Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 May 2021
159. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the guidance for businesses that interact directly with the public regarding their obligations to employees for customers and clients to wear face coverings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25566/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraExposure to COVID-19 is a public health risk, which affects all citizens. Public Health advice recommends the wearing of face coverings as a measure to assist in stopping the spread of COVID-19. The Health Protection and Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has published guidance around the use of face coverings and masks by the general public, as well as on the efficacy of visors compared with face masks, in the prevention of transmission of COVID-19. This guidance is available on the HPSC website.
Managing the risk of spread of COVID-19 in the workplace is important in relation to the health of workers. The Work Safely Protocol incorporates current advice issued by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) about measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community and in workplaces
In relation to the protection of workers who interact with customers and clients, the Work Safely Protocol sets out specific measures that an employer should take in relation to workers who have customer facing roles. These measures include;
- eliminate physical interaction between workers and customers as much as is reasonably practicable through revised working arrangements, for example through provision of online or phone orders, contactless delivery or managed entry;
- provide hand sanitisers at entry/exit points;
- install physical barriers and clear markings to ensure that contact between workers and customers is kept to a minimum and to ensure that queues do not form between customers as they wait to be served;
- implement a cleaning regime to ensure that contact points for workers and customers are kept visibly cleaned at all times;
- display the advice on the COVID-19 measures in visible locations to ensure that customers are also adhering to what is required;
- implement and adopt public health regulations in relation to use of face coverings in shops, shopping centres and other indoor settings;
- provide masks to workers who need to interact with customers/others where a physical distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained;
The key to a safe workplace remains strong communication and a shared collaborative approach between employers and workers.
The Health and Safety Authority is the lead agency with responsibility for checking compliance with the Protocol. Any worker, or employer, with a concern or a query about compliance with the Protocol should contact the Health and Safety Authority, through their Workplace Contact Unit at 1890 289 389 or at wcu@hsa.ie, for appropriate advice.
