Exiting Lockdown: Time for employers to take action
Following the announcement of the Irish Government's 'roadmap' for lifting lockdown restrictions, the Return to Work Safely Protocol ("the Protocol") has been published in the past few days by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation. The Protocol contains practical guidance for employers on reopening their workplaces at a time when the spread of COVID-19 has been successfully suppressed but not extinguished. The Protocol is the result of the collaborative effort by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), the Health Service Executive and the Department of Health and was developed following discussion and agreement at the Labour Employer Economic Forum. The Protocol is non-exhaustive, and will likely be revised and added to over the coming weeks as public health advice is updated.
In this briefing, our Employment and Health & Safety teams highlight the key provisions of the Protocol and outline the steps employers should be taking now to prepare for the new normal.
For further information on this topic, please contact, Michael Doyle, Partner, Jason Milne, Partner, Triona Sugrue, Knowledge Lawyer, Joe Mahon, Solicitor or any member of the ALG Employment or Health & Safety teams.
Date published: 13 May 2020