VIA warns of risks in failing to heed level 2 guidelines

An update of guidelines for the automotive industry under COVID-19 alert level 2 health and safety requirements is available from the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA).

It warns that any business failing to meet its obligations may be closed and in the worst case the entire industry shut.

VIA suggests that for retail, groups of customers need to be kept two metres apart and that while contact tracing is not required it is highly recommended.

Also under retail there is no limit to the number of customers that can be on a vehicle dealer’s yard, as long as social distancing requirements are met, and that sanitisation of vehicles touched by individuals or groups is required.

For the rest of the industry, groups of customers need to be kept one metre apart and contact tracing is required.

In general, businesses can open if they can do so safely, those who can work from home should continue to do so, and continued hygiene and surface cleaning to avoid cross-contamination is mandatory.

VIA recommends updating safety plans in light of the new requirements and general public access to the business.

It warns WorkSafe, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), police and other government agencies may visit and audit businesses to verify all requirements are being met.

“Every person who enters your business should be treated as if they are a government inspector,” VIA says.

“Any business that fails to meet alert level 2 requirements may be closed until alert level 1.

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

Links to safety plan templates are provided:

WorkSafe advice and templates for Safety Plans

VIA’s motor-industry specific template to be used in conjunction with the WorkSafe template