EAP and COVID-19: Work Safely Protocol: COVID-19 National Protocol for Employers and Workers

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected every part of Ireland’s society and economy. In the face of this, the biggest challenge we have encountered in decades, the people of Ireland have universally stepped up to the plate and adhered to the strict guidelines put in place by the Government, following the advice of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). We have all contributed to the progress that Ireland has made in containing the spread of COVID-19 and in so doing we have saved lives. However, our continued progress in reducing the spread of the virus remains challenging. We collectively and individually need to continue our efforts to keep the virus under control. The revision of the Return to Work Safely Protocol has become necessary to ensure that it reflects the Government’s Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID- 19 as well as updating the public health advice available since its first publication. This revised document is now called the Work Safely Protocol. It continues to be designed to support employers and workers to put infection prevention and control (IPC) and other measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Work Safely Protocol also covers the measures needed to both ensure the safe operation of workplaces and the re- opening of workplaces following temporary closure due to local and regional restrictions.