Australia Model Code of Practice Managing the Risks of Biological Hazards at Work 3.1: Seek and monitor information and advice from authoritative sources (health, agricultural, biosecurity and WHS authorities, industry groups, Appendix J) relevant to the industry and activity, watch for alerts and updates, review the assessment and controls accordingly, and engage technical specialists such as occupational physicians and hygienists where needed

What does 3.1 require?

Throughout the process the PCBU should seek and monitor information and advice from authoritative sources about the hazards, risks and controls relevant to its industry, sector or activity (examples in Appendix J), know which sources matter to its workplace, watch them for updates and review its risk assessment and controls as needed, which matters especially because biological hazards emerge and change quickly. Health, agricultural, biosecurity and WHS authorities and industry groups issue alerts and advice about diseases in a population, industry or area and the controls to apply, for example when Ross River virus cases rise after heavy rain. Technical specialists can help at every step: occupational and environmental medicine physicians on identifying hazards, exposure routes and harm, occupational hygienists on assessing and managing hazards such as flood mould or organic dust, and industry networks, peak bodies, NGOs, unions, consultants and similar workplaces as further sources.