1. KOTB Performance Academy Health and Safety Responsibility
KOTB Performance Academy is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our staff, students and visitors and the environment in which our activities take place. In supporting this commitment, we will work towards minimising the risk of exposure and limit the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The strategies outlined within this plan align with our duties to workers as per Workplace Health and Safety Legislation. This commitment is achieved by continuing to maintain a safe work environment through the development of safe methods of work, provision of information, training, instruction, supervision and consultation with team members.
The following processes will ensure the risk of COVID-19 is minimised as far as reasonably practicable to ensure the safety of our dance community.
Workplace facilities are maintained periodically to ensure the environment does not put anyone at risk of contracting COVID-19. Further details are provided in this plan.
All personnel will be provided with information and training to aid in reducing the risk of exposure arising from their work. Signage will be displayed throughout the property to aid in team members identifying the symptoms of COVID-19.
Team Members and their representatives (e.g. Health and Safety Representatives) will be encouraged and given an opportunity to express their views and raise concerns in relation to health and safety relating to COVID-19. KOTB will review these concerns and advise the workers of the outcome.
2. Consultation
KOTB will continue to consult with all personnel and contractors in relation to workplace health and safety matters. This is outlined within the KOTB OHS & Environmental Management Systems.
Our approach to consultation ensures that all personnel:
• Have a reasonable opportunity to express their concerns through a variety of methods and to raise any health and safety issues;
• Have an opportunity to contribute to the decision-making process relating to the health and safety issues including:
o Ways to eliminate or minimise health and safety risks;
o Adequacy of facilitates for their welfare;
o Proposed changes to procedures that may affect health and safety including consultation, resolving workplace issues, monitoring the health of workers, monitoring the conditions of the workplace and providing information and training for workers;
3. Risk Assessment
KOTB’s COVID Safe Plan is founded on a risk-based approach, in line with the KOTB Safety Management System.
KOTB has an obligation to manage risks to health and safety by ensuring that specific regulated controls measures are implemented, regulated exposure standards are not exceeded and that reasonably foreseeable hazards, which may create risks to health and safety are identified and managed in ways that:
• Eliminate risks to health and safety as far as reasonably practical; and
• If unable to eliminate those risks in a reasonably practical manner, then to minimise those risks as far as reasonably practical.
The process by which KOTB manages risk across our properties includes the following steps.
• Step 1. Identifying hazards;
• Step 2. Assessing the risks that may result from those hazards;
• Step 3. Controlling those risks (as far as reasonably practical);
• Step 4. Maintenance of control measures; and
• Step 5. Review of control measures.
In line with Safe Work Australia Guidelines, our COVID Safe Plan has included risk assessments of:
• Student and visitor exposure to COVID-19 in our facilities;
• Team member exposure to COVID-19;
• Changes to work practices and operations; and
• Vulnerable workers.
Risk assessments are conducted by the WH&S representative.
KOTB ensures risks are continually reviewed using data from our Health and Safety Reporting System. We continue to review advise from Public Health Authorities, Workplace Health and Safety Authorities and relevant Industry Bodies.
4. Emergency Plan
KOTB has prepared for the reopening of its properties. One of KOTB’s biggest concerns is how to keep its team members, visitors and contractors safe from contracting or spreading COVID-19 if there is a resurgence of the virus.
KOTB will ensure that personnel are informed, protected and aware of their responsibilities regarding their safety and the safety of others during the activities of the business as per guidelines set out in the COVID Safe Industry training listed below:
- https://www.covid19.qld.cov.au/government-actions/covid-safe-businesses
- https://www.health.cov.ua/resources/apps-and-tools/covid19-infection-control-training
Training for managers/supervisors on what to do if a team member advises them of a suspected COVID-19 case has been developed and will be implemented in the workplace.
The following procedure will be followed for any person presenting with COVID-19 signs/ symptoms: -
1. Identify/ Isolate the person
a. The manager/supervisor is to don a facemask, gloves and eye protection. Attend the site and to request the ill person put on a facemask and to offer any others in their party facemasks too.
2. Obtain information
a. Obtain personal details
b. Locations of where they have been/ visited
c. What are the signs and symptoms; Duration of symptoms
3. Ensure the person has transport.
a. To their home
b. Medical facility
4. Clean and disinfect:
a. The affected areas will be closed off and others will not be permitted to enter until they have been cleaned and disinfected using appropriate PPE and approved chemicals.
5. Incident report
a. Incident report to be completed and recorded.
6. Incident Investigation
a. Incident investigation to be conducted by WH&S representative, any corrective actions to be carried out.
7. Monitor and review risk management controls
a. KOTB will review the COVID-19 risk.
