If we have learnt anything from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is that businesses with adequate risk management and planning structures in place have been able to weather the storm a lot better than companies who had little to no planning for such a situation.
At Excell Security we assist many businesses to minimise their risk across various aspects of their business. In recent times, much of this support has encompassed the areas of Labour Hire and Venue Compliance. In this article, we will explore the considerations your business needs to take into account to minimise your risk in these areas.
If this article raises any concerns for your business, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team here at Excell Security to find out more; now is the time to prepare your business for the new road ahead. We are here to help our community.
Labour Hire Authority
Labour laws are very clear and make all parties accountable for not only the procurement of the provider but also the service standards of the provider. Victoria’s first ever Labour Hire Licensing Scheme, designed to “protect workers and crack down on dodgy operators” came into effect on 29 April 2019, when contractors were given six months to sign up or else face significant penalties (you can read the full media release from the Vic Government here).
Do you have a current provider and you’re not sure if they are above board?
If you entered into the contract or arrangement after 29 October 2019 with a labour hire provider who has not applied for, or who has been refused a labour hire licence face substantial fines ranging from a maximum penalties exceeding $120,000 for a natural person and $500,000 for a corporation.
Here is a handy link if you would like to read more about this topic…
https://labourhireauthority.vic.gov.au/provider/
Venue Compliance Folder
Does your venue have one?
Are you aware it’s also your responsibility to be compliant for all staff working within your venue?
It’s a good idea to ask your security provider to give you access to an online compliance folder so that you have 100% transparency and will always know who is working in your venue. If the response you receive doesn’t fill you with confidence, it might be time you looked closer into the service you are receiving from your provider.
Private security businesses are a major focus of LRD due to their critical role in the provision of private security services. Questions asked could include:
- A company’s employment of appropriately licensed individuals;
- Whether a company is only providing security services for which it is licensed; and
- The maintenance of relevant records.
If you would like to read additional information on this topic, here are some useful links:
https://www.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-11/Private-Security-Regulations-2016-RIS.pdf
If you have concerns around any compliance issues at your business, feel free to give us a call for an obligation-free chat. Our team is proud to be an established partner in Melbourne’s hospitality industry and we are here to help through these challenging and unprecedented times. Email office@excellsecurity.com.au or phone 1800 2 EXCELL.
