We are very pleased that our friends in the retail industry can now open their doors, even if their day to day operations look very different to what they once knew.
With the announcement from the Premier of Victoria earlier this week, retailers of various sizes and structures quickly began implementing (or in some cases, creating) the plan for how their business would approach the numerous guidelines, to ensure both compliance and effective, safe and efficient business operations.
Staying up to date with the various updates and guidelines is imperative for the health and safety of staff and customers, the protection of the broader community from Covid-19, and to ensure compliance with current regulations. We’ve compiled some useful updates from reliable sources to assist you:
Business Victoria has an up to date “Return to Retail” guide, which provides detailed information for retailers of goods and services to utilise in planning their reopening and altered operations. At 19 pages it isn’t a quick read, but it covers many aspects including distancing, masks, cleaning and COVIDSafe plans. Check it out here: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/2020-10/Industry-Restart-Guidelines-Retail.pdf
(source: www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au as at 29 October 2020).
Speaking of COVIDSafe plans, right now it is mandatory for every Victorian business to have one. As outlined by the Victorian Government, a COVIDSafe Plan must demonstrate:
- your actions to help prevent the introduction of coronavirus (COVID-19) to your workplace
- the type of face mask or personal protective equipment (PPE) required for your workforce
- how you will prepare for, and respond to, a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) in your workplace
- how you will meet all the requirements set out by the Victorian Government. Some higher-risk industries or workplaces have additional requirements of employers and employees.
For businesses (other than high-risk industries), this is a great place to start to create a compliant COVIDSafe plan to implement for your business.
Communicating and integrating the necessary COVIDSafe practices for your business is an important step. For businesses required to maintain a Record Sheet – Visitor and Patron Contact Log to support contact tracing, you’ll find a template for a record sheet here. There are also very useful staff questionnaires and display signage (such as posters) to communicate the hygiene and advice of business change of operation due to COVID-19 messages here.
There is certainly a great buzz across Melbourne as we all return to a little more normality in life. Whilst it is a moment for recognising the achievement our state has made, and celebrating the reopening of many businesses, these are still challenging times for many in our community.
If your business is seeking extra support or guidance to navigate these evolving requirements to protect your staff and customers, feel free to speak to our team at Excell Security.
