26 September 2023

SafeWork blitzes shops for compliance

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SafeWork NSW inspectors are undertaking a compliance blitz on supermarkets and other retailers across Greater Sydney to ensure they are complying with the latest public health orders.

Director of Work Health and Safety at SafeWork NSW, Dimitri Argeres said inspectors had been out in force since Saturday (14 August).

“While the vast majority of businesses are making every effort to ensure they do the right thing, it’s now more important than ever for all retailers to be COVID smart and COVID safe,” Mr Argeres said.

“Any business found breaking the rules may be subjected to fines and could face a closure,” he said.

“Inspectors will be focussing on ensuring businesses have COVID Safety Plans in place, are adhering to check-in processes, and ensuring they are respecting the physical distancing and mask-wearing requirements.”

Mr Argeres said inspectors were focused on retail outlets within major shopping centres including supermarkets; other retail and food courts which were open for takeaways; and checking that businesses which should not be open were closed.

The Director said COVID-Safe requirements were in place for an important reason and all businesses needed to make sure they were fully compliant.

“The need for customers to check in when entering retail stores cannot be overstated, as it allows for effective contact tracing,” he said.

“It is critically important businesses have the correct check-in measures for customers and that patrons are doing the right thing and checking in, otherwise severe penalties apply.”

Mr Argeres said non-compliant businesses could face penalties of up to $5,000 for a first offence and repeat offending could lead to business closures.

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