Click here  for full details of the Victorian Government’s COVIDSafe Settings.

BCL have and will continue to provide barristers services and support in chambers and remotely throughout these uncertain times. Please see below for BCL COVID safe practices.

As it is mandatory for every Victorian business (including sole traders – barristers & clerks) with on-site operations to have a COVIDSafe Plan:

Click here to access the BCL COVID-19 Safe Plan.

Click here to access the Victorian Government’s website to assist with your COVIDSafe Plan.

If you have been in contact with or have a confirmed case of COVID-19:

Click here to access full details the Victorian Government’s guideline on staying safe and well.

Please follow medical advice regarding self-isolation and notify Amanda Utt (Amanda.utt@vicbar.com.au) immediately, for all BCL COVID-19 practices contact James Campbell via the BCL Service Desk on 9225 8888.

If you have a confirmed case of COVID-19 you need to report to WorkSafe Victoria:

WorkSafe Victoria has introduced temporary Occupational Health and Safety (COVID-19 Incident Notification) Regulations 2020 (OHS COVID-19 Regulations) which commenced on Tuesday 28 July 2020.

Employers and self-employed persons, with management or control of a workplace (including barristers and clerks) must notify WorkSafe immediately of a confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus (COVID-19). For more information click here or complete the online form or call 13 23 60.

See below for all communications from the Victorian Bar and BCL.

All Property, Technology and Network Services Support will continue to be provided across all seven buildings.

Physical distancing

Physical distancing is an important part of mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic. All signage and preventative measures as recommended have been installed in all common areas in all buildings. encouraging the ongoing practice of physical distancing and safe working practices.

BCL Properties

To ensure everybody’s safety and security in these uncertain times property security protocols and processes may change from time to time as legislated:

• All barristers, occupants and guests to follow the signage in all buildings.
• All main entrance doors, lifts and floors are open with unrestricted access from Monday to Friday during the hours 8am to 6pm (this may change from time to time for the safety and wellbeing of all occupants).
• End of Trip (EOT facilities) are available with nightly and high touch point cleaning regimes in place.
• Additional security is present at Owen Dixon Chambers East and will continue to provide support for all barristers in all BCL buildings as required
• Car parks – permanent allocated car parks in BCL buildings will also remain swipe access as permitted.

Guest & Visitor registration

All guests and visitors accessing chambers as legislated are required to sign in using our QR (Quick Response) code. This provides a hygienic, contactless way for all guests and visitors to register their details and ensure COVID safety measures are followed.

QR Registration points:

• All floor entrance points at Aickin, Castan and Issacs chambers.
• Owen Dixon Chambers East entrance.
• Entrance lift lobbies at both Douglas Menzies Chambers and Owen Dixon Chambers West.

Cleaning

Provided in all bulidings:

• Hand sanitiser stations placed in ground floor lobbies.
• Hand sanitisers placed in the lift lobby of all floors.
• Hand sanitisers placed in the car parks for Owen Dixon Chambers East and Owen Dixon Chambers West.
• Nightly cleaning of all bathrooms, including chambers.
• Twice daily cleaning of entrance points including inside and outside of lifts, entrance handles and handrails.
• Deep cleaning and additional precautionary cleaning will be completed if appropriate or in the event of a confirmed positive case.

Face Masks

As legislated, COVIDSafe Settings require you to carry a mask at all times Click here.

Physical distancing

It is important that we all follow government advice around physical distancing, this includes:

• Maintaining 1.5m distance at all times.
• Ensuring overcrowding of lift carriages does not occur.
• Reducing contact with shared surfaces such as common area furniture.
• Encouraging and practicing reduced activity in common area kitchens and break out areas.
• In cases where conference rooms are required, reducing meeting room capacity by monitoring the number of people per room is advised.  If your floor does not have adequate meeting room facilities for physical distancing please contact the BCL Service Desk.
• Disinfecting meeting rooms with provided antibacterial wipes after use.

Practicing good hygiene

• Sanitising hands when entering and exiting both the building and all floors.
• Follow COVID signage instructions throughout building.
• Washing hands before and after consuming food within chambers and common areas.
• If you fall within the COVID-19 high risk category, please maintain appropriate caution levels when attending BCL properties.
• If you present with any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, shortness of breath) please refer to the Victorian Government’s guidelines.

• Federal Government information https://www.health.gov.au.
• Victorian Government’s information https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/
• Sole Trader Support Fund-
  https://www.business.vic.gov.au/support-for-your-business/grants-and-assistance/business-resilience-package/sole-trader-support-fund
• Safe Work Australia https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au.
• WorkSafe Victoria https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19
• World Health Organisation (WHO)- https://www.who.int.