Retailers in Greater Sydney are reminded to ensure they are complying with all the latest public health orders, with SafeWork NSW inspectors set to be out in force to check compliance this weekend.
Director of Work Health and Safety at SafeWork NSW, Dimitri Argeres, said inspectors will be targeting retailers from Saturday.
“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,” Argeres said.
“Any business found breaking the rules may be subjected to fines and could face a closure.”
Inspectors will be focused on checking businesses’ COVID Safety Plans, including key components such as the correct QR sign in procedures, as well as whether physical distancing and mask wearing requirements are being respected.
Retailers located within major shopping centres will be of focus for inspectors, who will also be checking that businesses that should not be trading are closed. As has been the case since the start of the pandemic, liquor retail outlets are allowed to remain open with COVID safety plans in place.
“The COVIDSafe requirements are in place for an important reason, and all businesses need to make sure they are fully compliant,” Argeres said.
“The need for customers to check in when entering retail stores cannot be overstated, as it allows for effective contact tracing. 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.”
For non-compliant businesses, penalties of up to $5,000 can apply for first offences, while repeat offending can also lead to business closures.