Work Safely Protocol
14th January 2022 | Guidelines
From January 2022, further revisions of the Work Safely Protocol have been undertaken to reflect new public health advice and how this will affect workplaces. The Work Safely Protocol continues to apply in full, setting out the minimum Public Health infection prevention and control measures required to be taken by employers and workers, in every place of work, to prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19.
The Labour Employer Economic Forum (LEEF) is the forum for high-level dialogue between Government, Trade Union, and Employer representatives on matters related to the labour force. Given the importance of keeping workplaces safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, it established a consultative stakeholder group to oversee the implementation of the Work Safely Protocol, including revisions and updates to the Protocol.
The Protocol remains a robust document that is applicable to all sectors of the economy. It sets out the minimum Public Health infection prevention and control measures required in every place of work to prevent and reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to facilitate the ongoing safe operation of workplaces. It is not designed to prohibit the introduction of additional measures in particular sectors or workplaces that could further enhance the measures set out in this Protocol.
Collaborative and open engagement between employers and workers, based on the Work Safely Protocol, can ensure that, where attendance in the workplace is necessary, workplaces operate in a manner that prevents the spread of COVID-19. The Protocol highlights the importance of the vital role of the Lead Worker Representative in ensuring a collaborative approach. If concerns arise in the workplace, workers should engage with the employer in the first instance through the Lead Worker Representative.
The Protocol also contains useful links directing employers and employees to a range of Government Departments and Agencies where additional and more detailed information and guidance can be sourced.
Read the full revised Work Safely Document on our Publications page
