SOP V6 · 2020. 11. 30. · SOP V6. Con structio n Industry Federation Coronavirus COVID-19 PublicH ealth Advice 2 Disclaimer The Construction Industry Federation (which shall include

CoronavirusCOVID-19Public HealthAdvice

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Construction Industry Federation


Construction Sector C-19 PandemicStandard Operating Procedures

Version 6 : December 2020(Users should refer to CIF website to ensure they are referring to the most current edition)

SOP V6



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DisclaimerThe Construction Industry Federation (which shall include their servants and agents and any policy committees of the Construction Industry Federation)(“CIF”) has devised a plan the intention of which is to provide a standardised approach to commencing construction projects in Ireland which incorporates the COVID-19 public health requirements (“the plan”). The use of the plan is subject strictly to the following:

1. CIFdoesnotgiveanywarrantyrepresentationorundertakingastotheefficiencyusefulness,safetyor commercialortechnicalviabilityoftheplan.

2. Allcontentisforinformationpurposesonlyandnotintendedtosupersedeapplicableregulations,norprovide medicalorlegaladvice.CIFmakesnorepresentationandgivesnowarrantyastotheaccuracyorcompleteness ofanyinformationand/oradviceorrecommendationcontainedwithintheplanandthemembersattentionis drawntothefactthatGovernmentGuidanceischangingasknowledgeoftheCOVID-19virusincrease.

3. CIFwillnotbeliableforanylosses(directorindirect)howsoeverarisingfromadoptionorimplementationofthe planoranyaspectofit,orforanyinjuries,damages,costsand/orexpensesarisingfromtheimplementationof oruseoftheplanoranyaspectofit.

4. Theplanandallinformationprovidedisforinformationpurposesonlyandnotintendedasasubstitutefor membersandoruserscarryingoutafullriskassessmentandreviewandensuringthatalllegal,contractual, safety,welfareatworkandhealthrequirementsareimplementedandcompliedwithinrespectofany recommencementofworkswhetheronsiteorelsewhereandinrespectofanyuseoftheplanoranypartofit.

5. Anypartyutilisingtheplanshouldtaketheirownindependentlegal,businessandotheradviceinrelationtothe applicabilityorappropriatenessoftheplantotheirindividualcircumstancesorbusinessesandtheCIFdoesnot acceptanyliabilityfortheuseoftheplanoritsappropriatenessforanyindividualbusinesses.



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Abstract: This document has been developed by the CIF Safety and Health Subcommittee mindful of the best available guidance, nationally and

internationally, and serves as a guide for the management of COVID-19 on a construction site for the duration of the pandemic. The actions set out

in this document should be implemented in tandem with an amended Construction Stage Health and Safety Plan. The purpose of this document is

to protect workers, their families and the community, whilst also recognising the need to protect livelihoods.

DOCUMENT CONTROL

Version Date of Revision Detail of Amendments (Section; Description)

2 11.05.2020 AddedreferencetoCovid19SpecificNationalProtocolforEmployersandWorkersAddedreferencetoSiteSafetyRepresentativeAddedreferencetoinstructioninhandhygieneAddedreferencetodisposableglovesRevisedrequirementforreturntoworkdeclarationAddedreferencetorecordingofsiteattendeesAddedreferencetoverticalsocialdistancingUpdatedcloseworkingUpdatedsampledeclarationform

3 20.05.2020 AddedlinktoHSAtemplates/checklists

4 August2020 Update IntroductionAmendedsymptoms-smell/tasteUpdatedinfoontravelAddedpromotionofHSECOVIDTrackerappUpdatedlinkstocleaninginformationUpdatedfacemaskinformationUpdatedtemptestinginfoUpdatedtravelto/fromworkAddedinfoatraining-C19Officer/LeadWorkerRevisedguidanceonHiVizforC19OfficerUpdated symptoms comparison chart AddedHSAadviceonmeetingsAdded guidance on contact tracingAddedHSEguidanceoncasemanagementUpdatedadditionalreadingUpdated C19 Questionaire

