Job seekers will now have to search for eight jobs a month in order to receive their benefits, while those who've been on the program for more than 12 months will need to participate in work-for-the-dole programs.

Labor's employment spokesman Brendan O'Connor wrote to Senator Cash, expressing concerns that there were "significant gaps" in the risk assessment programs for some work-for-the-dole providers.

A report into the 2016 death of Queensland teenager Josh Park-Fing released earlier this year found serious issues with the way the risk assessment was carried out by provider Neato.

The 18-year-old sustained critical head injuries after falling from a trailer while collecting rubbish at the Toowoomba showgrounds as part of the compulsory program.

Mr O'Connor said the COVID-19 health and economic crisis had added "additional complexity" to the occupational health and safety practices of work-for-the-dole schemes.

"As such, I seek your answers and assurances that participants in Work for the Dole programs will be adequately protected," his letter said.

Mr O'Connor asked the minister whether personal protective equipment would be issued to work for the dole participants.

He also asked whether there would be penalties for providers which did not provide a COVID-safe environment.

Around 1.6 million people are receiving JobSeeker benefits, amid a spike in unemployment due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite high levels of unemployment remaining, the government reintroduced mutual obligations reporting, which forces participants to report on the number of jobs they've applied for in order to receive the welfare payment.

Nationally there are 12 Job seekers for every job available, while in Canberra, there is one job for every four people looking.