physical health safe guards including temperature checks and additional cleaning, they also need to consider how best to monitor and support employees mental health.
Following COVID lockdowns expect people to flock to outdoor areas and other local government facilities. Prior to opening these public spaces as part of Phase 3, local governments should make sure they are ready to be used.
LGIS is the unifying name for the dedicated suite of risk financing and management services for WA local governments, established by the WA Local Government Association in conjunction with JLT Public Sector (part of the Marsh group of companies). LGIS is managed by JLT Public Sector (ABN 69 009 098 864 AFS Licence 226827).
Risk Matters, via this website, is designed to keep members, their staff and elected members informed on topical risk management and insurance issues and LGIS programs and services.