5 November2020 GenerallyupdatedlinksSection 7 renamedIntroduction updatedUpdated symptomsUpdatedcontrolmeasuresAdditions to Site Management SectionUpdatedguidanceonfacecoveringsinSec6AddedESBinductionasequivalenttoCIFInductionAddedbulletpointtoTraveltoandfromworkAddedadviceagainstsharingcomputerequipmentUpdated advice on managing casesUpdated return to work processUpdated site awareness posterSample-SiteResponsetoCovid19Caseactionplan

6 December2020 NewSection22toreflectpublicationoftheGovernment’sWorkSafetyProtocolSectionsformerlynumbered22and23changedUpdatedFirstAidResponderTrainingLinkprovidedinSection23toGuideforManaginganOutbreakintheWorkplace



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Table of Contents

1 Introduction 5

2 WhatisCoronavirus/KeyControlMeasures? 6

3 RoleoftheClient 8

4 HealthandSafetyDocumentation 9

5 SiteManagement 10

6 Hygiene 11

7 CommencingWork-Sites 13

8 Travelto/fromWork 14

9 PreventionofCrossContamination 16

10 SocialDistancing 19

11 C-19ComplianceOfficer&SiteSafetyRepresentative 20

12 CommunalandWelfareAreas 22

13 SiteWalkwaysandGeneralAccess 24

14 FirstAidResponderGuidance 25

15 ManagementofMeetings 27

16 ManagementofDeliveries 27

17 CloseWorking 28

18 COVID-19Suspect/ConfirmedCases 30

19 ReturntoWorkProcess-Worker 33

20 CleaningSpacesfollowingSuspected/ConfirmedCases 34

21 StatutoryTrainingUpdates 36

22 Government’sWorkSafetyProtocol 37

23 AdditionalReading 39

24 ReferenceDocuments 41



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1 IntroductionThis is a version 6 of the SOP – updated to reflect publication of the Government’s Work Safety Protocol on 20th November. At the time of writing, we are encouraged to note the emergence of vaccines, but are equally cognisant that their rollout will take some time. Meanwhile, we must continue to follow public health guidelines and industry best practice.

We thank all in the sector for their hard work to date but I want to take this opportunity to call on everyone, companies and workers, to double the efforts to ensure compliance.


2M 2M

2 M

2M2M

Social Distancing: It Saves Lives!

The CIF interacts, on behalf of the industry, with politicians from all parties and members of the public. We have gained their trust by complying with the rules and supervising our sites. This trust is just as easily lost so it must be protected. We do this by doing what we have been doing since the pandemic commenced - setting out safe working arrangements and following them.

Let’s keep this going.

Tom ParlonDirectorGeneralConstruction Industry Federation



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COVID-19isanewillnessthatcanaffectyourlungsandairways.It’scausedbyanew(novel)CoronavirusviruscalledCoronavirusSARS-CoV-2.Currentevidencesuggeststhatthevirusissignificantlymoreinfectiousthanthefluthatcirculateseverywinter.Virusescanbeeasilyspreadtootherpeopleandpatientsarenormallyinfectiousuntilallthesymptomshavegone.COVID-19maysurviveonsurfacesforupto72hours.

A combination of good personal hygiene and management of social distancing can protect from infection. This is at the core of this document.

2 What is Coronavirus / Key Control Measures?

Symptoms You must ensure that no person with symptoms attendssite-reinforcethismessageregularly. Thesymptomsare-fever(hightemperature), shortnessofbreath,breathing,lossorchangeto theirsenseofsmellortaste.

AccordingtotheHSE,“mostpeoplecanstopself- isolatingwhenbothoftheseapply:

1) you have had no fever for 5 days

2) ithasbeen10dayssinceyoufirstdeveloped symptoms

Ifyoutestedpositivebecauseyouareaclose contact,youmayhavenosymptoms.Inthiscase, youcanstopself-isolating10daysfromthedateof yourtest.

Ifyouarecaringforsomeonewhocannotself- isolateyoushouldrestrictyourmovementsfor 17 days” (https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/ coronavirus/managing-coronavirus-at-home/self- isolation.html).

