Factsheet for measure
IE-2020-19/1016
–
Updated
– measures in Ireland
Return to Work Safely Protocol
Background information
The Protocol was published by the central government Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, to set a national-level framework for protecting workers across the economy from the risk of COVID-19 infection in the workplace.
The Protocol was developed and agreed in consultation with the members of the Labour Employer Economic Forum, which is the forum for high-level dialogue between government, and union and employer representatives on labour market issues. Participants in this process included national employer federation Ibec, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Chambers Ireland (a national group of local business bodies) and the Construction Industry Federation (representing construction sector employers).
It is the result of a collaborative effort, led by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, and involving the Health and Safety Authority (HSA - the occupational health and safety regulatory agency), the Department of Health and the HSE.
Content of measure
The Protocol covers COVID-19 safety principles in workplaces in all sectors and geographic reasons, but allows for local sectoral agreements to deal with issues more specific to individual sectors.
It establishes the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) as the lead agency for inspection and enforcement of the protocol. It sets out social distancing guidelines and practices, as well as providing for at least one COVID-19 workplace representative in all workplaces.
The protocol sets out rules on handwashing and hygiene ettiquette, as well as providing that workplace safety statements should be revised to take account of COVID-19. It also has procedures for dealing with a suspected case of COVID-19 in the workplace and provides that all workers should sign forms confirming that they are not infected with COVID-19 or awaiting test results for same.
Updates
The following updates to this measure have been made after it came into effect.
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16 September 2021
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As part of the government’s plan for the reopening of society from 20 September 2021, 'Reframing the Challenge, Continuing our Recovery and Reconnecting', a phased return to the workplace will take place from 20 September 2021.
Ahead of the return, the Work Safely Protocol was updated. The updates include the new symptoms associated with the Delta variant of COVID-19 and additional information on ventilation, and vaccinations.
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14 May 2021
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In May a revised work safely protocol was published with updated information on ventilation of workplaces, mask wearing and antigen testing.
The Government also announced that the Health and Safety Authority (along with inspectors from other state bodies) have carried out nearly 33,000 COVID-19 inspections around compliance with the Protocol since May 2020.
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20 November 2020
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In November, the Government updated the Protocol and renamed it the 'Work Safely Protocol'.
According to government, the updated guidance “contains information and practical advice on a range of topics such as the management and control of outbreaks, selection of hand sanitisers, wearing of masks, ventilation of workplaces and symptoms. These are areas where our knowledge has developed since the start of the virus and it is important that the guidance reflects the most up to date public health advice available.”
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Use of measure
Not a funding programme - it applies to al workplaces but sets out COVID-19 safety rules rather than providing financial assistance.
Contents
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Health and safety
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Work organisation
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Working time flexibility
Target groups
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Workers
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Businesses
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Citizens
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Applies to all workers
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Applies to all businesses
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Does not apply to citizens
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Actors and funding
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Actors
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Funding
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National government
Trade unions
Employers' organisations
Public support service providers
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No special funding required
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Social partners
Social partners' role in
designing the measure
and form of involvement:
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Trade unions
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Employers' organisations
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Role
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Consulted
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Consulted
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Form
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Consultation through tripartite or bipartite social dialogue bodies
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Consultation through tripartite or bipartite social dialogue bodies
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Social partners' role in the
implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:
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Social partners jointly
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Main level of involvement: Peak or cross-sectoral level
Involvement
The impetus for a protocol arose from discussions at the national social partner dialogue body, the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) and while it was published by the central government Department for Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI), the national level union and employer bodies (ICTU, Ibec and CIF) has a central role in its formulation.
When the protocol was announced, DBEI said: "The Protocol was developed and agreed in consultation with the members of the Labour Employer Economic Forum, which is the forum for high-level dialogue between government, and union and employer representatives on labour market issues. Participants in this process included Ibec, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Chambers Ireland and the Construction Industry Federation. It is the result of a collaborative effort, led by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, and involving the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), the Department of Health and the HSE."
Views and reactions
Both union and employer bodies are highly supportive of the protocol, given their central role in its inception and formulation. Both have referred to it repeatedly since its launch as the key re-opening workplaces safely after lockdown.
Sources
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20 November 2020: Work Safely Protocol
(enterprise.gov.ie)
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20 November 2020: Government updates Protocol to protect staff in the workplace
(www.gov.ie)
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14 May 2021: Tánaiste publishes updated Protocol for employers on ventilation, vaccinations and antigen testing
(enterprise.gov.ie)
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16 September 2021: Work Safely Protocol
(www.gov.ie)
