Reopen for Business – Planning Template
With COVID-19 restrictions slowly beginning to ease, businesses can start planning for their reopening. One of the first things that a business must do, is create a COVIDSafe Plan.
It is now mandatory for every Victorian business to have a COVIDSafe Plan, with random spot checks underway.
The Victorian Government has released a template that businesses can use to plan for reopening operations while keeping the workplace healthy, safe and virus-free.
The tool complements information on the Safe Work Australia website, which has created a set of COVID-19 safe workplace principles that all state governments have agreed to, and it is these principles that govern the Victorian Government’s template.
Safe Work Australia (SWA) oversees work health and safety guidelines, although rules and regulations are governed by each state’s authority. SWA has links to each state authority as well as information for each industry. You can also download signs and posters for your workplace.
Business owners should check with your state authority for workplace health and safety, as well as the Fair Work Ombudsman, local council and relevant industry associations for specific guidance to make sure you are meeting your legal obligations as you reopen for business.
The Victorian Government’s planning template is an excellent tool for any businesses planning for reopening and the website contains many links to essential information. The customisable template includes guidelines for keeping people safe, adapting business operations and where to get help.