Itshouldbenotedthatexperiencehasshown thatCOVID-19isspreadbypeoplenotshowing symptoms.

CurrentHSEadviceisavailableathttps://www2. hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/close-contact-and- casual-contact.html#close

Key Control Measures

The following are key control measures required for managing the spread of the virus on construction projects:



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General Health Personnellivingwith“atriskgroups”asdefined bytheHealthServicesExecutive(HSE),must considerifthereisaheightenedriskfrom attendingwork.

Travel PersonsreturningtotheislandofIrelandshould refertothemostuptodateinformationand guidancefromtheHSEandtheDepartmentof ForeignAffairs.Thisinformationcanbefoundat https://www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/

HSE COVID Tracker App Companiesshouldencourageemployeesto downloadthetrackerapp.Personsshould downloadtheHSE’sfreeCovid-19trackerappfor mobilesphones,byvisitingApple’sAppStoreor theGooglePlayStore.Themobileappuses Bluetoothtoalertsubscribersiftheyhavebeenin closecontactwithanotherregisteredappuserwho hastestedpositiveforCovid-19.

Hand Hygiene Ensuringeveryoneiswashinghandsregularly andthoroughlyorsanitizingandsufficient facilitiesareprovidedandmaintainedtoallowthis tohappen.

Social Distancing Ensuringworkersmaintainaminimumof2 metreseparationinsofaraspossiblewhile working,whenusingtoilets,canteens,drying roomsetc.Also,topromotesocialdistancing whentravellingtoandfromwork(public transport,vansetc.),andintheirdailylives,inorder tolimitexposure.

Cough Etiquette / Respiratory Hygiene Ensuringpeoplecough/sneezeintosleeveor elbow,alwayscoverup,disposeoftissues appropriately.

Cleaning Ensuringthatallfrequentlytouchedobjectsand surfacesareregularlycleanedanddisinfected.

Face Covering / Mask Thewearingofafacecovering/maskhasbeen showntoreducetherateoftransferofthevirus.

The above-mentioned control measures are elaborated on throughout this document and all individuals need to take personal responsibility to advise their employer of any symptoms immediately.

Pleasebearinmindcurrentpublichealthguidelineswhenplanningworkactivities,notablytheexistenceofrestrictionsinaccordancewiththegovernment’s‘Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19’ https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/

Key Control Measures continued



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3 Role of the ClientTheconstructionindustryislargelyaserviceindustry.Contractorsworkforclientsunderaconstructioncontract.Inmostinstances,compliancewiththeseStandardOperatingProcedures(SOP)involveschangestothescheduleordeliveryprogrammeforconstructionprojects.Therefore,theimplementationoftheseSOP’smusthavethesupportoftheclientandbeimplementedinaccordancewiththenecessarycontractualinstructionsfromclients.Acontractorcannotoperateunilaterallyandeachsiteandprojectisuniqueintermsofitsdesignandthetasksassociatedwithitsconstruction.ClientsmustthereforeacceptthatadaptingandcomplyingwiththegoodpracticeillustratedinthisSOPhasproductivity

andcostimplications.Itisthereforerecommendedthatasconstructioncontinuesonsite,arevisedriskassessmentisconductedbytheclientandcontractortoensuretheprojectcanrecommence,reviseddeliveryschedulesareagreed,revisedworkprogrammesareagreedand/oranynecessarycontractualinstructionsareissuedbytheclientwhichmakeitpossibletocomplywiththeseSOP’s.

Oncertainprojectswheretheclientandthebuilderarethesameentity(suchashousingprojects)itisstillrecommended that a revised risk assessment is carried outbeforeimplementingtheseSOP’s.



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Priortoconstructionprojectscommencingprojecthealthandsafetydocumentationshouldbereviewedtoensurethatthedocumentationisalignedwiththemeasuresasoutlinedinthis“ConstructionSectorC-19PandemicSOP”andtheGovernment’sWorkSafetyProtocol,general/standardhealthandsafetyrequirements,consideringtheconstraintsofCOVID-19.

