COVID-19 and Health & Safety

As businesses continue to navigate this unprecedented time, employers should review their health and safety practices, in light of the COVID-19 guidance and restrictions, to ensure compliance with the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005 (the 2005 Act). The 2005 Act imposes a general duty on employers to ensure "so far as reasonably practicable" that the safety, health and welfare at work of his/her employees is safe-guarded. This is a dynamic obligation that requires to be revisited as circumstances require.

What does the 2005 Act require?

Employers need to be proactive in order to protect their employees' health, and minimise the risk of the virus spreading in their workplaces. Their main responsibilities are to provide: (i) a safe workplace; (ii) a safe method of work; (iii) safe equipment; (iv) appropriate supervision and training; (v) protective equipment, where appropriate; (vi) provision and maintenance of facilities and arrangements for the welfare of employees at work.

These obligations apply equally to those who work remotely or from home, and those who continue to attend the workplace in person.

In short, employers must comply with all HSE guidance. This will require a review, and where necessary, amendments to existing risk assessments, to reflect the changed work landscape as a result of COVID-19. Employers must be alert to the fact that this is an evolving health emergency, which will require agility and regular review in order to determine how best to manage and address health and safety issues.

What can FP Consulting help you with?

• Update your Safety Statement and Hazard Risk Assessment reflecting COID-19 requirements
• Put COVID-19 Protocols in place for your workplace
• Prepare Remote Working Policy for employees working from home or other locations away from the main workplace
• COVID-19 Return to Work Safely Protocols
• COVID-19 Operating Procedures
• COVID-19 Emergency Response Plan

If you require further information or assistance in relation to health and safety advice arising from COVID-19, please contact FP Consulting at pm@fpconsultingltd.com.

Health and safety laws apply to all employers, self-employed people and employees in their workplaces. This includes fixed-term employees and temporary employees.