Welcome to the March 18 edition of SafetyNet.

As we face extraordinary conditions and challenges due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the message from us is to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and not panic. Increasing numbers of workers are now working remotely from home, and it seems more and more employers are looking into this option.

For the many thousands of workers whose employment is being affected because of the downturn or because they are casuals, these are going to be difficult times.  The union movement has launched a campaign to get guaranteed paid special leave for all workers. Sign the petition to Prime Minister Scott Morrison now.

And in further tragic news, two Victorian workers were killed this week.

We invite feedback on the journal - this helps us to ensure that SafetyNet is as useful and interesting for our subscribers as possible. Please send your comments through to Renata at [email protected].  We welcome all and any comments.

To keep up to date and informed between editions of the journal, go to our We Are Union: OHS Reps Facebook page. Also, if you're an HSR or deputy, you should join the OHS Network Facebook