Half of employers breach virus rules
by Mehak Dugal and Bernard Harbor
 
 The protocol insists that employers recognise at least one Covid-19 worker safety representative – and more in larger employments.
The protocol insists that employers recognise at least one Covid-19 worker safety representative – and more in larger employments.

A worrying 47% of Irish workplaces were found to be in breach of Covid-19 guidelines following Health and Safety Authority (HSA) safety inspections since last May. Almost half of the 5,000-plus workplaces viewed by the authority didn’t have proper measures in place to prevent the spread of the virus.

 

The HSA has received over 2,000 complaints in relation to the virus.

 

Last May saw agreement between unions, employers and the Government on a Covid ‘work safety protocol,’ which put the HSA at the centre of enforcement guarantees.

 

Although it was drawn up in the context of a significant ‘return to work’ after the first wave of the coronavirus, unions subsequently won confirmation that it applies to all workplaces, regardless of whether staff have spent some time working remotely. Fórsa also won confirmation that it applies in the civil and public service.

 

The protocol insists that employers recognise at least one Covid-19 worker safety representative – and more in larger employments.

 

The HSA statement on Covid breaches came as Fórsa claimed a large number of public service employers were flouting restrictions by unnecessarily requiring staff to attend workplaces when remote working was a viable alternative. Union officials have since reported an improved employer response in many sectors.

 

The official economy-wide Government advice at Level Five is that employees should work from home unless they perform “an essential health, social care or other essential service,” which “cannot be done from home.”

 

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