The Government today (20th November 2020) published updated guidance to prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace to staff.

The pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives. This updated Work Safely Protocol sets out the actions that need to be taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. 
 
It contains information and practical advice on a range of topics such as the management and control of outbreaks, selection of hand sanitisers, wearing of masks, ventilation of workplaces and symptoms. These are areas where our knowledge has developed since the start of the virus and it is important that the guidance reflects the most up to date public health advice available.
 
Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD welcomed the publication of the updated Work Safety Protocol, saying: “I welcome today’s publication of the updated Work Safely Protocol. The Protocol provides clear, helpful guidance to all businesses and workers, outlining what they need to do to tackle COVID-19 and ensure the safety of all in the workplace.
 
This Protocol has been developed in close consultation with employers and trade unions through the Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF); such cooperation is an essential part of our collective efforts to manage the pandemic. 
 
I am urging people to be particularly vigilant in the coming weeks, in the run up to Christmas, as certain workplaces will see an increase in activity.  It’s important for employers and workers to pay renewed attention to the risks – and consult the Protocol to ensure a safe work environment.”
 
The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, said: “It is crucial that we provide employers and managers with the tools to manage their business in a way that is safe for workers. This Protocol, which has been updated in consultation with health experts, worker representatives and employer groups, sets out the practical steps that need to be taken to prevent the spread of the virus in the workplace.
 
“I’d like to pay tribute to the commitment and resourcefulness of both business owners and staff around the country and thank you all for the incredible effort you have put in to keep your workers and customers safe over the past few months. It has been exceptionally challenging, and you have shown true grit and leadership. 
 
“Your efforts to date have saved lives. We are asking that you continue to keep adapting your business so that it is as safe as it possibly can be. This will be especially important as we ease restrictions in the lead up to Christmas. It is in everyone’s interest to ensure Christmas workplace outbreaks are avoided.”
 
The Health and Safety Authority will remain the lead Agency in co-ordinating compliance with the Work Safely Protocol. It will continue to be supported in this role by inspectors from a range of other Government Departments and State Bodies. 
 
Nearly 20,000 COVID-19 inspections around compliance with the Protocol have been carried out since May 2020. The Government has made additional funding of €4m available to the HSA for 2021. This will largely be used for extra staff to focus on the management and prevention of COVID-19 in the workplace.
 
The Work Safely Protocol is a revision of the Return to Work Safely Protocol published in May 2020. The revised Protocol incorporates the current advice on the Public Health measures needed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community and workplaces as issued by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and the Department of Health.