Updated Work Safely Protocol

14 May 2021

The Government today (14 May 2021) published updated guidance to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace to staff.The Work Safely Protocol is the second revision of the Return to Work Safely Protocol, first published in May 2020. This 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.

The updated Work Safely Protocol provides guidance on ventilation and vaccinations as part of the range of measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as information on how to approach the use of antigen testing in the workplace. Government is now urging employers and their staff to read the Protocol as it reflects the most up to date public health advice for the workplace.

At the launch of the new protocol Tánaiste Leo Varadkar confirmed that vaccination will not be made mandatory.

“Vaccination is and will remain voluntary so it’s important that employers have guidance on how to manage any unvaccinated workers. This document gives that information,” he said.

The Protocol also contains links directing employers and employees to a range of Government Departments and Agencies where additional and more detailed information and guidance can be sourced.

The Protocol is a general document applicable to all sectors. It sets out the minimum public health measures required in every place of work to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and to facilitate the re-opening of workplaces following temporary closures and the ongoing safe operation of those workplace.

The Work Safely Protocol is the result of a collaborative effort, led by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and involving primarily the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), with significant input by public health from the Department of Health and the Health Services Executive (HSE).

The Minister for Business, Employment and Retail Damien English described the updated protocol as an “important toolkit for employers” as the Government continued its efforts to secure an orderly and safe reopening of the economy and society.

• Work Safely Protocol
• Data Protection – Work Safely Protocol This guidance document has been prepared to assist in providing the necessary clarification to employers (and their representatives) where the measures set out in the Protocol may result in the processing of personal data.

Source: Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and rte.ie