As organisations prepare to open up for business, it is important to review the strategies, policies, and procedures in place to protect employees, customers, and operations during this pandemic. 

The Return to Work Safely Protocol, the result of a collaborative effort by the Health Services Executive (HSE), the Department of Health, and the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is designed to support employers and employees to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.  It is a very valuable guideline for businesses and organisations.

Strong communication and a shared collaborative approach between employers and employees are key to protecting against the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.  It is important to ensure there is a robust structure in place.

Key elements to implement include:

• Ensure current health and safety plans, and safety statements are updated.
• Prepare return to work questionnaire/self-declaration, to be submitted in advance of return confirming employee has no symptoms, is not in self-isolation or awaiting test results.
• Conduct ‘Return to Work’ re-induction for all employees prior to their return to the work-place.  This applies to remote workers also.
• Draft a communications plan and share it with employees.
• Communicate and explain controls to all relevant employees and others (visitors, contractors, suppliers) at the place of work.
• Update the employee handbook and employment contract to reflect key changes.
• Communicate with safety representatives selected or appointed under the occupational health and safety legislation and consult with employees.
• Implement an emergency response procedure, to be put in place with isolation area, should there be a suspected case in the workplace.
• Review how GDPR impacts on the management of COVID-19.

COVID-19 has changed dramatically our businesses and ways of working.  It is important for us to learn from this pandemic and ensure we continue to communicate proactively with our employees and stakeholders.