Workplace respiratory management plans
Workplace respiratory management plans, including workplace asthma management plans should document specific advice for both the worker and PCBU about how to effectively manage the respiratory condition at the workplace, and should include:
- ensuring the worker knows and understands they must carry all prescribed medications to address their condition on their person when at work
- clear instructions on what to do in response to the worker suffering respiratory difficulty, eg providing emergency respiratory first aid and management as per national guidelines eg Asthma Australia guidelines for asthma flare-ups
- triggers (things that set off or start asthma symptoms) that should be avoided / monitored
- the minimum precautions to be undertaken whilst in the workplace and the management of those conditions within the workplace – including type of respiratory PPE to be used. The PCBU can then provide the worker with education and training in how to use, clean and store the PPE properly.
- recommended length of shifts in high-risk areas; when there are precipitating weather factors; etc
- the short-term schedule for monitoring of the worker’s respiratory condition (including for workers with pre-existing respiratory conditions that are employed in a high-risk industry sectors)
The PCBU should frequently talk with the worker about their respiratory condition to ensure the plan is effective. These discussions may be required more frequently for workers undertaking new tasks; working in new areas; or during changing weather conditions (outdoor workers).
A copy of the worker’s workplace respiratory management plan should be provided to the Safety Officer, first aid officer and Health and Safety Representatives (where applicable).