DOCCM-6873027
DOC risk assessment – transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace
Assumption highly transmissible variant and community transmission
This risk assessment (Appendices 1 and 2) assume community transmission occurs
throughout New Zealand Aotearoa. The basis for treating border tasks as higher risk work
(due to contact with incoming international passengers, crew, airport staff and other
government agencies) remains valid when COVID-19 is still prevalent in many countries and
any new variants would be likely to affect border workers first.
The risk assessment is undertaken on two bases:
• The risk of a DOC worker infected with COVID-19 transmitting COVID-19 to others during
work activities.
• The risk of a DOC worker becoming infected with COVID-19 at work.
We have identified work tasks that involve contact with others, the most credible worst-case
scenario associated with the risk of infection with COVID-19, and the likelihood of transmitted
infection occurring and it leading to that consequence.
We have assessed inherent risk, residual risk with current controls, and what having all DOC
staff vaccinated who work in that area would do to the risk rating.
Impact of Vaccination
Vaccination of DOC workers has the following impact:
• It reduces the likelihood of DOC workers transmitting COVID-19 at work from Almost-
certain/Likely down to Possible
• It reduces the likelihood of DOC workers being infected with COVID-19 from Almost-
certain/Likely down to Possible
• It reduces the consequence of DOC workers being infected with COVID-19 at work from
Severe down to Moderate
Residual risk assessment – DOC vaccination
The residual consequence and residual risk ratings are presented as dual ratings for both
vaccinated and non-vaccinated persons. This is because DOC workers during the course of
their work may come into contact with other persons who are not vaccinated.
We have assessed the residual risk of a DOC worker positive for COVID-19 Delta variant
passing this infection onto others at work is:
• Extreme for an unvaccinated DOC worker transmitting infection during work to an
unvaccinated person
• High for an unvaccinated DOC worker transmitting infection during work to a vaccinated
person
• High for a vaccinated DOC worker transmitting infection during work to an unvaccinated
person
• Medium for a vaccinated DOC worker transmitting infection during work to a vaccinated
person.
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DOCCM-6873027
We have assessed the residual risk of a DOC worker being infected by the COVID-19 Delta
variant at work is:
• Extreme for an unvaccinated DOC worker being infected during work by an
unvaccinated person
• High for a vaccinated DOC worker being infected during work by an unvaccinated
person
• High for an unvaccinated DOC worker being infected during work by a vaccinated
person
• Medium for a vaccinated DOC worker being infected during work by a vaccinated
person.
Unvax
to
Unvax
Vax to
DOC
Unvax
Unvax
to
DOC
vax
vax
Vax
to
Vax
Where we identified a residual risk rating of high or above (for current controls without
vaccination) we believe (based on WorkSafe guidance) that we need to consider the
reasonably practicable nature of mandatory vaccination for roles unless other additional
controls are reasonably practicable and would change the residual risk rating sufficiently.
Rapid antigen testing
Rapid antigen testing could further decrease the likelihood of DOC workers infected with
COVID-19 transmitting infection to others by picking up the infection early. As this is currently
being trialled in New Zealand and is not currently available to DOC, it has not been factored
into this risk assessment.
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DOCCM-6873027
Notes and assumptions
Vaccine efficacy
Efficacy of vaccine MOH site key points:
• 90-100% efficacy across all genders, ethnicity etc
• 100% efficacy in 12-15yo
7 May science update – viral transmissions [latest update]
• 54% reduction in cases of household members of healthcare workers in Scotland
after 2 doses
• 38-49% less likely to transmit virus to household contacts after 1 dose
• 4-fold reduction in viral load after 1 dose (less infectiousness)
Immunisation Advisory Centre
• Israel’s vax programme cut documented infection by 92%
• CDC: 90% effective in healthcare workers in protecting against infection
IMAC Delta page
• Delta patients 2x more likely to be hospitalised or need emergency care than Alpha
variant (UK study)
IMAC international vax page
• 5.1 deaths/million for people with 2 doses, 47.3 deaths/million for unvaccinated (UK
numbers)
Knowns
• People are infectious and asymptomatic for 48 hours after infection
• Infectious period continues until
72 hours after symptoms resolved
• Consequence is severe for all infections as potential outcome is death or severe
illness (hospitalisation and/or long Covid).
