COVID-19 Virus And Employing Children

Babies under 12 weeks

To reduce the risk of harm to the most vulnerable children, requests for variations to employ babies under 12 weeks will not be approved at this time. We will continue to update all employers when this advice changes.

Children under 3 years

For employment of children between 12 weeks and three years, we ask that you follow the requirements of the children’s employment legislation:

• ensure a registered nurse/midwife is present at all times
• follow the advice of the nurse regarding the working environment and care of the child.

This includes having suitable lighting and temperature, a clean and comfortable workspace and stopping work immediately if the child is unwell.

Make it a child safe and healthy workplace

Here are some guidelines to take care of your health and protect others, while on set:

• food and drink provided to children should be handled appropriately
• clean your hands frequently, using soap and water or a suitable alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
• avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Where this is unavoidable (i.e. hair & makeup) please wash your hands before and after contact.
• cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• stay home if you are feeling unwell. Anyone who comes to work with a cough or other COVID-19 symptoms should be sent home immediately

The Department of Health website has more information and resources about COVID-19.

Contacting the children’s employment team

Due to reduced staff, our phones will be unavailable for the next two weeks. Please email us at kidsemployment@kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Employers must manage the employment of children under 16 years in accordance with the current guidelines of the relevant health authorities. We will not be providing responses to specific queries regarding COVID-19 and the employment of children. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure a safe workplace.

www.kidsguardian.nsw.gov.au