Live updates from Coronavirus Ireland: 18 more people have died from Covid-19 as 219 other cases were confirmed

Business Minister Heather Humphreys formally announced the Safe Return to Work Protocol this afternoon, which will see temperature testing, no handshakes and intensive cleaning policies.

The plans were developed in a “collaborative effort” by the Business Department in conjunction with the Irish Trade Union Congress, the Ibec employers’ group and the Federation of the Construction Industry.

The protocol is mandatory and is seen as the “minimal effort” that employers must implement before they reopen.

The Department of Health and HSE were also involved and the Health and Safety Authority will enforce the rules.

The measures should be implemented in companies, offices and construction sites.

“The protocol is mandatory and the HSA will be in charge of its supervision and implementation,” said the minister in the government buildings.

“This document establishes the minimum measures required in each workplace.”

“We all want companies to reopen and people to return to work,” added the minister.

“We all want Ireland back to work, but it has to happen safely.”

The HSA will appoint inspectors to work “collaboratively” with employers to make improvements if necessary and will order the closure of workplaces if they are not implemented.

Employers will be asked to develop a Covid-19 business response plan prior to reopening that addresses risk and their response to virus infections in the workplace.

The protocol also states that employees who will return to work will need additional support for stress caused by financial reasons, the death of a family member, or difficulties with personal relationships.

They will also need to complete a pre-return form to indicate that they have not been in contact with the virus.

Employers will then have to designate a core worker representative, who will be responsible for ensuring that staff “strictly adhere” to health measures.

There should also be induction training for all workers on public health guidance, how the workplace is organized to address risk, and any other relevant industry advice.

The protocol calls for the implementation of a no handshake policy, as well as temperature tests of social distancing, hand sanitizer and tissue supply.

The use of face covers is said to be “not a substitute” for other hygiene measures.

According to the protocol, remote work should be encouraged and free office space should be used as isolation areas for staff with virus symptoms.

Strict cleaning measures must also be implemented: Frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, must be “visibly clean” at all times and must be cleaned “at least twice a day.” Disinfection wipes or products, paper towels and wastebaskets and bags should also be provided so that employees keep their own workspaces clean.

Work areas, especially common areas and restrooms, should also be cleaned at least twice a day and whenever facilities are visibly dirty.

PPE must be selected based on worker hazard and provided by employers.

Per protocols, staff displaying coronavirus symptoms during the workday will be directed to this isolation area designated by a manager.

A distance of two meters should be kept, since transportation is arranged for the worker to go home or receive medical attention and should avoid public transportation.

Records of working groups should be established to follow up on contacts and a risk assessment should be made of any incident.

Plastic sneeze guards should also be placed in workplaces where two-meter separation social distancing is not possible.

Some aspects of the protocol will vary from different workplaces, but the document sets out “general principles” that must be followed.

11.30 09/05/2020

“If they hadn’t given us permission to go to work, I don’t think I would be alive.”