The National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) has published a ‘Workplace Protection and Improvement Guide’ outlining preventative measures businesses can take to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. 

Grants of €2,500 are available to support businesses to implement workplace preventative and recovery measures.

Good practices

Good practices and process changes include:

• the use of gloves for common equipment,
• cleaning between shifts,
• floor markings to ensure distance,
• the use of perspex at counters,
• strict processes for deliveries to minimise contact,
• adjusting factory and office layouts to ensure distance,
• staggering of shifts,
• using remote handovers between shifts.

Steps

Launching the Workplace Protection and Improvement Guide, Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys said: “Businesses across the country have already taken significant steps to safeguard against the spread of coronavirus.

“I would urge them to continue that work. The best way to ensure that firms can keep operating is to rigorously implement the public health guidelines on physical distancing and minimise the risk of spreading infection. 

Aware

“Similarly, I would encourage all employees to make themselves aware of the expert advice and strictly adhere to it. 

“Implementing best practice – particularly around physical distancing, remote and home working, cleaning and shift-work and overall hygiene measures – can help limit the impact of the virus on employees and business continuity.

"The NSAI guidance document will be a significant resource for firms and their employees.”