Returning to work safely after Covid-19 lockdown
As the Irish Government has outlined its roadmap to re-open the country, many employers are now looking towards the future needs of their business and how best they can plan for their eventual return to work.
The Irish government has listed the following essential control measures that should be implemented in every business.
- Social distancing (ideally 2 metres).
- Personal contact of less than 15 minutes.
- Good Hygiene (increased levels of cleaning surfaces and specifically hand hygiene).
As you may be aware, the government has published a ‘Return to Work Protocol’. This document is a result of collaborative work
by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), the Health Services Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health. The purpose of such a document is to provide support for employers and employees to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace.
Covid-19 is a dynamic and ever-changing situation that requires extensive planning by employers. Based on the Return to Work Safely Protocol, employers must ensure that their workers have a safe work environment by minimising the risks associated with Covid-19 where possible. Measures to achieve this include.
- Appointment of Lead Work Representative(s)
- Completion of
- Risk Assessments
- Creation of a Covid-19 Response Plan
- Employee Return to Work Form
- Identification and Isolation of Suspected Cases of Covid-19 in the Workplace
- Enforcing Social Distancing Measures
- Providing Education and Training
- Ensuring Cleanliness and Hygiene
- Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Have you revised each of these legal requirements to prepare to reopen your business? If not, contact Safe Team today for expert advice and training to protect your organisation, your teams and their communities on +353 1 695 0749 or +44 2871 271882.