In the event a team member tests positive to COVID-19 and advises KOTB, the relevant work area will be closed immediately, cleaned and disinfected. All team members with close contact will be notified immediately, advised to self-isolate and to adhere to QLD Health processes.
5. Venue Capacity
KOTB is working under the DPPA Industry COVID Safe Plan and as such is able to increase the scope of their activities and the number of individuals permitted with this approved exemption to the Roadmap Restrictions of Stage 3.
The maximum acceptable capacity for indoor areas has been calculated using the Maximum Numbers Exemption:
- for venues/facilities or rooms of up to 200 square metres, no more than one person per 2 square metres, up to a maximum of 50 people.
These maximum capacity restrictions will be posted at the entrances of all indoor areas and monitored by the team members who work in the respective locations.
Implementation of potential capacity controls will include:
• Monitoring at the entrance and exit of the venue
• Capping numbers through the use of an online system with maintained attendance records.
6. Entry Screening
Team Members, Visitors, and Contractors
KOTB properties will administer health screening measures of its team members, visitors and contractors as a preventative measure in managing the COVID-19 spread. Personnel will only present for duty if fit and must not attend any activities if experiencing signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
Staff responsible for check-in procedures will have appropriate training to identify signs or symptoms of COVID-19 to ensure the safety of all during all daily activities. In addition to entry checks, physical signage will display the following information:
• Do not enter the property if unwell.
• Stay home if unwell.
• Maintain physical distancing by keeping at least 2m between yourself and others.
• Practice good hygiene during visit.
• Use Cashless Payments were possible.
• The right of refusal of entry to anyone who:
- displays any of the following signs of COVID-19 symptoms namely:
Acute Respiratory Distress/ Shortness of Breath
Anosmia (a loss in sense of smell)
Coughs
-Fever
Headache
Sore throat
- has been in close contact with a known case of COVID-19;
- has travelled overseas in the previous 14 days;
- has visited a declared hotspot in the previous 14 days as listed at www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/hotspots-covid-19
 
7. Vulnerable Workers
A vulnerable person can be defined as a person who is 18+ years and who is/or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or physical disability, age or illness; they may be unable to take care of themselves, or unable to protect themselves against significant harm or serious exploitation.
Examples include, but not limited to:
• Children, (under 18years);
• Pregnant women;
• The elderly (over 70 years, or 65 years with chronic diseases/conditions);
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders;
• Immune-compromised;
• Sufferers of chronic conditions;
• Mental illnesses.
Under WHS legislation, KOTB has a duty to protect workers from harm. Vulnerable workers will be risk assessed to ensure limited exposure to the COVID-19 virus.
KOTB will ask team members to self-identify if they fit into the above categories of Vulnerable Workers. Where a team member is identified as a vulnerable worker, a personalised risk assessment will be undertaken in consultation with the team member, their Manager, People & Culture and Safety. Potential risk mitigation strategies include:
• Modifications to tasks/duties to minimise contact with others as far as practicable;
• Request that the team member utilises appropriate PPE;
• Work from home arrangements (if applicable);
• Redeployment to non-contact or non-customer facing work;
• Redeployment to another role with lower risk;
• Accessing leave entitlements; or
• Direction to not attend for work. Reference:
• Safe Work Australia 2020, Vulnerable workers
• Department of Social Services 2020, Vulnerable person
• World Health Organisation 2020, Vulnerable person
8. Hygiene
An effective approach in minimising the risk of exposure to COVID-19 to our students, visitors/guest, team members, contractors is to enforce a good hygiene practice. The following controls are in place at KOTB:
• Physical signage displayed throughout the venue with the following information:
o Wash hands frequently: wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use alcohol- based sanitiser to kill viruses that may be on your hand.
o Respiratory hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of the used tissue immediately.
o Avoid touching eyes, nose & mouth: Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth where possible.
o Maintain social distancing: Keep at least 1.5-2m between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing to keep yourself safe.
• All amenities contain handwashing facilities with Soap, water, air dryers and paper
towels.
• Qld Health “Steps to successful hand washing†signage displayed at all handwashing stations.
• Supplies of hand washing consumables in amenities to be monitored frequently and
replaced by cleaning personnel.
• Alcohol- based sanitiser is available across the venue in multiple locations including but not limited to:
o Entry and exit to the venue;
o Front of Retail outlet;
o Entrance to each studio;
o Public Amenities areas; and
o Staff areas.
• Where safe to do so, doors will be kept open to reduce the number of contact points and increase air circulation to the area;
• Personal hygiene policy implemented across all departments;
• Adequate training regarding personal hygiene issued;
• Hygiene signage displayed in all areas.
9. Cleaning
Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects throughout the venue is a vital step in reducing the spread of COVID-19. KOTB is committed to reducing the risk of exposure to all students, guest/ visitors, team members, and contractors by implementing effective cleaning and disinfecting procedures.
