Port workers to be vaccinated under new mandatory rules to protect WA

Port workers will need to be vaccinated under new mandatory laws to strengthen COVID-19 measures across WA. Today, the State Government announced mandatory vaccinations from October 15 for port workers who board or work with exposed vessels. The new Exposed Port Worker Directions address the risks posed by vessels with about 12,000 ships visiting WA ports each year. Earlier this month, the Pilbara was rattled by another COVID-19 scare when a rouge seafarer was found wandering on a wharf near Nelson Point in Port Hedland. Roll-out will be staged to limit any potential impact on port facilities. Starting in October, port workers will need to have had at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccination to access an exposed vessel, carry out any service in connection with the vessel or interact with crew. All workers will need to be fully vaccinated by November 12. Port workers will have priority access to the vaccine as part of the initiative but employees will be responsible for organising their jab State health Minister Roger Cook said the new policy would ensure the highly lucrative exports continue to travel to overseas markets. “We need to be ever-vigilant and continue our best efforts to keep the virus out,” he said. “They are on the frontline, up and down our coast, and we need to keep them and our community safe.” Ports Minister Rita Saffioti said the busy port system would be bolstered with the new measures. “WA has 22 port facilities overseen by five port authorities and the Department of Transport, managing huge numbers of ships, cargo and crew every week,” she said. “We all know the risk posed by COVID-19 and it is logical we would try to protect anyone on the frontline. “This will keep them safe, their families and communities safe, and our ports operating.”