ItisrecommendedthateachPSCS/Contractor/DevelopershoulddocumentaspecificCOVID-19PlaninlinewiththisdocumentandinconsultationwiththeClient.Theresultingplanshouldconsiderandaddressthelevel(s)ofriskassociatedwiththeprojectandtasksthatworkersperformonsite.Oneachproject,thePSCS,inconsultationwithothercontractors,willappointCOVID-19ComplianceOfficer(s)andworkersSafetyRepresentativeasnecessarydependingonthesize,scaleandcomplexityoftheproject.

Insurance

Beforecommencingactivitiesonsite,contractorsareadvisedtocontacttheirinsurancebrokerorinsuranceadvisorfordirection.

Safety Statement

ItisadvisedthatcontractorsreviewtheirSafetyStatementandassociatedriskassessments,consideringCOVID-19.

Risk Assessments / Method Statement (RAMS)

RiskassessmentsandmethodstatementsforallworkonsiteshouldbereviewedtoaddresstheriskofCOVID-19andtheassociatedcontrolmeasuresrequired.Particularemphasiswillberequiredon‘closeworking’,i.e.wherepersonsworkwithin2mofeachother(2mbeingtheHSErecommendedseparationforsocialdistancing).

Section17ofthisdocumentdealswith‘closeworking’.

Daily Briefings Documents

Toensureconsultationwithworkers,itisrecommendedthatdailybriefingdocumentssuchasSSWP’s,SPA’s,DailySafeStarts,TaskBriefingsorequivalentshouldbeupdatedtoreferenceCOVID-19andspecificallysocialdistancingandhandhygiene.

BasicCOVID-19controlmeasurestobehighlightedonallsuchdocuments,asperillustratedexample.

4 Health and Safety Documentation

DAILY SAFE START



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5 Site ManagementSite Management and Supervision

Forthepurposesofthedocument,anyonewithsupervisory responsibilitiesisclassifiedassitemanagement.

Responsibilities of Site Management for COVID-19

Sitemanagementmustriskassessandmanagesafetyandhealthhazardsintheworkplace.InthecontextoftheapplicationoftherequirementsofthisC-19SOP,responsibilitiesincludemanagingandinstructingsiteworkersonthevariouscontrolmeasuresandcompliance.ThisSOPidentifiesanumberofkeymanagementresponsibilitiesduringtheimplementationofthisPlan.Theseresponsibilitiesareelucidatedhereafter.

Note:Projectteamsmuststayagileasnewinformationcomesavailablethatmaychangeapproachinprocedures,processesorPPE.

Pre-Planning for works

Sitemanagementareresponsibleforensuringthatallpersonnelonsite,includingsub-contractormanagement/staffhavebeenmadeawareofthespecificrequirementsofthesite-specificConstructionStageHealthandSafetyPlan.Specifically:

Toensurethatamember(s)ofthemanagementteam isappointedastheC-19ComplianceOfficer.

Toensurethatappropriatepersonnelfromthe PSCS/Contractorandthesub-contractorsare appointedasC-19ComplianceOfficer(s).

ToensurethatSafetyRepresentative(s)/Lead WorkersRepresentative(s)havebeenselected.

CIFOnlineC-19Inductionhasbeenundertakenby allsitepersonnelpriortocomingtosite.Ensuringthat non-compliantpersonnelarenotpermittedonsite. PleasenotethattheCIFrecognisestheESBCOVID-19 inductionasbeingequivalent.

TheinclusionofCOVID-19asahazardintheirRisk AssessmentandMethodStatement(RAMS)fortheir workactivities.

ToensurethatthisRAMSiseffectivelyreviewed, approvedandcommunicated.

Toensurethatallsitefacilitiesaresufficienttoallow forthesocialdistancingandhygienerequirements ofthisSOPandtotakeappropriateimmediate actionwheretheyarenot.

