Your COVIDSafe Plan: Preparing for Spot Checks and Avoiding Fines

Did you know that you could be fined up to $21,000 for not having a COVIDSafe Plan in place?  

Irene Prosser, who runs a cafe in Rye on the Mornington Peninsula, was served a $10,094 fine after COVID officers visited her business on the 14th of October 2021. Ms Prosser said that she was only operating take-away, all staff were wearing facemasks, sanitiser was provided, and there was compliance with density and check-in requirements. However, she did not have a COVIDSafe plan in place, and had no idea such a plan was mandatory - “Most people in small business have no idea that a COVIDSafe plan is mandatory.”  

Ms Prosser’s experience is an important wake-up call to all small and medium businesses.  

What might you be doing wrong? 

According to the most recent updates on https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/ every Victorian business with on-site operations must have a COVIDSafe Plan. A COVIDSafe Plan supports businesses to protect its staff, customers, and the community by preventing the spread of COVID-19. It also prepares a business for how to respond to a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19 in the workplace.  

To ensure compliance, random spot checks are being conducted across the state. Non-compliance can result in an on-the-spot fine of up to $10,904, or up to $21,809 for serious offences.  

What can you do? 

In over 10 languages, the COVIDSafe website provides comprehensive resources to assist with developing a COVIDSafe Plan. These include a plan template, a free plan review service, free infection control training, and FAQs.  

If your organisation already has a COVIDSafe Plan in place, you should review it regularly to ensure that it aligns with the latest guidelines and meets the requirements under the six COVIDSafe Principles. 

Your COVIDSafe Plan must be available for inspection by officers on request.  

For more information, please visit https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/covidsafe-plan

Certex’s Pandemic Assessment 

Still anxious or confused? That’s okay, Certex can help! Our Pandemic Assessment assists organisations to recognise gaps in their policies and better understand their obligations. It covers COVIDSafe Plans, working from home considerations, vaccinations, legal requirements, and more. Together, we can discuss how to effectively manage risks for your business.

Additionally, Certex offers a comprehensive range of pandemic-related business resources, free for all our clients.  

You can also access our webinar, ‘COVID Vaccinations and Workplace Management’, here.

Talk to us 

With ever-changing rules and conditions, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to give us a call or email.