Cleaning Methodology
The current methodology utilised for all cleaning consist of two-step process; cleaning and disinfection.
• Cleaning is the process of removal of contamination from an item to the extent necessary for further processing. Detergent or soap-based chemicals are used for all cleaning processes.
• Disinfection describes a process that eliminates many or all pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects. Chemicals used for disinfecting has been amended to include recommendations made by Safe Work Australia must include the following ingredients:
o A minimum of 70% Alcohol;
o Quaternary ammonium compounds; and
o Chlorine- based disinfectant.
• 2 in 1 Cleaner and Sanitiser chemicals can also be used as it incorporates both cleaning and disinfecting in one process. Chemicals ingredient must contain Quaternary ammonium compounds i.e. Benzalkonium Chloride as a minimum.
KOTB conducts a risk assessment in a chemical manifest prior to the implementation of a new chemical. KOTB supplies relevant team members with appropriate chemicals along with any PPE and training required for safe handling of the chemicals.
Updated cleaning and disinfecting procedures
All departments are responsible for contributing to cleanliness of their work areas. However, room supervisors will be responsible for cleaning their areas (i.e. hand rails, amenities, common areas, queue lines etc) the following cleaning practices are implemented for COVID-19 management:
• High touch point cleaned & disinfecting every hour;
• Low touch point areas on a schedule (pre-class, post class);
• Increased amenities cleaning;
• Increased kitchen cleaning; and
• Increased retail outlet cleaning.
Reference
- Safe Work Australia 2020, Cleaning to prevent the spread of COVID 19
10. Procurement Management
All KOTB procurement will incorporate the following controls for COVID-19 response.
• Management of hygiene consumables to be prioritised to ensure adequate stocks are maintained for KOTB
o PPE
o Chemicals
o Cleaning equipment
• Request contractors/ delivery service to use electronic records where possible to minimise physical contact
• Management to conduct regular stocktake to facilitate effective ordering
• Delivery drivers will be required to download COVID safe app.
11. Physical distancing (Social distancing)
Physical distancing is a measure used to limit the transmission of COVID-19 by reducing exposure between people. Based on advice provided by Ausdance Qld DPPA Plan, the basic principles of physical distancing are to maintain as much as practical:
• at least 1.5m distance between people when gathering;
• 2 square metre space per person when working or participating an activity within a shared space/dance room;
• avoiding physical greetings such as hugging, kissing or hand shaking.
Physical distancing signage will be displayed at entry of the venue, administration and staffing areas; & common areas including kitchenette.
Queue Management:
• All queuing areas (including venue entry and retail counter will have floor decals (1.5m apart) to assist guest in ensuring a safe physical distance is maintained while waiting.
• Team members will assist in managing queued areas
Entry/ Exit: Where possible, a one way in one way out has been implemented.
Indoor capacity: Will be measured using the 2m² rule, occupancy number will be displayed and manned during peak periods.
12. RETAIL
General Practices
KOTB will incorporate the following controls for the Retail outlet
Personal Hygiene: Retail team members adhere to the Personal Presentation Policy i.e. frequent handwashing, grooming and clean clothes
Work Station: Work area to be frequently washed on a set schedule and as required. Physical distancing to be maintained by allocating set location for team members
Occupancy:
• Guest numbers allowed in outlet to be limited to 4m² per person,
• Occupancy signage will be displayed on entry and will be manned by team member
• Team members will monitor crowd movement during peak hours at entry and exit points
Cashless Payment: Will be communicated to guest prior to entry
Queues: Makers will be on the floor of the entry to, promote physical distancing between guests. Hand sanitiser will be available at all entry points to outlets.
Entry and Exits: Where possible, a one way in one way out exits are implemented
Cleaning Practices: High touchpoint areas will require hourly cleaning i.e. EFTPOS terminals, POS screens etc. General housekeeping cleaning will be increased
Service Counter: Line marking on the floor to encourage the 1.5m distance between team member and customer. Hand sanitiser positioned on all POS stations for general use.
13. Team Members
The following will be implemented for the health and safety of all KOTB team members
• COVID questionnaire for team members, visitor and contractor upon arrival
• Handover equipment to be cleaned effectively at each handover including but not limited to
o Class rolls
o Audio Equipment, Pens, OCP
o Keys
• Physical distance rules applied to all staff areas including team areas, office etc
• Signage displayed in BOH areas
• Hand sanitiser to be conveniently located for team members
• COVIDSAFE app signage available to encourage and remind team about usage
• All team members are required to undertake COVID-19 awareness training
• All team members will be retrained in any updated departmental procedures
• Communicating to team members regarding updates and changes
14. PPE
In instances where hazards within KOTB workplaces cannot be eliminated or controlled by design, substitution, separation or administrative procedures then appropriate PPE is to be utilised to minimise the risk to health and safety in relation to the work being undertaken. PPE is considered the last line of defence in the hierarchy of risk control.