On-Site

Sitemanagementresponsibilityincludesassessingvariousworkscenariostoensurethatthekeyrequirementssuchasworkerdistancingandhygiene/PPEcontrolsarebeingimplemented.ThismayinvolvediscussionswithclientandPSDP.Itwillinvolveconductingregularsitewalksandinspections.Continuityofworkcrewstobeencouragedforeaseofcontacttracingpurposes.Experiencehasshownthatkeepingworkersin“pods”canassistinreducingvirustransferandreducepossiblecontacts.

Site Workers

ItisvitalthateachworkerknowshowtoworksafelyduringthisCOVID-19pandemicandunderstandstherequirementsoftheirtaskspecificRAMS.Sitemanagementshouldcoachand guide workers during the workday to ensure that they arefullycompliantwiththerequirements.Workersshouldalsonotethattheyhaveapersonalresponsibility,totheircolleaguesandfamily,tofollowtheguidelinesforsafeworkingbutalsotoinformsitemanagementofanyissuethatimpactsonsitesafety-e.g.closecontacts/positivecases.

Management Approach

Sitemanagement’smainpriorityisensuringthattheirplanisimplementedatalllevelsandatalltimeswiththeco-operationofallstakeholders–Clients,PSDP,Contractors,WorkersandSuppliers.

General Site Work Activities

1. Reduce-thenumberofpersons-inanyworkarea tocomplywiththe2-metresocialdistancingguideline recommendedbytheHSE(e.g.relocateworkersto othertasks,reviewworkscheduleandtasksequence, considerstaggeredstartingandfinishingtimesetc.).

2. Review-workpractices,mindfulofcloseworking arrangements.Coachsitepersonneltoself-assess theirtaskforsocialdistancingandtransmission points.

3. Supervise–ormentorappointmentofC-19Compliance Officertospecificallymonitoradherenceto socialsocialdistancingandhygieneetiquette.



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6 HygieneGood hygiene and hand washingAllsitepersonnelshouldfollowthisadviceandencourageotherstofollowthisadvicetoo.Sitemanagementshouldprovidetoolboxtalksonhowtoperformhandhygieneeffectively-seehttps://www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/how-to-wash-your-hands.html

DON’T:

Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.

Do not share objects that touch your mouth – for example, bottles, cups.

DO:

Wash your hands properly and often. Hands should be washed:

• after coughing or sneezing

• before and after eating

• before and after preparing food

• if you were in contact with someone who has a fever or respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness ofbreath,difficultybreathing)

• beforeandafterbeingonpublictransportif you must use it

• beforeandafterbeinginacrowd(especiallyan indoorcrowd)

• whenyouarriveandleavebuildingsincluding yourhomeoranyoneelse’shome

• before having a cigarette or vaping

• if your hands are dirty

• aftertoiletuse

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough and sneeze.

Put used tissues into a bin and wash your hands.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

WASH YOUR HANDS

For more information, see: https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus.html

SOAP KILLS COVID-19

Wash your hands well and often to avoid contamination - for a minimum of 20 seconds.


HSE Live number on 1850 24 1850



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Disposable glovesDonotweardisposableglovesinplaceofwashinghands.Theviruscangetonglovesinthesamewayitgetsonhands.Also,handscanbecomecontaminatedwhenwhenglovesaretakenoff.

Disposableglovesareworninmedicalsettings.Theyarenotaseffectiveindailylife.Wearingdisposableglovescangiveafalsesenseofsecurity.Disposableglovesaregenerallynotrequiredforinfectionpreventionandcontrolpurposes.

Apersonmightpotentially:

sneezeorcoughintothegloves-thiscreatesanewsurface forthevirustoliveon

contaminateyourselfwhentakingofftheglovesortouchingsurfaces

notwashyourhandsasoftenasyouneedtoandtouchyour facewithcontaminatedgloves.

Face Masks / Face Coverings - General UseBasedoncurrentscientificevidence,thewearingoffacecoveringsingeneraluse,canreducethetransferofthevirus.Themandatorywearingoffacecoveringsincertainpublicplacesisrequired-https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html.

Contractorsshouldreviewtheonsiterequirementsforthegeneralwearingoffacecoverings,withthefollowingissuestobeconsidered.

