CovidSafe Squad to help Victorian businesses bounce back

In partnership with the Victorian Government, the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry is establishing a new CovidSafe Squad to help businesses to be CovidSafe.

Participation in this business health and safety initiative will be voluntary and available for business of all sizes and industries to participate. It is not limited to Victorian Chamber members.

Mobile teams of expert CovidSafe advisers will attend workplaces, ask a series of questions about key topics, and share practical feedback and strategies for them to achieve and maintain CovidSafe status.

Areas that may be considered include a CovidSafe plan, the check-in system and physical distancing arrangements.

“COVID-19 has thrown an extreme curve ball at Victorian businesses that have had to navigate a range of issues to be CovidSafe including CovidSafe plans, QR Code check-in systems, physical distancing and checking vaccination certificates,” said Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Paul Guerra.

“This can be stressful for business, particularly small businesses without specialised workplace relations and human resources teams, and also those of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds that may find the plethora of requirements difficult to decipher and implement.

“Business wants to open and will do whatever it takes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved. This confidential, personalised program is something that hasn’t existed until now and we anticipate that it will be in demand as more and more businesses welcome back staff and customers.”

The squad will share their observations with the business and make any recommendations necessary to assist them with achieving compliance. There are no penalties issued for businesses that are found to need assistance.

All information collected will remain confidential and de-identified data will be shared with the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions to report how different businesses across Local Government Areas are tracking in CovidSafe practises.

The program is running now and will conclude on June 30, 2022. 

For more information, visit victorianchamber.com.au/covidsafe-squad. 

The Victorian Chamber also has a dedicated helpline where you can get expert advice on any CovidSafe related question that you have. You can contact the helpline on 03 8662 5365.