Question 1

Why was ShopCare set up?

Accepted Answer

ShopCare partners with suppliers, transporters, manufacturers and retailers to improve the safety, health and wellbeing of all employees involved in the creation, supply, delivery, and sale of retail items, goods, and services.   We aim to drive safety leadership to increase awareness, positively change behaviours, and save lives. ​ Our focus is to help businesses understand key risks, identify best practice safety procedures, and support the implementation of key initiatives.

Question 2

What research is being undertaken?

Accepted Answer

An ongoing piece of research involves the identification and review of critical risks* and controls within businesses across the supply chain, transport, manufacturing, and retail sectors. (*A critical risk is defined as any risk that has the potential to cause serious harm or death).

Question 3

How is ShopCare funded?

Accepted Answer

ShopCare was established with financial support of ACC and industry members. We continue to apply for funding grants from various sources to ensure our ability to direct safety leadership.

Question 4

How can I contribute to ShopCare's research studies?

Accepted Answer

Individual businesses are contributing their specific critical risks and the good safety practices and controls (solutions) that have been implemented to effect change. Your contribution is important. You can find more information here or email ShopCare to contribute to the study.

Question 5

When was ShopCare established?

Accepted Answer

ShopCare was established in July 2019 with the support of industry members and ACC. ShopCare was officially launched with an industry event in Auckland on the 29th October 2019.

Question 6

How is ShopCare connected to the industry?

Accepted Answer

ShopCare is an industry group set up to direct safety leadership for employers and employees within the supply chain, transport, manufacturing and retail sectors. We aim to drive safety leadership to increase awareness, positively change behaviours, and save lives.   We partner with suppliers, transporters, manufacturers and retailers to improve the safety, health and wellbeing of all employees involved in the creation, supply, delivery, and sale of retail items, goods, and services.

Question 7

How will the research insights be used?

Accepted Answer

ShopCare is collating information obtained from individual businesses relating to their specific critical risks and the good safety practices and controls (solutions) that have been implemented to effect change. A detailed analysis will be conducted and results presented to the industry. An industry view of critical risks and controls will benefit all organisations.

Question 8

How is ShopCare associated with WorkSafe?

Accepted Answer

As an industry body, representing employers and employees, ShopCare provides advocacy, feedback, and input to WorkSafe on behalf of the industry.

Question 9

What are ShopCare's main workstreams?

Accepted Answer

ShopCare is currently focussing initiatives in three key workstreams which will have significant impacts on safety: In Store Safety, Manual Handling, and Mobile Plant & Equipment​. There are plans for additional workstreams, for Transport, and Violent and Agressive Behaviour once industry support and resources are avialable. For more information head to Workstreams.

Question 10

Is there a governance group overseeing ShopCare?

Accepted Answer

There is both a management and governance structure directing and overseeing ShopCare's activities.    The Management Committee comprises, Liz May, Mike O'Brien, Gerry Lynch and Katherine Rich. Committee Bio's here. The Steering Group, provides input for ShopCare's strategies and programmes. Current members of the Steering Group are listed here.

Question 11

Who heads up ShopCare?

Accepted Answer

Liz May is the CEO of ShopCare. Liz has over 20 years' experience in the food & grocery industry. Liz's most recent role was as GM of Logistics for Countdown. Liz is passionate about providing health & safety leadership to ensure more people go home safe and well to their families when they finish work. You can read more about Liz here.

Question 12

Who are the members of the ShopCare Team?

Accepted Answer

In additional to CEO Liz May, the ShopCare team includes Wes van Deventer, Catherine Ross and Shirley Pereira. Information about the team members can be found here.

Question 13

Is there an annual membership fee?

Accepted Answer

There is no joining fee or membership fee. All you need to do is register your details with us and we'll keep you updated on our activities.

Question 14

What are the benefits of registering with ShopCare?

Accepted Answer

By registering your details with ShopCare, you will automatically receive our newsletter, and updates on workstreams. You may also be invited to participate in working groups or to share information.

Question 15

Do I need to be a member to connect with ShopCare?

Accepted Answer

You do not need to be a member to connect with ShopCare. We are an industry group set up to direct safety leadership for employers and employees within the supply chain, transport, manufacturing and retail sectors.

Question 16

How can I get involved with ShopCare?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to volunteer your time and particpate in the industry collective working group, you should contact ShopCare by email using shirley@shopcare.org.nzor by calling +64 21 193 3753

Question 17

Whom should I talk to if I'd like to know more about ShopCare?

Accepted Answer

In the first instance, you can email ShopCare using shirley@shopcare.org.nz or by calling +64 21 193 3753.

Question 18

What is being done to address security issues around our businesses?

Accepted Answer

The Food & Grocery Council is attending meetings with the Police, MBIE, MPI, and Retailers regarding security. Police are stepping up their presence in stores. If you suspect suspicious behaviour around your facilities ring 111 (if it's immediately serious). You are also welcome to email the address of your facility/factory to warren.olsson@police.govt.nz and it will be flagged in the police system as a priority should you have to call 111 regarding an actual event.

Question 19

Do you have technical food, labelling, composition, or manufacturing questions?"

Accepted Answer

Contact the volunteer experts at fva@nzist.org.nz

Question 20

What is an essential service business?