Workinginsidebuildings/structures;

Insitewelfareandcompoundareas,inofficeenvironments(except whereapersonissittingataworkstation);

Generally,inlocationswheresocialdistancingisnotpossible;Where a risk assessement shows that there is no adverse consequence towearingafacecovering;

If wearing a face covering does not have any adverse impacts, then theyshouldbeworn.

TheWorkSafetyProtocolmakesprovisionforimplementingtemperaturetestinginlinewithPublicHealthadvice.Currently,thereisnopublichealthrequirementtoundertaketemperaturetesting/screeningintheworkplace.The preference is to ensure social distancing and good hygiene measures.However,someemployersmayhaveincludedprovisionsfortemperaturescreeningaspartoftheirreturntoworkmeasures.

SiteManagementshouldconsideradditionalmeasurestoensurethecontainmentofthevirus;theseincludepostersand/orleafletstoadviseworkersofthehazardsassociatedwithCOVID-19andthemeasurestobetakentopreventthespreadofthedisease.

TheHealthServicesExecutive(HSE)andCIFhavepreparedaselectionofposterswhichcanbedisplayedinallworkplacesandsites.AlinktothesepostersisprovidedinSection23.

Protection from coronavirus. It’s in our hands.

CoronavirusCOVID-19

Help prevent coronavirus

Visit HSE.ieFor updated factual information and adviceOr call 1850 24 1850

The virus spreads in sneeze and cough droplets, so regularly taking the above measures helps reduce the chance of it spreading.

Avoid touching your face

Cover mouth if coughing or sneezing

Wash your hands

Keep surfaces clean

Keep a safe distance

Stop shaking hands and hugging

Ireland’s public health advice is guided by WHO and ECDC advice

Continue to:

#holdfirm


Stay safe.Protect each other.

Coronavirus COVID-19

Washyour hands welland often to avoidcontamination.

Coveryour mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing and discard used tissue safely

Distanceyourself at least2 metres (6 feet) away from other people, especially those who might be unwell

Avoidcrowds andcrowded places

Knowthe symptoms. If you have them self isolate and contact your GP immediately

COVID-19 symptoms include> high temperature> cough> breathing difficulty> sudden loss of sense of smell or taste> flu-like symptoms

If you have any symptoms, self-isolate to protect others and call your GP for a COVID-19 test.

www.gov.ie/health-covid-19www.hse.ie

For more information

DO NOT: Wear the face covering

below your nose.

DO NOT: Leave your chin

exposed.

DO NOT: Wear it loosely with gaps on the sides.

DO NOT: Wear it so it covers just the tip of your

nose.

DO NOT: Push it under your chin

to rest on your neck.

How to use Face Coverings


Medical masks should be reserved for health workers or patients in treatment.

If you have been advised to wear a medical mask, always have the coloured side showing and the metal band at the top of your nose.

Check Your Fit

Safe Removal Use the ties or ear loops to take the face covering off.

Always dispose of single-use masks properly in a bin.

Don’t forget to clean your hands and keep social distance.

Correct Covering

FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO STAY SAFE:

Check that the face covering is made from a fabric that you are comfortable wearing.

Check that it is easy to fit and completely covers your nose and mouth, all the way down under your chin.

Tighten the loops or ties so it’s snug around your face, without gaps. If there are strings, tie them high on top of the head to get a good fit. Do not touch or fidget with the face covering when it is on.

ALWAYS CLEAN YOUR HANDS BEFORE AND AFTER WEARING A FACE COVERING

Do not touch the front when you take it off.

Disposing Of Single-Use Mask

ALWAYS wash your hands before and after

handling your face covering.

ALWAYS change your face

covering if it is dirty, wet or damaged.

Carry unused face coverings in a sealable clean

waterproof bag, for example, a ziplock.

Carry a second similar type bag, to put used face

coverings in.

2M

Stay safe. Protect each other.

CHILDREN UNDER 13

should not wear face coverings.

ALWAYS wash cloth face coverings

on the highest temperature for

cloth.



