Please see attached information from our member Canoeing Ireland on their Return to Sport protocols (RTS). Although every sport is different, the attached might provide guidance to your organisation on RTS should you be planning to RTS in phase 1 or at later phase. Our thanks to Canoeing Ireland for sharing same.
Canoeing-Ireland-Return-to-Paddling-Guidelines-Final
Please see attached information from our member Athletics Ireland on their Return to Sport protocols (RTS). Although every sport is different , the attached might provide guidance to your organisation on RTS should you be planning to RTS in phase 1 or at later phase. Our thanks to Athletics Ireland for sharing same.
Phase 1 Guide for Clubs final Athletics 13 May 2020Phase 1 Guide for Athletes Athletics 13 May 2020
Phase 1 Guide for Coaches Athletics 13 May 2020
The Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, today Saturday, 9 May 2020 published the National “Return to Work Safely Protocol”. The Protocol clearly and comprehensively sets out the steps and processes that businesses must take to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace.
The Protocol was developed and agreed in consultation with the members of the Labour Employer Economic Forum, which is the forum for high-level dialogue between government, and union and employer representatives on labour market issues. Participants in this process included Ibec, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, Chambers Ireland and the Construction Industry Federation. It is the result of a collaborative effort, led by the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, and involving the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), the Department of Health and the HSE.
The HSA will be the lead agency in terms of overseeing compliance with the Protocol in the workplace.
Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys TD, said:
“This Protocol is a critical component of the Government’s Roadmap for reopening the economy as we gradually lift the COVID-19 restrictions. It very clearly sets out the steps that businesses and workers should take to ensure that they can return to work safely.
“Collaboration between employers and workers will be central to the success of our return to work. That’s why we have specified in the Protocol that they should have regular engagement about the preventative measures in the workplace.
“The Protocol is mandatory and it applies to all workplaces right across the economy. Obviously, specific sectors may need to introduce additional safeguards, but this document sets the standard set of measures required in every workplace.
“I am aware that many sectors have already developed detailed COVID-19 return-to-work plans that capture most, if not all, of the measures in the Protocol, and would like to acknowledge and thank them for their work.
“Similarly, I would like to acknowledge that many critical and essential businesses have continued to operate during the pandemic with the appropriate safeguards in place.”
The following requirements, among others, are included in the Protocol:
Minister Humphreys concluded:
“The HSA will take a collaborative approach the first instance as they oversee implementation of the Protocol.
“Inspectors will provide advice and support to employers and employees on how they are implementing the COVID-19 measures in the workplace, based on the Return to Work Safely Protocol.
“They will also be able to visit the workplace and advise on any shortcomings through a Report of Inspection, which is left with the employer at the end of the visit and can include timelines and follow-ups needed.
“They also have the power to serve an Improvement Notice, a legal directive from an inspector requiring that certain improvements be carried out in a specified time-frame, or a Prohibition Notice, a legal instruction directing that a specified work activity be stopped.
“Ultimately, if a business doesn’t cooperate and comply with the public health guidelines after being asked to make improvements, the HSA will be able to order them to shut down the workplace.
“However, I am confident that employers want their businesses to remain open and want to do the right things to protect and support their workers. This document provides them with the know-how to ensure that they have a safe working environment for all.”
The Protocol is a living document and will change over time, in compliance with the latest public health advice.
Notes for the Editor
The Return to Work Safely Protocol is available online at Return to Work Safely Protocol.
If employers or employees need further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
Monitoring of the Protocol
A high-level consultative stakeholder forum, under the aegis of Labour Employer Economic Forum, will be established to oversee the implementation of this Protocol in light of evolving public health advice and other factors. The forum will include membership from the various bodies with responsibility for health and safety at work and for public health more generally.
The Labour Employer Economic Forum
The forum was established in 2016 to bring together representatives of employers and trade unions with government ministers to exchange views areas of shared concern affecting the economy, employment and the labour market on a thematic basis, such as competitiveness, sustainable job creation, labour market standards and equality and gender issues in the workplace.
Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) plays a key role in implementing the Government’s policies of stimulating the productive capacity of the economy and creating an environment which supports job creation and maintenance. The Department has lead responsibility for Irish policy on global trade and inward investment and a remit to promote fair competition in the marketplace, protect consumers and safeguard workers.
For further information please contact Press Office, D/Business, Enterprise and Innovation, press.office@dbei.gov.ie or (01) 631-2200
If you no longer wish to receive emails from the Department of Business Enterprise and Innovation Press Office, please notify us by email to press.office@dbei.gov.ie
Research
Some interesting insights to share in the attached link conducted by the Department of Health – here is a link to a report on this published yesterday https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/6b4401-view-the-amarach-public-opinion-survey/
HoldFirm – the HSE’s new campaign
Information on the HSE’s new campaign called HoldFirm, launching tomorrow (9th May 2020, just before 6pm) can be found attached, including details on how you and your organisation can help support the campaign and share the message. Campaign assets are also available here filed under ‘HoldFirm assets’.