Where reasonably practicable, PPE may be considered to manage the exposure to COVID-19.
KOTB, via Department Managers will be responsible for the provision of PPE to employees wherever its use is a legislated requirement or when it is utilised to minimise the health and safety risks associated with allocated work activities.
The requirement for KOTB team members to wear PPE during the COVID-19 pandemic has been assessed via the risk management process.
15. Psycho- Social
It is recognised that COVID-19 creates several psychological hazards which may lead to psychological injuries for VRTP members. VRTP has been continually updating team members via personal email, VRTP Team Member Facebook page and meetings. This information is provided to relieve as much anxiety as possible around COVID-19 and how the risk will be managed in the workplace.
Managers and Supervisors are empowered to look out for the mental health of their team members and support them to adapt to the changes in the workplace. Where team members require professional support, the Employee Assistance Program is readily available via First Aid. EAP encouragement posters are displayed throughout back of house areas.
Workplace-Related Violence
With the various changes and additional measures implemented across the venue, it is recognised that these changes may increase anxiety and stress for KOTB guests. To minimise this, the following measures have been taken to make the changes as seamless for guests as possible:
• Making information available to guests before they arrive on the website
• Clear use of signage
• Design of physical distancing and queuing in a logical approach
Front line team members recognize that interrogation and/or refusal of entry to customers can cause anxiety or conflict in participants and have been guided in assisting resolution if this occurs. Team members are able to seek support from supervisors and management.
KOTB has a no-tolerance policy for offensive, violent and/or discriminatory behaviour and in accordance with our conditions of entry; guests partaking in such behaviour will be removed.
16. Training
All team members will be required to complete a mandatory COVID-19 training, focusing on hygiene and physical distancing standards issued by the QLD and Australian government prior to recommencement of their roles. Team members will be required to undergo both site and role/ departmental specific training to ensure adequate controls are implemented for their operation.
Training includes but not limited to:
• Entry Screening processes;
• Venue wide physical distancing measures;
• Cleaning practices;
• Handling of hazardous substances;
• Personal hygiene;
• PPE;
• Updating procedure manuals;
• Managing conflict in workplace; and/or
• (Departmental) Refresher training for team members.
KOTB is committed to ensuring that all relevant training issued by QLD/ Australian Government is reviewed and undertaken by team members
17. Communication
KOTB will continues to keep all Directors updated regarding their commitment to safe COVID-19 practices implemented within the venue. The following communication channels will be utilised:
Mobile App & Website
• KOTB website to be utilised to access venue information
• Encouraging team members, contractors, guest etc to download the COVID Safe App (not mandatory).
Email Communication
• Overview of the COVID safe plan will be communicated to our customer base
o New admission conditions of entry;
o New in venue procedures; and
Signage
• Physical signage will be displaying the following:
o Condition of Entry;
o Physical distancing; and
o Correct handwashing techniques.
Team members
• KOTB will communicate key updates and changes to team members via the following channels:
o SMS;
o E-mails;
18. Records
KOTB will ensure records are kept for all cleaning conducted within the venue to ensure supervisors and management are able to verify it has been completed and within schedule for a period of 60 days.
Cleaning schedules records
• Dance Studios;
• Common Areas;
• Retail;
• Cleaners (overall venue, toilets and offices)
Cleaning chemical
• Risk assessment to be conducted for any chemicals;
• Safety data Sheets to be updated if required.
Entry Screening logs
• Employee ID number/ Contractor/ Guest details (Name, Address, Email Address and Contact Number);
• Questionnaires answers.
Team members
• Completed training;
• Completed refreshers.
Incidents
o Suspected COVID- 19; and
o Confirmed COVID-19.
19. Review and Monitor
KOTB is committed to regular reviewing our systems of work to ensure consistency with current directions and advice provided by health authorities. The KOTB Operational Safety Team will be responsible for ensuring KOTB is operating by current legislation/ guidelines.
Formal Review: Conducted at 14, 30, 60 days after reopening.
Formal review conducted by the Operational Safety Team is completed by using a ‘KOTB Covid Audit Tool’. The audit is reviewed by the Chief Executive Officer.
The audit is recorded and any non-compliances will be immediately rectified.
Regular review is conducted:
• Via Supervisor monitoring the departmental implementation of COVID safe plan;
• Internal Auditing conducted by the Operational Safety Team;
• By daily review of data from operations and safety reporting systems;
• Following a change in government restrictions;
• Following industry body information and advice; or
Performance with regards to this COVID plan will be formally communicated through KOTB’s existing Safety Management System which ensures that materials matters are communicated from the front line all the way to Directors.
