New tool helps firms reopen and stay 'COVIDSafe'

A new tool to help Australian businesses reopen and stay safe and compliant during the COVID crisis has been launched by the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission (NCCC).

Helping firms organise supplies, update insurance and reactivate subscriptions, the COVIDSafe tool will offer practical information, collated from a range of government services.

It will also point businesses in the direction of financial relief options, to help them weather out cashflow shortages and ensure wages and suppliers are paid on time as they reopen.

NCCC Chair Nev Powers said in light of the recently eased social distancing restrictions throughout Australia, all businesses need a solid plan for reopening without any hiccups or health and safety breaches.

“We need to make sure that both workers and customers are safe. Businesses everywhere should get behind the safety protocols and have their COVIDSafe plans in place,” Powers said.

“There’s a huge effort going on across government through Safe Work Australia, industry bodies and health departments to help businesses have COVIDSafe plans in place.”

The tool complements the Safe Work Australia online hub, which remains the definitive source of information for businesses to understand their work health and safety obligations.

Businesses should seek advice from their local WHS authority, Safe Work Australia, or contact the Fair Work Ombudsman to ensure they meet all their legal obligations.

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