Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 October 2020
20. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to international news reports of Covid-19 public health breaches at a location (details supplied); if the issue will be referred to the HSA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32030/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll employers must comply with the Return to Work Safely Protocol which is designed to put measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace,
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is the lead Agency in relation to oversight and compliance with the Protocol. It ensures compliance through a range of measures including advice, guidance, inspection and enforcement action as appropriate and as provided for in the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005. Since the 18 May 2020 the HSA has carried out over 3,956 inspections across a range of sectors to enforce compliance with the Protocol. In total over 17,500 inspections assessing compliance with the COVID-19 RTWSP have been carried out by the various State Agencies.
The Health and Safety Authority's workplace contact unit (WCU) is available to answer any queries employers, workers or members of the public may have regarding all occupational safety and health matters including compliance with the Protocol.
Any worker with concerns about compliance with the Protocol can contact the WCU, in confidence, by phone at 1890 289 389 or (01) 6147000 or at any time by email at wcu@hsa.ie.
It should be noted Section 27 of the Health, Safety and Welfare Act, 2005 prohibits an employer from penalising or threatening to penalise an employee with respect to any terms or condition of his/her employment, where the employee is exercising any right under safety and health legislation. The enforcement of Section 27 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 is a matter for the Workplace Relations Commission. Any employee who feels that their health and safety, or employment rights, have been breached has recourse to the industrial mechanisms of the State.
I would, however, also highlight the fact that concerns a worker might have around adherence to the Protocol can, and should be, brought to the attention of the designated lead COVID-19 worker representative. The Protocol emphasises that collaboration, communication and exchange of information between employers and employees is vital and both employer and employee have a role to play and have responsibilities towards each other.
