“The COVID-19 Response Plan template and Good Practice checklists have been prepared to help employers, business owners, and managers to continue running their workplaces safely, and to help workers, in particular, the Lead Worker Representative understand what they need to do to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the workplace.

The template and checklists have been drafted, based on the Government’s advice and the Transitional Protocol – Good Practice Guidance for Continuing to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19.

The Transitional Protocol reflects the most recent public health advice, and it is the current guidance for the safe return and continued safe operating of workplaces.

The template and checklists should be read in conjunction with the guidance. Employers, workers, and their representatives are encouraged to continue working together to help continue to keep workplaces safe. The Response Plan template and Good Practice Checklists will help you to do that.” – HSA

It’s important to follow protocols and is crucial in ensuring all employees are safe in the workplace. Our COVID captured world seeks to look after our safety and well-being. So, create and maintain a culture that does that. It isn’t just about the checklists. It’s also about attitude.

Firstly, ask yourself what is your relationship like with your team? Secondly, is the safety and well-being of your people a priority?

Take a look at how healthy and safe your organisation is.

Thirdly, could you do better? (The answer is always yes).

How?

By adding value to your training and boost occupational safety and health. Make your company vision one of zero harm in the workplace.  Most importantly, having your team work together to create and maintain a safer environment to work in will create a clear targetted path to your people feeling secure. They are being safeguarded and protected.

Safety briefings that are delivered consistently can help raise the awareness of safety and brings people together.

So, create a culture that prioritises the well-being of your people. As a result, this will relieve stress and raise productivity and efficiency. It will help them focus on what’s important. Don’t let checklists become a tick the box exercise.

Following the tick the box method is not the approach that should be used.

Instead, use them as a tool to see how you are doing. Let them help you keep your team safe. Use them to guide you into being an organisation that takes care of its people. Make your company a great one.

Contact us to learn how we can help you create that vision of ZERO HARM in the workplace at info@bridgetrainingservices.ie

Further information can be found at gov.ie, hse.ie, hpsc.ie and hsa.ie .

COVID-19 response plan template

 

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has published its Strategy Statement 2022–2024 and its Programme of Work 2022.

The Strategy Statement highlights key goals in tackling current and emerging challenges and opportunities in Ireland’s workplaces including the introduction of remote/hybrid working, advancements in technology and the green economy, the “gig economy”, and the particular needs of vulnerable workers and migrant groups.

Through the increased funding provided by Government the Authority is establishing a new division to give further emphasis on occupational health hazards and risks, including those associated with psychosocial and ergonomic risks, and exposure to chemical and biological agents.

Launching the new HSA Strategy Statement, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD, stated:

“This new strategy clearly sets out the HSA’s priorities and goals whilst taking into account the ongoing challenges that workers and organisations, including the Authority, will face over the next three years. These include emerging from the COVID-19 public health pandemic, dealing with the continued fallout from the UK exit from the EU and addressing new ways of working.”

Programme of Work 2022
The HSA has also published its latest Programme of Work which outlines its key priorities and areas of focus for 2022, which include:

• high-risk sectors and hazards which cause fatalities, incidents, injuries and ill health, such as falling from heights and the hazards of working with machinery,

• occupational health hazards, in particular those associated with psychosocial and ergonomic risks, and

• exposure to chemical and biological agents.

Looking forward there are also new challenges, including the impact of the pandemic in accelerating the move to remote/hybrid working and the continued growth of the ‘gig economy’ in Ireland. The strategy also highlights the particular needs of vulnerable workers and migrant groups.

Speaking at the launch of both publications, Dr. Sharon McGuinness, Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Authority, said:

“Throughout the implementation of our new Strategy Statement and our annual Programmes of Work, the Authority will be setting out to achieve tangible outcomes in occupational safety and health (OSH), accreditation, chemicals, and market surveillance. The key to a successful and productive economy and workforce is a commitment to safer and healthier working lives for all.”

The HSA Strategy Statement 2022–2024 was developed in collaboration with key stakeholders and through public consultation. It was developed with the present and future conditions of workplaces and the needs of enterprises across Ireland in mind.

Tom Coughlan, Chairperson of the Health and Safety Authority, stated:

“Setting out the goals and key objectives of this Strategy Statement highlights the importance of partnership and collaboration and how it continues to be at the forefront of how we promote compliance. As a tripartite Board, with representatives from employee and employer stakeholders as members, we recognise the importance of constructive and co-operative engagement in meeting the goal of safe and healthy workplaces for all and we encourage employers and employees to continue to engage and work with the Authority in achieving this.”

To download or read in full please visit The HSA’s Strategy Statement 2022 – 2024 and Programme of Work 2022

Read the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment Press Release.

For HSA information on workplace fatalities in 2020 click here.

Contact us at info@bridgetrainingservices.ie