Companies that do not comply with Covid-19 security measures will be closed

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Businesses that fail to comply with the new security protocols intended to prevent the spread of Covid-19 may close.

Business Minister Heather Humphreys said inspectors from the Safety and Health Authority (HSA) will be able to shut down non-compliant workplaces.

She was speaking at the launch of the Government’s Return to Work security protocol for workplaces to be reopened once the closure is lifted.

They include regulations for social distancing, hand hygiene, first aid, and mental health support for returning workers.

She said: “HSA inspectors will be able to take appropriate compliance measures in accordance with the Health and Safety Act of 2005. This means that if a company fails to cooperate and comply with public health guidelines after being asked make improvements, the HSA may order them to shut down the workplace. “

Ms. Humprheys said companies will also need to conduct a survey of workers to see if anyone shows symptoms of Covid-19 before they can return to work.

They must also ensure the adequate supply of items like hand sanitizer and implement induction training so that workers are “up to date” on public health counseling, he said.

Each workplace will designate at least one representative of core workers to ensure that the measures are strictly followed, and has an established plan detailing how it will treat confirmed cases of the virus among employees.

Ms Humphreys acknowledged that some of the new measures may make some businesses unfeasible, but that health and safety must take priority.

She said: “For some of the restaurants, if they cannot allow a certain number of people to enter their premises, then it will not be feasible for them.” But, once again, these are the challenges they face, but we must consider the only thing that drives us and that is public health and safety. ”

He urged companies to start preparing now and using available government support to finance security measures. Other measures, such as telling people not to shake hands or share utensils, cost nothing, he said.

Ms Humphreys added: “It is up to each sector to look at these protocols and make their own decision on how the protocols will work. When it comes to restaurants, pubs and cafes, it is difficult for them, but this document gives them the basis to start forming their own protocols. ”

He also said that some companies could return earlier than planned, as the government’s roadmap to exit the pandemic is a “live document.”

“If this virus goes away, the roadmap that the government has put in place to ease the restrictions can also be accelerated if we do it right and we can also slow it down if the virus increases,” he said.

Minister Jed Nash with Patricia King (Niall Carson / PA)

The secretary general of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu), Patricia King, said that each employer “has an absolute duty to comply with the rules.”

“The battle against Covid-19 requires an unequivocal policy regarding health and safety,” he added.

“There can be no shortcuts or opt-out options when it comes to life and death matters. Covid-19 does not discriminate and each worker in each sector has the right to the protection of this protocol.

“This pandemic has severely impacted every part of our society and economy, and this document represents an important milestone.”

(PA graphics)

On Friday, 27 deaths from Covid-19 were reported, bringing the total to 1,429.

An additional 156 new cases were confirmed, for a total of 22,541.

Medical director Tony Holohan said Friday night that as the country moves to the next stage of dealing with the virus, special attention should be paid to how people behave in public spaces.

“As we prepare for the next stages of living with this virus, we are learning new norms and behaviors, particularly how we interact in public spaces,” he said.

“Physical distancing, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, safe interactions apply to everyone if we want to keep Covid-19 suppressed in Ireland.”

Meanwhile, the Irish Teachers Association for Secondary Education (Asti) will meet today to discuss changes to the Leaving Certificate exam.

Written exams, which will begin in late July, will not continue. Instead, students will receive a grade provided by their school and the Department of Education will finalize their results.

The Irish Teachers Union (TUI) accepted the plan but said it needed clarification on some issues.

The National Return to Work Protocol includes a handshake ban and induction training Covid-19

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Minister Humphreys warned that the companies would be closed if they did not comply with the Covid-19 measures.
Minister Humphreys warned that the companies would be closed if they did not comply with the Covid-19 measures.

Companies were warned that they could close if they don’t follow the new return-to-work guidelines.

Measures for the reopening of the companies will include a ban on handshakes and the exchange of equipment, as well as temperature controls for workers.

Speaking about the Return to Work plan, Business Minister Heather Humphreys said: “This Protocol is a critical component of the Government’s Roadmap for reopening the economy as we gradually lift COVID-19 restrictions.

“It clearly sets out the steps that companies and workers must take to ensure they can return to work safely.”

Minister Humphreys said collaboration between employers and workers “will be critical to the success of our return to work.”

Some of the measures include:

  • Designated lead labor representatives to ensure that Covid-19 measures are followed in the workplace.
  • Covid-19 induction training before workplace reopens
  • Employers must update their safety plans before reopening in consultation with workers.
  • The plan should include clear procedures around relevant Covid-19 measures, such as social distancing, hand washing, and respiratory etiquette.
  • Employers will keep a record of any group work to facilitate contact tracking

Employers should have a clear plan to deal with any suspected Covid-19 cases and have a designated manager in charge of such a situation.

Rest breaks and rest periods will be organized to facilitate social distancing.

When social distancing is not possible in spaces of less than 2 meters, companies will be required to adopt alternative protection measures, such as plastic sneeze protectors or physical barriers.

Business Minister Heather Humphreys said Health and Safety Authority (HSA) inspectors will be able to close workplaces that do not comply with new safety measures aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19.

The Minister said that the HSA would take a collaborative approach up front and provide advice and support.

However, she said: “HSA inspectors will be able to take appropriate action to enforce the health and safety law of 2005.

“This means that if a company fails to cooperate and comply with public health guidelines after being asked to make improvements, the HSA may order them to shut down the workplace.”

In response to the government’s announcement, Elaina Fitzgerald Kane, president of the Irish Hotel Federation, said they were working closely with Fáilte Ireland to develop operational standards “in line with HSE requirements and international best practices.”

She said, “The health and safety of our guests and teams is our top priority and the standards will cover all aspects of the hotel’s operations and facilities.”

Labor Party Employment spokesman Ged Nash welcomed the new government protocols and said that the implementation of the HSA will be essential for workers to have confidence in the measures.

He said: “The HSA should have no qualms about closing dishonest businesses where bad practices are evident and where workers and consumers are at risk.”



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