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7 Commencing Work - SitesInadvanceofsitescommencing,allconstructioncompaniesmustconsiderthefollowing,inconjunctionwithcommunicationsandbriefingsthatwillberequired:

SafetyandHealthPlans,SafetyStatementand otherrelevantdocumentswillhavetobe communicatedtoallstaffmembers

ConstructionStageHealthandSafetyPlanmustbe communicatedtoallSiteManagement

Allsitepersonnelandvisitorsmustcompletethe ‘CIFOnlineC-19Induction’(orESBequivalent programme).

Allpersonsreturningtositemustcomplete aCOVID-19Questionnaire/selfdeclaration. Itisrecommendedthatthisbecompletedand submittedbyeachmaincontractor/contractor /developeratleast24hoursinadvanceofpersons returningtosite–if conditions change at any time, resulting in a re-appearance of symptoms – workers should be advised not to come to work !

Thequestionnaire/selfdeclarationisdesignedto seekconfirmationthattheindividualhasno symtomsofCOVID-19andisnotwaitinga COVID-19diagnosis.

Persons returning to work must ensure that they followtheHSEguidancewhichcanbefoundhere -https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/ returning-to-work-safely.html

Exampleoftoolboxtalkwhileapplyingsocialdistancing



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8 Travel to / from WorkWhere a worker exhibits any signs of COVID-19 or has been exposed to a confirmed case, they should not travel to work.

Wherever possible, workers should travel to site alone using their company vehicle or their own means of transport.

Where public transport is the only option for workers, face masks must be worn, then regular toolbox talks outlining how to reduce the possibility of infection should be considered.

Sitemanagementmustconsiderthefollowing:

Parkingarrangementsforadditionalcars/vansand bicycles.

Providinghandcleaningfacilitiesatentrancesand exits.Thisshouldbesoapandwaterwherever possibleorhandsanitiserifwaterisnotavailable.

Howsomeonetakenillwouldgethome.

Workerstravellingtogetherinvehiclesare automatically“CloseContacts”-sitemanagement shouldendeavourtounderstandwhoissharing vehiclesandgrouptheminworkingpods.

RECOMMENDED ROAD VEHICLE OCCUPANCY

Social Distancing in VehiclesSocialdistancingisadvisedwhentravellinginvehiclesto/fromworkandwheninsitevehiclesandoperatingmobileplant.

Note:Knowingwhoissharingvehicleswillassistwithcontacttracing.

Suggestedarrangementsareasfollows:

Single occupancy of vehicles is preferable.

Sitasfarapartasthevehicleallows.

Incircumstanceswhereitisimpracticaltolimit occupancytooneortwopersons,additional controlmeasuresshouldbeadopted(e.g.use offacemasks,faceshields,useofscreensbetween occupants,provisionofgoodventilation).

2 SEATSe.g. Small Van

3 SEATSe.g. Flatbed

5 SEATSe.g. Car / Van



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Other Control Measures for Vehicle UseWorkers should not enter a work vehicle with others if they have any symptoms or have had contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19.

GeneralguidanceforminimisingthepotentialtransmissionofCOVID-19are:

Wiping/cleaningdownofcontactpointsshouldbe doneusingantibacterialwipesorawetclothwith soapapplication,orequivalent.

Disposeofusedwipes/cleaningmaterialsina designatedbin/sealedbagandwashhands‘with soap’foratleast20seconds.

Ifavailingofpublictransport,sitdowntominimise contactwithfrequentlytouchedsurfaces,handles, roofstraps,isolationbarsandwearafacecovering etc.

Carryhandsanitiser(atleast60%alcohol)anduse itregularlythroughoutyourjourney.

Note:Itisnotedthatitiscommonplaceintheconstructionsectorforfamilymemberstotraveltogetherorworkers,wholodgetogether,totraveltogether(i.e.essentiallya“familyunit”).

Recommended Road Vehicle Seating Arrangements

No. of seats

Max no. of occupants

Seating arrangement

2 1 1 driver

3 2 1 in the driving seat1 in the far passenger seat

5 2 1 in the driving seat1 in the far passenger seat

Employersshouldconsiderrequestingpersonnel tousepersonaltransporttoreducenumbers travellinginworkvehicles.