Assumptions
• Delta variant is in community and there is some detected or undetected transmission,
OR borders are open to some degree.
• Vaccination status of people we interact with is unknown.
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Appendix 1 - Risk assessment of COVID-19 highly transmissible variants (assumption community transmission) DOCCM-6873027
LOW INFLUENCE AND CONTROL:
Non-DOC worksites and/or interactions with the public
Work activity
Persons
Frequency and
Inherent
Inherent
Inherent
Controls
Residual
Residual
Residual
Residual
Residual
Residual risk
involved
length of contact
likelihood
consequence
risk
(without vax)
likelihood
consequence
risk (with
likelihood
consequence
(with controls
with others and
(controls no
for person/s
controls &
(with DOC
for person/s
incl DOC vax)
environment
DOC vax)
infected (with
no vax)
controls &
infected
controls & no
mandatory
(with controls
DOC vax)
DOC vax)
& DOC vax)
Contact with
DOC
Very frequent, short Almost
Severe
Extreme
Barriers,
Likely
Moderate
High
Possible
Moderate
Medium
customers at non-DOC workers;
duration exposure,
certain
masks,
(vax)
(vax) DOC
sites: reception
Other PCBU
aircon
handwashing,
workers;
distancing
Severe
Extreme
Severe1
High
Public
(no-vax)
(no-vax) Others
Embedded on non-
DOC
Very frequent,
Almost
Severe
Extreme
Masks,
Almost
Moderate
High
Possible
Moderate
Medium
DOC sites eg vessels,
workers;
prolonged
certain
handwashing,
certain -
(vax)
(vax) DOC
helicopters
Other PCBU
exposure, may
distancing
Likely
workers;
include small
Public
internal spaces
Severe
Extreme
Severe
High
(vessels/
(no-vax)
(no-vax) Others
helicopters),
physical distancing
may be difficult
Visit/attend non-DOC
DOC
Very frequent,
Almost
Severe
Extreme
Masks,
Likely
Moderate
High
Possible
Moderate
Medium
sites2 including
workers;
moderate
certain
handwashing
(vax)
(vax) DOC
outdoor areas 3
Other PCBU
exposure, indoor or
workers;
outdoor, physical
Severe
Extreme
Severe
High
Public
distancing may be
(no-vax)
(no-vax) Others
difficult
Outdoor large events,
DOC
Very frequent,
Almost
Severe
Extreme
Masks,
Likely-
Moderate
High
Possible
Moderate
Medium
e.g. Kepler Challenge
workers;
prolonged
certain
handwashing,
possible
(vax)
(vax) DOC
Other PCBU
exposure, outdoors,
distance (hard
(outdoor)
workers;
physical distancing
to maintain)
Severe
Extreme-
Severe
High
Public
may be difficult
High
(no-vax)
(no-vax) Others
Indoor large events
DOC
Very frequent,
Almost
Severe
Extreme
Masks,
Likely
Moderate
High
Possible
Moderate
Medium
where DOC is not in
workers;
prolonged
certain
handwashing,
(vax)
(vax) DOC
control e.g. in-person
Other PCBU
exposure, aircon,
distance (hard
conferences,
workers
physical distancing
to maintain)
Severe
Extreme
Severe
High
meetings, some Te
may be difficult
(no-vax)
(no-vax) Others
Pukenga Atawhai
Public meetings
DOC
Frequent, moderate Likely
Severe
Extreme
Masks,
Likely-
Moderate
High
Possible
Moderate
Medium
workers;
exposure
handwashing,
possible
(vax) DOC
(vax)
Public
distance
(speaker on
Severe
Extreme-
Severe
High
platform away
High
(no-vax) Others
from people)
(no-vax)
