The NSW Government is helping businesses return to normal trade, through the launch of a new suite of resources to guide businesses as they manage the risk of COVID-19.
Deputy Premier and Member for Monaro John Barilaro and Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson launched the resources at a farm in Hoskinstown, and said the resources go a long way to supporting regional businesses in NSW.
"Now that the COVID restrictions are easing it's time to get NSW's regional economy back up and running," Mr Barilaro said.
"I encourage every business to jump online and download these simple yet powerful tools to map out a safe way back to business that makes life easier for customers and workers as we make our way into recovery."
Mr Anderson said these new materials have been specifically created for noncustomer facing businesses, to ensure everyone across the state has access to industry specific, practical guidance to prevent the spread of the virus.
"66,700 businesses have already downloaded the NSW Government's COVID Safety Plans, and we've now created additional resources for regional businesses such as farms and agricultural businesses, hotels, offices, construction sites, and warehouses," Mr Anderson said.
"The materials available include practical, inexpensive guidance to keep your workers safe during this time.
"Common misconceptions for agricultural workers are that you can't ride in a car with others or that you can't hire seasonal workers anymore. That's simply not true so long as you have the right measures in place."
Some of the measures agricultural businesses and farms can take include:
- avoiding close contact in vehicles and lowering windows for ventilation
- checking that workers are not displaying COVID symptoms
- ensuring drivers assisting with loading stock minimise contact with surfaces
- communication over phone or radio rather than in person where possible
- contactless delivery through electronic paperwork rather than signature on delivery.
The new campaign materials including social media tiles, downloadable posters and checklists for all NSW agricultural businesses are available at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/industry-guidelines/agriculture