Accepted Answer

Fast Moving Consumer Goods businesses are essential. The definition is, "businesses involved in the supply, delivery, distribution and sale of food, beverage and other key consumer goods (but not takeaway shops). For a more detailed description on essential businesses please visit www.covid19.govt.nz

Question 21

Is your essential service business finding it hard to get support services?

Accepted Answer

Contact the leadership team members of the businesses that usually provide supporting services. The Food & Grocery Council is happy to write letters for members to this effect.

Question 22

What identification is required to accompany essential workers?

Accepted Answer

There is no ‘official’ or standard identification card that is required. Police will take a reasonable approach and endeavour to confirm the role of anyone spoken to, for example by the individual producing a letter of authorisation on company letterhead. It is also recommended that your “Safe In Store” pass is carried at all times.

Question 23

Where should I register my food business as an essential service?

Accepted Answer

Food businesses should have already registered with MPI. Here are two documents from MPI protecting workers and essential services that MPI has circulated to give you an idea of what you will need to demonstrate in order to show you have plans in place as an essential service to maintain safety. MPI sets up a register for safe practice for essential COVID-19 businesses.

Question 24

What are deemed essential and non-essential services in relation to transport?

Accepted Answer

The link below will now provide up to date information about essential transport services. https://www.transport.govt.nz/about/covid-19

Question 25

Who do I talk to about airfreight or other export issues?

Accepted Answer

For assistance contact your NZTE Customer Manager, on 0800 555 888, or exporthelp@nzte.govt.nz

Question 26

Where can I get up-to-date information on the road transport industry in regards to freight movement?

Accepted Answer

The RTF is the central point of contact for communication with Government, and the national media: RTF Website | Information from the RTF on COVID-19

Question 27

How can I get access to additional metro trucks?

Accepted Answer

Contact RTF or Daniel Eisenhut (NHR Group) on 027 567 0028 or 09 415 2777.

Question 28

Who can I contact if I am able to support stores to restock/merchandise?

Accepted Answer

If your employees are on reduced work hours and available for re-stocking, contact Countdown and Foodstuffs on the email addresses below: Brett.ashley@countdown.co.nz steve.mills@countdown.co.nz Recruitment.Foodstuffs@foodstuffs.co.nz

Question 29

During COVID19 what Health and Safety guidance can I provide to our merchandisers working in grocery stores?

Accepted Answer

Merchandising services are considered “essential services” and are still allowed to continue to work as usual. The following precautions are recommended while in stores: - Ensure you have your Safe in-Store pass with you - Register your attendance by signing in and out of each store - Aim to keep a physical distance of 2 metres while working in stores - Grocery stores will have hand sanitiser available for merchandisers to access so sanitise before & after leaving each store - Reduce face to face contact with store staff and customers where practical - Store cleaning materials are available for you to use if you need to clean a surface down - Where possible service stores after hours to reduce contact with customers See link below to the current Ministry of Health guidelines. COVID-19: Advice for essential workers, including personal protective equipment Send any further questions to info@shopcare.org.nz

Question 30

What are my responsibilities around providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as an employer of merchandisers?

Accepted Answer

a) have a policy of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) specific to your business b) supply Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) according to your policy c) use retailer provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) if necessary and available.

Question 31

What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required for my essential workers?

Accepted Answer

Please visit the COVID19 Government Website: Official COVID-19 Posters, Fact Sheets and Material

Question 32

How can retailers support merchandiser Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and equipment needs?

Accepted Answer

Retailers have confirmed that merchandisers will be treated as their own employees. Suppliers should equip their merchandisers with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) where possible.They will have extras in the store but this is not guaranteed all of the time.

Question 33

How do I get specialist advice in relation to cleaning my factory?

Accepted Answer

Contact the Food & Grocery Council who can assist with relevant contacts - katherine.rich@fgc.org.nz

Question 34

As a leader who can I talk to or get good advice from about challenges in my business during Covid-19?

Accepted Answer

Former FGC CEOs, Chairmen and other senior leaders have volunteered to be part of a FGC group to provide support and advice to our food and grocery leaders. To be matched with one of these leaders email Kelly Smith at rksmith1203@gmail.com

Question 35

Who do I contact should I become aware of any potential shortages in the grocery supply/supply chain?

Accepted Answer

If you are a producer of any of the following items and note any potential/projected shortfall, please contact the Food & Grocery Council New Zealand - Katherine.rich@fgc.org.nz flour/oil/sugar rice/pasta/noodles disinfectant/bleach hand sanitiser/handwash/soap baby formula/pet food personal/cleaning wipes breakfast cereals (hot and cold) canned fruit/veg/meals frozen veg/meats/potatoes

Question 36

I am a manufacturer or supplier and my costs have risen a lot due to COVID-19, can I pass this on to the retailer?"

Accepted Answer

For issues of this type please share the facts of how your costs have been affected with your retailer.

Question 37

If I see what I believe to be profiteering how do I report it?

Accepted Answer

Any unusually high pricing can be reported to pricewatch@MBIE.govt.nz

Question 38

I am confused about the rules for employee leave and available support, where can I get reliable information?"

Accepted Answer

Employment NZ provides official and accurate information: Guidance for essential workers and essential businesses