1 Other persons DOC workers come into contact with may not be vaccinated.
2 Includes visit/attendance at other agencies (e.g. court, tribunal)
3 Excludes the work activities undertaken by DOC workers captured by the vaccination mandates in
COVID-19 Public Health Response (Vaccinations) Amendment Order (No 3) 2021 (LI 2021/325) – New Zealand Legislation (i.e. affected education services, health and disability
sector such as fire services and SAR, prisons and borders where applicable)
4
International visits and
DOC
Frequent, variable
Almost
Severe
Extreme
Masks,
Almost
Moderate
High
Possible
Moderate
Medium
postings
workers;
vaccination
certain
handwashing,
certain -
(vax)
(vax) DOC
Other PCBU
coverage,
distancing
Likely
workers,
community
Severe
Extreme
Severe
High
Public
transmission
(no-vax)
(no-vax) Others
REQUIREMENTS SET BY OTHER ORGANISATIONS AND AUTHORITIES
Work activity
Persons
Frequency and
Inherent
Inherent
Inherent
Controls
Residual
Residual
Residual
Residual
Residual
Residual risk
involved
length of contact
likelihood
consequence
risk
(without vax)
likelihood
consequence
risk (with
likelihood (with
consequence for
(with controls
with others and
(controls no
for person/s
controls &
DOC controls &
person/s
incl DOC vax)
environment
DOC vax)
infected (with
no vax)
mandatory
infected
controls & no
DOC vax)
(with controls &
DOC vax)
DOC vax)
Travel international4
DOC
Very frequent,
Almost
Severe
Extreme
Masks,
Almost
Moderate
High
Possible
Moderate
Medium
workers;
prolonged
certain
handwashing
certain
(vax)
(vax) DOC
Public
exposure,
recirculated air
Severe
Extreme
Severe
High
(no-vax)
(no-vax) Others
Travel domestic (air,
DOC
Very frequent,
Almost
Severe
Extreme
Masks,
Likely
Moderate
High
Possible
Moderate
Medium
taxi, public transport)
workers;
moderate
certain
handwashing
(vax)
(vax) DOC
Public
exposure,
recirculated air
Severe
Extreme
Severe
High
(no-vax)
(no-vax) Others
HIGH INFLUENCE AND CONTROL:
DOC and other government agency worksites
Work activity
Persons
Frequency and
Inherent
Inherent
Inherent
Controls
Residual
Residual
Residual risk
Residual
Residual
Residual risk
involved
length of contact
likelihood
consequence
risk
(without vax)
likelihood
consequence for
(with controls
likelihood (with
consequence for
(with controls
with others and
(controls no
person/s
& no vax)
DOC controls &
person/s
incl DOC vax)
environment
DOC vax)
infected (with
mandatory
infected
controls & no
DOC vax)
(with controls &
DOC vax)
DOC vax)
Contact with
DOC
Very frequent, short Almost
Severe
Extreme
Barriers,
Likely
Moderate
High
Possible
Moderate
Medium
customers at DOC
workers;
duration exposure,
certain
masks,
(vax)
(vax) DOC
sites: reception/ visitor
Other PCBU
aircon
handwashing,
centres
workers;
distancing
Public
Severe
Extreme
(no-vax)
Work at a DOC office/
DOC
Very frequent,
Almost
Severe
Extreme
Masks,
Almost
Moderate
Extreme
Possible
Severe6
High
workshop in close
workers;
prolonged
certain
handwashing,
certain -
(vax)
(no-vax) Others
contact with other
Other PCBU5 exposure, aircon
distancing,
Likely
workers
workers;
reduced %
casual
workers
Severe
Extreme
Severe
High
volunteers,
onsite, work
(no-vax)
