All WA hospitality staff will be required to successfully complete a new hygeine course before their employer is able to re-open following the easing of restrictions.

Developed through the state government, in conjunctions with the AHA(WA), the new online course is designed to equip hospitality staff and management with a comprehensive understanding of COVID-19 hygiene requirements, helping prepare businesses to re-open safely and responsibly.

AHA (WA) CEO Bradley Woods said the course was an Australian first that would "put WA in a front line position" when venues re-open.

“To ensure hospitality businesses are prepared to re-open, it is important that all staff have the necessary training and knowledge to minimise the risk for staff and customers contracting COVID-19," he said.

“The AHA Hospitality & Tourism COVID-19 Hygiene Course has been specifically designed to help the sector to implement measures that will continue to reduce the risks associated with COVID-19 in respect to hygiene, cleaning and social distancing measures.”

The AHA Hospitality & Tourism COVID-19 Hygiene Course will cover the following modules:

• Understanding COVID-19 and venue restrictions
• Reporting personal health issues
• Maintaining personal and work environment hygiene practices, specific to COVID-19
• Reducing cross contamination through procedures, specific to COVID-19
• Effective cleaning and sanitising practices, specific to COVID-19

All staff will be required to complete the basic training, while a second more detailed Hygiene Officer course will be required for managers and supervisors.

When re-opening occurs, each venue must have one Hygiene Officer on duty at all times to ensure venue compliance.

Mr Woods said WA’s hospitality industry had borne a heavy burden as a result of the restrictions that have been in place since March, however venues also recognise the important role they play in reducing the spread of the virus both now and upon re-opening.

“WA has been remarkably successful in containing COVID-19 and hospitality venues will have an important role to play in continuing this success and getting back on the road to recovery – this training course will help ensure this occurs,” he said.

Click here to find out more about the course.

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