Supermarkets and other retailers across Greater Sydney can expect a visit fromSafeWork NSW inspectors to ensure they are complying with the latest publichealth orders.
SafeWork NSW, Director of Work Health and Safety Dimitri Argeres, saidinspectors will be out in force, across Greater Sydney, targeting retailersand specifically supermarkets from Saturday.
“While the vast majority of businesses are making every effort to ensure theydo the right thing, it’s now more important than ever for all retailers to beCOVID smart and COVID safe,” Mr Argeres said.
“Any business found breaking the rules may be subjected to fines and couldface a closure.”
A key part of compliance for businesses is the requirement they have thecorrect QR sign in procedures and ensure customers are checking in using theService NSW QR code app.
Inspectors will be focusing on ensuring businesses have COVID Safety Plans inplace, are adhering to check-in processes, and ensuring they are respectingthe physical distancing and mask wearing requirements.
“The COVID-Safe requirements are in place for an important reason, and allbusinesses need to make sure they are fully compliant,” Mr Argeres said.
Inspectors will be focusing on retail outlets within major shopping centresincluding supermarkets, other retail and food courts that are open fortakeaways, while also checking that businesses that should not be trading areclosed.
“The need for customers to check in when entering retail stores cannot beoverstated, as it allows for effective contact tracing.
“It is critically important businesses have the correct check-in measures forcustomers and that patrons are doing the right thing and checking in,otherwise severe penalties apply,” Mr Argeres said.
Where businesses are found to be non-compliant, penalties of up to $5,000 canapply for a first offence while repeat offending can lead to businessclosures.
All members of the public are encouraged to report any potential COVID safetybreaches on the NSW Government website or to Crime stoppers, and to play theirpart in keeping the community safe by checking in when entering a store orbusiness, wearing a mask and otherwise following the advice provided by NSWHealth.
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