Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
577. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation the guidance and advisory documents to be published by her Department or a State agency under her remit with regard to the reopening of businesses as Covid-19 restrictions are lifted; and the estimated publishing date for each such document in tabular form. [5995/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Return to Work Safely Protocol is the overarching guidance for employers and employees with regard to the reopening of businesses as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
It is the result of a collaborative effort by my Department, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), the Health Services Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health and is designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace, when the economy begins to slowly open up, following the temporary closure of most businesses during the worst phase of the current pandemic.
This Protocol should be used by all workplaces to adapt their workplace procedures and practices to comply fully with the COVID-19 related public health protection measures identified as necessary by the HSE and the Department of Health. It will operate in parallel with existing workplace health and safety statutory requirements.
The Protocol sets out in very clear terms for employers and workers the steps that they must take before a workplace reopens, and while it continues to operate.
The National Return to Work Safely Protocol is an essential part of the move towards the gradual lifting of the current restrictions, re-opening businesses, getting people back to employment and re-igniting our economy.
The HSA has also produced the following guides:
COVID-19 – Advice for Employers and Employees
COVID-19 FAQs for Employers and Employees in relation to Home-Working on a temporary basis
COVID–19 Conformity Assessment and Market Surveillance procedures for PPE
Additional Business Continuity Information and Advice
Return to Work Safely Templates and Checklists.
These can all be found using the following link https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/covid-19/covid-19_coronavirus.html .
In addition to this, the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), which is an agency of my Department, has produced Guidance on Manufacturing and Importing PPE and Medical Devices and COVID-19 Retail Protection and Improvement Guide and these are available here https://www.nsai.ie/covid-19/ .
In the context of NSAI’s work on progressing guidance for various sectors across the economy, my Department is currently considering for which other sectors it may be appropriate to request NSAI to develop further guidance. The estimated dates for publication of such advisory documents are not yet available.
