Accredited infection control training offered as SA businesses forced to close

Infection control training is now being offered to food businesses in South Australia as the state emerges from a hard lockdown.

While the magnitude of the recent outbreak was perhaps overstated, the state’s recent Parafield cluster is a timely reminder of the pervasive and highly contagious nature of coronavirus. 

In light of the Parafield cluster, food businesses need to be aware of the potential for spread on hard surfaces and the risks of complacency.

The South Australian Government is now offering accredited training to help businesses get back on their feet and minimise the potential for another outbreak. 

“SA’s renowned hospitality sector is one industry that is set to benefit from the training, which will help people get back to work in a safe and timely manner, and give South Australian consumers peace of mind that their favourite eatery has health and safety as their top priority”, said Minister for Innovation and Skills David Pisoni.

The so-called ‘COVID clean’ training covers food businesses operating in the retail, tourism, transport and logistics, hospitality and health (aged care and disability services) sectors.

The training itself covers a wide range of subjects, including:

•    Proper hand hygiene protocols.

•    Effective cleaning of surfaces.

•    Effective use of PPE.

•    Hazard identification, control, and reporting.

•    Protocol response in the event of an incident.

•    Background training in infection and transmission.

Who is eligible?

Those working in a customer-facing role are eligible to undertake the training, but they must be over the age of 16 and not enrolled at school. 

They must also be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent Australian resident or eligible visa holder. 

The training is open to any worker in a food business, regardless of whether they are an employee, supervisor, or business owner. However, the training is limited to just one staff member per business site.

How is the training delivered?

To gain accreditation, participants will need to achieve competency in a theory and practical assessment. The theory component will be assessed online, usually through an e-learning portal on the training provider website. 

The practical component involves assessing competency in various practical tasks at the location of the food business concerned.

After completing the training, which is nationally recognised, participants will receive a Statement of Attainment.

How to apply

In South Australia, infection control training is administered by Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). 

Contact details for relevant food industry training providers can be found on the SA Business Information Hub website. Providers will then inform businesses of when the next training session will be conducted and give instructions on how to sign up in preparation.

Importantly, the training is heavily subsidised by the Government of South Australia and the Australian Government. As a result, each employee can be enrolled for just $15 – payable by the individual or by the business.

With the scheme currently limited to 5,500 participants statewide, interest has been strong since its release.

Article Published by Food Safety Select