Fórsa’s Dublin Hospitals’ branch hosted two information sessions for members last Thursday (10th December) as part of an initiative by the branch to fill the gap in workplace safety training, which a survey of members has revealed is not being met in some hospitals where members are working. 

The matter of some hospitals failing to provide adequate training for worker and lead worker representatives, required by the Government’s Return to Work Safely protocol, was raised by members at a recent Dublin Hospitals’ branch meeting. 

The branch subsequently undertook a survey of members and non-members in Dublin hospitals, revealing that a fifth of the 450 respondents are lead worker representatives in their workplaces, out of whom only eight have been provided training by their employer. 

Fórsa official Olajide Ogidan explained: “Almost two-thirds of members did not know who the lead worker representatives are in their workplaces which is an indication that many hospitals have not appointed lead worker representatives or they have failed to communicate with their staff."

 
“Fórsa is concerned that many Dublin hospitals have not taken the Return to Work Safely protocol as seriously as they should. Fórsa commends the work of the few hospitals that have done this successfully,” he said.

Information sessions
Olajide explained that the branch collaborated with Cornmarket to host the two information sessions, and said the attendance and response from members was very encouraging. He added: “With retail, some bars and restaurants now open again, we need to be aware that the virus itself has no plans to take a break. We can’t afford to be complacent if we genuinely want to minimise the risk of contracting Covid-19."  

“The branch is also conscious of the impact of the pandemic and remote working on members’ mental health. This is why the branch committee decided to survey the needs of members in this area and to organise the information sessions.

“Fórsa is committed to engaging with our members on this critical matter of health and safety, and doing everything we can to enhance their protection in the workplace,” he said.

The first information session, led by Fórsa official Dessie Robinson, provided advice for worker and lead worker representatives on the Return to Work Safely protocol, while the second session focused on mental health and building resilience with guest speaker Ryan O’Reilly.