Business owners in Mykolaiv have organised a nationwide discussion regarding the new requirements for business shelters
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- Julia LukyanenkoReporter
Business representatives in Mykolaiv discussed the new rules on shelters and air raid alerts. Photo: NikVestiFollowing the Cabinet of Ministers’ adoption of Resolution No. 1092, which sets out new rules for business operations during air raid alerts, entrepreneurs had numerous questions. The main one concerned the provision of shelters. Business representatives in Mykolaiv organised a meeting, which was joined online by participants from various cities. Business owners emphasised that businesses, which are currently struggling to survive, need to be involved in the drafting of such resolutions.
NikVesti was informed of this by the Ukrainian Association of Business Support Centres.
As a reminder, the Cabinet of Ministers has set a transition period until 4 December for establishments to prepare. Business owners have launched several petitions: in one, in particular, they asked for the transition period to be extended and for the requirements regarding shelters for small businesses to be reviewed this year. In the second petition, they asked for the requirement to cease operations during a «red» threat level to be scrapped, and for business owners to be given the right to decide whether to continue operating during an alert, provided they inform visitors of the danger and have an action plan in place for staff.
Against the backdrop of these discussions, entrepreneurs in Mykolaiv launched a flash mob: on social media, they posted images of symbolic cardboard boxes in place of shelters. In addition, business representatives took part in a discussion held on 29 October. Deputy Mayor Serhii Korenev took part in the meeting. Participants from various cities across Ukraine joined the meeting online.
Business representatives in Mykolaiv discussed the new rules regarding shelters and air raid alerts. Photo: NikVestiParticipants discussed the requirements for ensuring the safety of employees and visitors to businesses during an air raid alert. In particular, this involves informing people about the location of shelters or safe spaces, organising evacuation routes, and placing information signs at the entrances to premises.
Business representatives emphasised the need to distinguish between the concepts of a «civil defence shelter» and a «safe space», as the requirements for their construction, maintenance and use may differ.
Business representatives in Mykolaiv discussed the new rules on shelters and air raid alerts. Photo: NikVestiIn particular, business owners pointed out that clarification is needed regarding the requirements for setting up a safe space: the required floor area, the arrangement of furniture and equipment, and the number of staff and visitors who may be present there at any one time.
A separate issue arises for business owners when there is no shelter or suitable premises on their premises where a safe space can be set up. This is particularly relevant for shopping centres and markets. Business owners cited the example of large markets, where there are many people, but setting up a dedicated shelter can be problematic due to the nature of the building layout.
Business representatives in Mykolaiv discussed the new rules on shelters and air raid alerts. Photo: NikVesti
Business representatives in Mykolaiv discussed the new rules on shelters and air raid alerts. Photo: NikVestiBusiness representatives therefore discussed the possibility of directing visitors to the nearest shelters and cooperating on this matter with the organisations responsible for them.
Business representatives concluded that the implementation of the resolution should be considered in the context of current civil defence legislation and that business owners should be involved in discussions on how to put all decisions into practice.
Business representatives in Mykolaiv discussed the new rules on shelters and air raid alerts. Photo: NikVesti
Business representatives in Mykolaiv discussed the new rules on shelters and air raid alerts. Photo: NikVestiThey also emphasised the need for further clarification on the requirements for setting up safe spaces, ensuring access to existing shelters, inspection procedures, and the process for organising the movement of staff and visitors to shelters during an air raid alert.
Valerii Vetrov, Chair of the Mykolaiv Regional Reform Platform, summarised the meeting on Facebook:
«The authorities have been providing shelters for citizens for five years now and must continue to do so. The requirement for businesses to provide information on the location of shelters is a formality that may confuse citizens or simply duplicate existing schemes in each community, established by local authorities in accordance with information from the State Emergency Service. Employees decide for themselves where to go during an air raid alert, provided they are capable of doing so. «Business owners and employers are responsible for organising work in the event of power cuts, gas supply disruptions, the absence of staff or customers, infrastructure damage, air raid alerts and their consequences,» wrote Valerii Vetrov.
He also noted that business owners who have remained in Ukraine must find a way to survive.
«Everyone must fulfil their duties. Entrepreneurs who have remained in Ukraine must survive, which means they must disregard the state’s unfulfilled obligations regarding the provision of shelters,» added Valery Vetrov.
Business representatives in Mykolaiv discussed the new rules on shelters and air raid alerts. Photo: NikVesti
Business representatives in Mykolaiv discussed the new rules on shelters and air raid alerts. Photo: NikVesti
Business representatives in Mykolaiv discussed the new rules on shelters and air raid alerts. Photo: NikVesti
Business representatives in Mykolaiv discussed the new rules on shelters and air raid alerts. Photo: NikVestiAs a reminder, following petitions against the new requirements for shelters, the government decided to review the rules for businesses. Entrepreneurs have been promised more time to make the necessary arrangements, but there are no plans to scrap the requirements entirely.
NikVesti also reported that the Mykolaiv region has presented a regional action plan on the path to the EU. In the plan, drawn up by the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration, the main areas of development for the region have been identified as a transport hub, industrial parks and renewable energy. Entrepreneurs from various sectors have noted that they would like to see more proactive communication from the authorities, as businesses are currently facing many challenges.