(no-vax) Others
Public
bubbles
4 Full vaccination is likely to be required for international travel
5 PCBU worker includes volunteer workers and contractors
6 Other persons that DOC workers come into contact with may not be vaccinated.
5
Visit multiple DOC
DOC
Frequent, moderate Almost
Severe
Extreme
Masks,
Likely
Moderate
High
Possible
Moderate
Medium
sites7 and work in
workers;
exposure, aircon
certain
handwashing,
(vax)
(vax) DOC
close contact with
Other PCBU
distancing,
workers at those sites
workers,
work bubbles
casual
volunteers,
Public
Severe
Extreme
Severe
High
(no-vax)
(no-vax) Others
Visit/attend outdoor
DOC
Frequent, moderate Likely
Severe
Extreme
Masks,
Likely
Moderate
High
Possible
Moderate
Medium
areas (e.g. National
workers;
exposure
handwashing,
(vax)
(vax) DOC
Parks Great Walks
Other PCBU
distancing
tracks, other tracks on
workers,
conservation land)
Public
Severe
Extreme
Severe
High
(no-vax)
(no-vax) Others
Meeting other
DOC
Frequent, moderate Likely
Severe
Extreme
Masks,
Likely-
Moderate
High
Possible
Moderate
Medium
agencies
workers;
exposure
handwashing,
possible
(vax)
(vax) DOC
Other PCBU
distancing,
workers,
digital
Severe
Extreme
Severe
High
public
meetings
(no-vax)
(no-vax) Others
Indoor large events
DOC
Very frequent,
Almost
Severe
Extreme
Masks,
Likely
Moderate
High
Possible
Moderate
Medium
where DOC is in
workers;
prolonged
certain
handwashing,
(vax)
(vax) DOC
control (e.g. some Te
Other PCBU
exposure, aircon
distance (hard
Severe
Extreme
Severe
High
Pukenga Atawhai)
workers,
to maintain)
(no-vax)
(no-vax) Others
Public
Working from home
DOC
Living with others -
Almost
Severe
Extreme
Handwashing,
Likely -
Moderate
High
Possible
Moderate
Medium
(e.g. Flexible Work,8
workers;
Very frequent, short certain
-
distancing
possible
(vax)
(vax) DOC
during a government
Public
duration exposure,
Likely
(hard to
imposed lockdown)
aircon
maintain),
social
Severe
Extreme
Severe
High
isolation, home
Living on own –
bubble, digital
(no-vax)
(no-vax) Others
moderate exposure
meetings
7 DOC sites includes DOC premises
8 Refe
r: http://intranet/tools-and-services/hr-and-payroll/flexible-working/
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Appendix 2 - Risk assessment of border-related work tasks higher - risk DOC COVID-19 work DOCCM-6873027
Work activity
Persons
Frequency and
Inherent
Inherent
Inherent
Controls
Residual
Residual
Residual
Residual
Residual
Residual risk
involved
length of contact
likelihood
consequence
risk
(without vax)
likelihood
consequence
risk (with
likelihood
consequence
(with controls
with others and
(controls no
for person/s
controls &
(with DOC
for person/s
incl DOC vax)
environment
DOC vax)
infected (with
no vax)
controls &
infected
controls & no
mandatory
(with controls
DOC vax)
DOC vax)
& DOC vax)
Administration of
DOC
Frequent, moderate Likely
Severe
Extreme
Masks,
Possible
Moderate
High
Unlikely
Moderate
Medium
CITES (implemented
workers;
exposure
handwashing,
(vax) DOC
(vax)
through TIES Act) –
Other PCBU
distance
airport, inspection of
workers,
(speaker on
Severe
Extreme-
Severe
High
animal and plant
Public
platform away
High
(no-vax) Others
species covered by
from people)
(no-vax)
CITES for
import/export, seizure
of items without CITES
permits and removal /
destruction
7
Risk matrix
Term
Definition
Severe
Actual or potential for work-related notifiable event causing fatalities or
Likelihood
Criteria
life-changing/threatening injuries, illnesses or exposures to MORE THAN
Almost
• Expected to occur multiple times within the next 12 months
ONE person; OR multiple people requiring crisis or ongoing mental health
certain
• >90% chance of occurring
care for significant exposure, e.g. PTSD. Notifiable to
WorkSafe/regulator.
Major
Actual or potential for a work-related notifiable event affecting ONE
Likely
• Could occur within the next twelve months
person, including fatality, injury, illness or exposure that causes a life-
• 61-89% chance of occurring
changing/threatening event; OR severe irreversible incapacity or health
effects, or disabling illness; OR a person receiving hospital-based crisis
Possible
• Expected to occur in the next two years
mental health treatment or ongoing mental health care for significant
•
exposure, e.g. PTSD. Notifiable to WorkSafe/regulator.
31-60% chance of occurring
Moderate
Actual or potential for work-related injury, illness or exposure (mental or
physical) requiring in-patient medical treatment with reversible
Unlikely
• Expected to occur once in the next two to five years
impairment; OR lost time injury; OR multiple medical treatment cases; OR
• 5-30% chance of occurring
a person receiving work-related crisis mental health treatment/counselling
(not admitted to hospital). May be notifiable to WorkSafe/regulator.
Minor
Actual or potential for reversible work-related injuries, illnesses or
Rare
• Expected to occur in five years or more
exposures (mental or physical) requiring first aid or outpatient medical
• <5% chance of occurring
treatment, no long-term effects, may require restricted duties.
Minimal
Actual or potential for reversible work-related injuries or illnesses (mental
or physical) requiring first aid at most, no long-term effects.
DOCCM-6873027