From Friday, COVID-19 marshals will be a necessity in places including hospitality, gyms, sport and social clubs, religious or faith-based ceremonies, supermarkets, hardware stores and distribution centres.

All establishments are required to nominate individuals to undertake an online course prescribed by SA Health to become responsible for ensuring the correct COVID-Safe measures are put in place.

Michael O’Connell, Managing Director of AG Security Group, said that while the online training was not onerous, many businesses would find it difficult to roster the required number of marshals and most importantly have the experienced, trained personnel to effectively control the numerous situations that will occur in many different businesses and their environments.

“What we have found is that someone working in an affected workplace doesn’t necessarily come with the skill required to be able to control a situation,” O’Connell said.

“Our specialist teams are trained to calmly and respectfully manage situations that may otherwise escalate if handled by untrained staff.”

AG Security Group implemented COVID training for all their COVID management teams in early March this year, before it was compulsory, and continue to update employee skills, undertaking all Australian Government requirements as well as completing the recent COVID marshal course.

O’Connell said by engaging experienced people, businesses can also avoid potential conflicts with customers as well as staff in the workplace.

“Our marshals have training in communication and observation skills,” O’Connell said.

“When you see someone get a bit close, our marshals are trained to become proactive, then the rapport is there naturally.”

O’Connell said that AG Security Group already manage several practices where COVID-Safe measures are a priority, including gyms, nursing homes and corporate offices.

“All of our COVID personnel are trained in temperature testing, infection control, social distancing strategies and hygiene protocols to manage interactions with our workforce and customers,” O’Connell said, adding that they also come equipped with the necessary PPE, hygiene equipment and sanitisers for their shifts.

O’Connell said AG Security also quickly implemented rostering to reduce contact between service delivery team members, removing the potential for cross-contamination.

“Each service delivery team member will undertake a pre-shift declaration of fitness assessments, vehicle and work area hygiene checklist at the start and end of their shift,” O’Connell said.

“We understand that needs can change in an instant, and the training and support we give our service delivery team mean they can seamlessly transition into your business and meet you at your point of need.”

Get in touch with AG Security here.