Financial services firms will be operating under Alert Level 2 starting on the morning of Thursday 14 May.
The FMA says that at Level 2 it expects to see a significant further opening of activity “…but it is not business as usual”.
It says workplaces may re-open where WorkSafe contact tracing is possible and should look to maintain a one metre separation between staff, and between staff and customers.
“Workplaces are encouraged to use alternative ways of working if possible. Where this isn’t possible, we expect workplaces to take a common-sense approach, apply judgement, follow good hygiene practices, and minimise contact,” says the FMA in a statement.
“Services may now be provided on customers’ premises (e.g. in homes) but interactions must be recorded for contact tracing purposes. This means, for example, that financial advisers will be able to visit clients in their homes or host meetings in the adviser’s office. We expect firms to apply judgement and common sense.”
The following guidance has been supported by WorkSafe for the Financial Services sector and should be applied by any business which requires the physical presence of staff, customers or contractors at the workplace during Level 2:
- Workplaces must minimise the risk of transmission and look to maintain physical distancing (one metre) between workerswhere possible
- Workplaces must take practical hygiene steps to avoid the spread of the virus
- e.g. Supplying soap and water or hand sanitiser to ensure workers can frequently wash their hands; splitting meal breaks to reduce the number of people using a kitchen; increased cleaning of high touch surfaces
- Workplaces must hold centralised records of any workers working together and set up contact tracing measures (i.e. sign-in and sign-out procedures for customers and staff, recording interactions and floor access)
- Workers are not to attend the workplace if they have any symptoms of feeling unwell or are being tested for Covid-19
- Workers are not to attend the workplace if they have been in close contact with anyone who is displaying respiratory symptoms, being tested for COVID-19, or has a confirmed or probable case of Covid-19
- Workers who are, or come into close contact with someone who is, considered ‘higher risk’ of becoming severely ill from Covid-19 (Ministry of Health – most at risk) may attend the workplace but are advised to take additional precautions when leaving the home
The FMA is encouraging workplaces to continue to engage with workers (as individuals or representatives) on any changes to work practices.
If you are unsure about what activities you can undertake, please contact the FMA or RBNZ.