ASSOCIATION NEWS
THE HEATING & PLUMBING ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND (HAPAI) REFLECT ON HOW COVID-19 IS AFFECTING OUR INDUSTRY... A s Ireland works toward rebooting WORKPLACE CHANGES Our workplace has changed and that is • Always observe all hygiene rules • If in doubt, do not carry out Anewnormal
the construction industry, there has been confusion over who can actually return to work. The HSE guidelines state that outdoor construction work can proceed, as long as social distancing rules can be observed. Normal, non-emergency indoor work is still not permitted at present, though there are plans in place to allow this in the future. HAPAI fully support the HSE guidelines
likely to remain the case for the foreseeable future. How we interact with others, new sanitising stations at entry and exit points to buildings, where and how we use canteen areas, toilet facilities etc. are just some examples of the changes occurring.
WHAT TO CONSIDER Activities • Social distancing
• Group size protocols • Work area sanitisation • Tool sanitisation • Sanitisation station locations (mobile, permanent, van, etc.) • Specialist PPE Visitors / Members of the Public • It is a requirement to keep a log of all visitors and members of the public that you interact with at work. The purpose of this log is to assist in contact tracing should there be a positive case of Covid-19 within the workplace. • Ensure your customer is not showing any signs of the virus or has not been in contact with someone who has or is showing signs of Covid-19.
HELPING OURSELVES AND OTHERS
and urge members of our industry to strictly adhere to and adopt the
We need to look at how we can help to keep not just ourselves safe, but also our work colleagues and members of the public that we may interact with during business hours. LEARNING TOWORK SAFELY We must learn and adopt new methods that will allow us to work safely; risk assessing every task has become even more important than ever before. • Always follow Government and HSE guidelines • Always maintain social distancing
protocols set out within them. Much of the guidance is detailed extensively in the Government’s published: ‘Return to Work Safely Protocol’. The document outlines measures for employers to implement in order to ensure the safety of their employees and members of the public. Maintaining strict social distancing, hand hygiene and cough etiquette are essential requirements for all workers, not only within the workplace but travelling to, for and from work (and also at home).
22 | PLUMBING & HEATING MAGAZINE
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