Updated COVID-19 Resources
The most up to date COVID-19 poster in English can be found here. https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/covid-19-stay-safe-poster-a3-portrait-.pdf and in Irish here. https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/covid-19-stay-safe-poster-a3-irish-.pdf
Further languages will be added soon.
The most up to date COVID-19 pull-up banner is available here.
https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/covid-19-stay-safe-protect-each-other.pdf
Wellbeing ‘In This Together’
The campaign this week incorporates a Leaving Certificate wellbeing page.
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d8920c-leaving-cert-2020/
We appreciate your continued support of this campaign under the #InThisTogether
Men and COVID-19’ Webinar – an invitation – The Engage National Men’s Health Training Programme partners have invited Alan White, Emeritus Professor of Men’s Health at Leeds Beckett University, to present insights into ‘Men and experience of COVID-19’. The presentation will include current evidence and a Q&A afterwards. To book a place, send an email to Colin Fowler at colin@mhfi.org. Places are limited and offered on a first-come-first-served basis. one hour online webinar will take place on Wednesday 13th May 2020 at 11.00am.
Bealtaine Festival – events and full programme here http://bealtaine.ie/events_list?utm_source=Arts+%26+Culture&utm_campaign=9ddbaed023-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_09_12_11_21_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_43877177d-9ddbaed023-126779977
Age & Opportunity – To help during the pandemic, Age & Opportunity developed a range of resources on building resilience, keeping active and getting creative which can be found on: https://ageandopportunity.ie/covid/#Engage%20Features%20Desktop
ISSUE ALL THE MORE URGENT IN LIGHT OF RECENT COVID19-RELATED SPECULATION
The Alliance for Insurance Reform has called on the incoming Government to urgently review and re-balance the ‘common duty of care’ in the light of speculation regarding potential COVID19-related claims. Peter Boland, director of the Alliance said “As part of the insurance reform package we want included in the Programme for Government, we have already called on the incoming Government to urgently review and re-balance the ‘common duty of care’ so that occupiers are required to take a duty of care that is reasonable, practical and proportionate but not absolute, ignoring personal responsibility. While this was already a key reform demanded by our members, the issue of potential COVID19-related claims has made it all the more critical.
“Covid-19 is a public health issue so as well as the responsibilities of charities, sports and cultural organisations, community groups and businesses, we all have a personal responsibility to take appropriate measures as recommended by the HSE, such as social distancing and good hygiene practice, to protect ourselves.
“It would have to be established that a particular business or voluntary group caused the claimant to contract Covid-19 and a personal injury claim would only arise if there is evidence of negligence. There should be little support from the public, the legal profession or medics for claims if they believe someone is trying to create a case with no basis.”
ENDS
For further details contact:
Peter Boland
ALLIANCE FOR INSURANCE REFORM
TEL: 086 826 6036
WEB: insurancereform.ie
FB: /insurancereformireland
TW: @InsuranceRefIre
Wellbeing Campaign Update – a reminder about the cross Government Mental Wellbeing campaign which offers support and resources for people to help deal with stress and isolation, and also helps people maintain wellbeing and cope at home during this time. The website is www.gov.ie/together and the hashtag is #inthistogether.
We really welcome your support in sharing our messages by posting content, tweeting or retweeting and engaging on your social media platforms and using #InThisTogether
Approved Guidance for Disability Services There are five new COVID-19 Guidance HSE resources now available for staff and carers who provide services to people with disabilities. This guidance will help ensure that staff and carers are fully aware of the steps they need to take during the outbreak. A list of all of the guidance documents, including those previously shared, can be found here:https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/list-of-guidance-documents-developed-by-hse-disability-services.pdf
Disability video – See below a useful video with a message from Cathal Morgan, Head of Disability Operations, HSE for people with disabilities and their families. (YouTube video link) https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/under the heading ‘HSE Approved Guidance for Disability Services’
The Community Call – this initiative continues to be successful and ongoing information and Information booklet is available on: https://www.housing.gov.ie/local-government/covid-19-coronavirus/community-call-advice-and-contact-information-your-county The recent Information booklet is being made available in different formats and languages and will then be posted. The information booklet includes all local contacts details. We are aware many of you are involved in supporting local Community Response and community activity.
Coocooning – following updated Government announcement on Friday 1st May, Gov.ie page updated with new poster and Cocooning HPSC guidance –
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/923825-guidance-on-cocooning-to-protect-people-over-70-years-and-those-extr/