The National Standards Authority of Ireland has published a guide for retailers to help retailers manage business continuity during the Covid-19 crisis, setting out the requirements to implement, maintain and improve their ability to protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptions due to the virus.

The Retail Protection and Improvement Guide follows on from the NSAI’s similar guide for manufacturers and the organisation has also established a helpline that businesses can call for advice on what steps to take.

Chief executive Geraldine Larkin said: “The measures will help business owners to identify ways of operating which can ensure they can continue to operate safely.  They can use these guidelines to assist them in taking the  necessary steps, whether they are defending against a spread of the virus, managing exposure to it, or are trying to recover from an outbreak.”

Among other things, the booklet advises:

Awareness and information
Keep up to date with Public health advisory notices
Comply with any public health guidelines and orders
Provide necessary training.

In Association with

Minimise spread
Hand washing – adequate supply of soap and disposable towels for staff and customers
Hand sanitizers available at suitable locations e.g. entrances/exits & customer contact areas
Implement physical distancing measures e.g. rearrangement of workflows/patterns to reduce infection risk
Working from home where possible
Restructure teams/shifts, reduce numbers and exposure
Limit canteen numbers/restrict operation
Limit/restrict visitors
Use of appropriate PPE as necessary
Records – employees to keep contact logs to facilitate tracing in the event of an infection.

Communications
Keep all employees informed of changes to practices
Appoint COVID co-ordinator
Provide regular updates on changes to practices, policies and procedures
Keep up to date on issues/resources required for continued operation
Employees available and suitable for continued work
Regular Contact with those in self-isolation
Regular contact with remote workers.