Industry plans for contactless operations

The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) is reminding members of their obligations around health and safety as most of New Zealand prepares to move to Covid-19 alert level three.

VIA has issued an email alert about what preparations businesses should be making after the government announced plans for the whole country, except Auckland and Northland, to slightly ease restrictions from 11.59pm on August 31.

The country has been in lockdown since August 17 following an outbreak of the delta strain of the coronavirus, with the Auckland region expected to remain at alert level four until mid-September.

Businesses can only operate at level three under strict government restrictions, which include physical distancing, extra hygiene measures and contactless options for ordering, pick-up, delivery and payment.

VIA advises members to check out information on the WorkSafe website, which has advice and templates for safety plans.

It has also created a motor-industry specific template, which it recommends be used in conjunction with the WorkSafe material, to help companies prepare a return-to-business plan. 

“WorkSafe, MBIE [Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment], the police or other government agencies may visit and audit businesses to verify all requirements are being met,” notes VIA.

“We expect the public to report businesses that do not appear to be operating under alert level three requirements.”

VIA also warns that every person who enters a business should be treated as if they are a government inspector.

“Any business that fails to meet alert level three requirements may be closed until alert level one,” it says.

“If a significant number of businesses are found to be non-compliant, the entire industry may be shut down.”