Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2021
57. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if individual hairdressers are responsible for the cost of PPE equipment or their employer or owner of the hairdresser salon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26822/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe requirement that an employee should use personal protective equipment (PPE) in the carrying out of work activities is determined in the first instance by their employer through the completion of a risk assessment which is then recorded in the workplace safety statement.
The Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 states that the duty is on the employer to supply PPE to employees where risks identified in the risk assessment cannot be eliminated or adequately controlled by other means. The 2005 Act further states that employers may not ask for any form of reimbursement from an employee for the provision of PPE to that employee, although it should be noted that any self-employed persons working within a salon are responsible for providing their own PPE.
I would add that all expenses which are incurred wholly and exclusively for a business are tax deductible and given that it is the employer’s duty to provide a safe working environment, then the provision of PPE would be tax deductible. In addition, there is a wide range of financial supports available for businesses impacted by COVID-19 including supports from Revenue and from my own Department through the Enterprise Agencies. Details are available on www.enterprise.gov.ie or by contacting infobusinesssupport@enterprise.gov.ie
In relation to COVID-19, managing the risk of the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace is very important. The Work Safely Protocol incorporates current advice issued by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) about appropriate public health measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community and in workplaces. The Protocol sets out specific advice concerning the protection of workers who interact with customers and clients, including the provision of masks to workers who need to interact with customers or others where a physical distance of 2 metres cannot be maintained.
Full details of the updated Work Safely Protocol are available on www.enterprise.gov.ie
The Health and Safety Authority is the lead agency with responsibility for checking compliance with the Work Safely Protocol. Any worker, or employer, with a concern or a query about compliance with the Protocol, or any other aspect of occupational safety and health, should contact the Health and Safety Authority, through their Workplace Contact Unit at 1890 289 389 or atwcu@hsa.ie, for appropriate advice.
