Transitional Protocol - Good Practice Guidance on Continuing to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
Following the relaxation of measures announced by the Government ten days ago, employers have slowly begun to return employees to the workplace, with many employers unsure as to how exactly to go about this.
The Government have now introduced a new protocol setting down guidance for employers on how to continue to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on return to the workplace.
Generally speaking, the document has relaxed many of the previous safety measures in place, however it does continue to require employers to continue to adhere to infection control protocols and to be mindful of vulnerable workers.
Below is an overview of the key points contained within the Transitional Protocol;
Key Points for Employers; -
Communication
Employers should continue to remind employees of existing protocols in place such as rapid isolation if experiencing symptoms and to adapt a collaborative approach with workers by continuing to regularly engage with employees and any designated Union Representative in relation preventing COVID-19.
Employers are encouraged to maintain at least one Lead Worker Representatives (LWR) during the transition period, to promote the shared responsibility for infection prevention.
Some employees may be concerned returning to the workplace and employers should discuss this with them where possible and take account of their particular needs.
COVID Response Plan
Employers should update their COVID-19 response plans to reflect any public health changes.
A review of Risk Assessments and Safety Statements should also be carried out to take into account updated public health advice.
Maintain measures for dealing with suspected cases of COVID-19 and outbreaks of COVID-19;
Employers should display signage and advise workers on isolation requirements if they have any signs or symptoms or a positive COVID-19 test.
Employers no longer need to keep a log on persons within the business however may need to provide attendance information as appropriate in the event the local Department of Public Health has to investigate an outbreak
Employees should keep themselves up to date on signs and symptoms of COVID-19
Maintaining COVID Infection Prevention and Control Measures
Employers should continue to promote good hand hygiene, regular hand washing with soap and water, providing appropriate hygiene materials (sanitiser and soap) and posting signage on hand hygiene practices.
Respiratory Hygiene
Good respiratory hygiene and etiquette should be promoted. Employers should provide tissues and bin bags for disposal and provide advice on good respiratory etiquette.
The legal requirement for face masks is no longer mandatory, except in certain regulated settings i.e. healthcare.
Mask wearing is still required in the following settings (public transport, retail premises, and in certain premises where food and beverages are prepared and served
Physical Distancing
The requirement for Two Metre Distancing has been removed.
Dealing with Suspected Cases of COVID-19 in the Workplace
The key message remains that a worker should not attend the workplace if they are displaying any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 or if they have a positive COVID-19 test.
Maintain procedures for dealing with Suspected Cases of COVID-19 in workplace, including a defined response structure, case manager, designated isolation area etc. “and the route to [it which] should be easily accessible and as far as is reasonable and practicable should be accessible by people with disabilities”
Take Account of High Risk and very High-Risk Workers.
Employers should continue to follow the different public health advice available for these groups of workers.
Blended Working
The Government has also called on employers, in consultation with their employees, to start to develop or finalise their long-term arrangements for blended or remote working in anticipation of legislation which has been published to formalise this
Cleaning
Cleaning of workplaces should be done at regular intervals
Ventilation
Determining ventilation of enclosed workplace settings should be considered as part of the workplace risk assessment
Antigen Testing
Widespread use of antigen testing in the workplace remains a voluntary option which employers, in consultation with workers and their representatives, may wish to adopt. The employer may get advice on establishing a programme of testing from their occupational health or medical service. If a workplace adopts a RAD testing system, employers must maintain personal information collected in line with GDPR requirements.
The use of RADTs does not preclude the strict requirement that all those who are symptomatic should self-isolate and not attend the workplace.
For further information please click; https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/63ba6-transitional-protocol-good-practice-guidance-for-continuing-to-prevent-the-spread-of-covid-19/