Itisadvisabletolimitthe“churn”ofpeople travellingtogether(i.e.trytoensurethesamecrew memberstravelandworktogetherdayafterday andwherepossible,keepthemworkinginapod).

Whenentering(andleaving)allvehiclesthedriver shouldcleanallcommonareasthatareliabletobe touchedincludingtheexternaldoorhandles,keys andotherinternalfurnishings.

Keepwindowsatleastpartiallyopen.

Keeppersonalitems(PPE,clothes,lunchboxesetc.) separate.



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9 Prevention of Cross ContaminationSite EntryThepotentialforcrosscontaminationishigheratsiteentryandexitpointsandwheretherearehighlevelsofsurfacecontactpointssuchasinwelfareareas,sitewalkways,stairsaccessetc.

Recommended Control MeasuresThefollowingarerecommendedcontrolsmeasuresataccesspointstoallconstructionsites:

Recorddetailsofentrantstositetoassistwith contacttracing-furtherdetailinSection18

Turnstilestobeby-passedwithopen door access to site

Thumbaccessdevicesshouldbe by-passed/turned-off

Staggersitestarttimes/finishing timestoreducequeues

Multipleentrypointsdepending onsitenumbers

Securityguardstorecordallnames ratherthanhavingmultiplepersons signing-inusingsharedpen/booklet

Restrictentrytoworkersandessentialvisitorsonly.

Sanitisingstationsinpositionatallsiteentrypoints

Regularlycleancommoncontactsurfacesin reception,office,accesscontrolanddeliveryareas (e.g.scanners,turnstiles,screens,telephone handsets,desks,particularlyduringpeakflowtimes)

SITE SIGN-IN

Reducethenumberofpeopleinattendanceat siteinductionsandconsiderholdingthemoutdoors whereverpossible

Deliverydriversshouldremainintheirvehiclesif theloadwillallowitandmustwashorcleantheir handsbeforeunloadinggoodsandmaterials

Allpersonsenteringsitemustbedirectedtowash theirhandsandadditionalhandwashingstations shouldbeprovidedwherepossible

Touchpointsshouldbeminimisedwitha “handsfree”approachwherepossible

Onaccessroutesthroughoutsite,one-waysystems shouldbeimplementedwherepossible,barrier gatesshouldbewedgedopen,andtouchpoints shouldbecleanedregularly.

S ITE ENTRANCE

2 Metres

2 Metres

2 Metres

CONTROLLED SITE ACCESS FOR COVID-19



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Cleaning to Prevent ContaminationEnhancedcleaningproceduresshouldbeinplaceacrossallsitestopreventcrosscontamination,particularlyincommunalareasandattouchpointsincluding:

Tapsandwashingfacilities

Toiletflushandseats

Doorhandlesandpushplates

Handrailsonstaircasesandcorridors

Liftandhoistcontrols

Machineryandequipmentcontrols

Foodpreparationandeatingsurfaces

Communicationsequipment

Keyboards,photocopiersandotheroffice equipment

Rubbishcollectionandstoragepointsshouldbe increasedandemptiedregularlythroughoutandat theendofeachday

Regularcleaningofsitewelfarefacilities,handrails andtouchpointsshouldbeundertaken.

•SteeringWheel

•Gearstick•Handbrake•DoorHandles•Radio&InfotainmentControls

•SteeringColumn(Indicators,WindscreenWipers,CruiseControl)

•ElbowRests•SeatPositionControls•DoorFrame

CONTACT POINTS WITHIN A VEHICLE

TheHSAadvisesthatcontact/touchsurfacessuchastabletops,workequipment,doorhandlesandhandrailsshouldbecleanedatleasttwicedaily,withmodifiedcleaningintervalsforroomsandworkareas.Forwashroomfacilitiesandcommunalspaces,cleaningshouldbeperformedatleasttwiceperday.



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Tools, Equipment and Plant

Alltoolsandequipmentshouldbeproperly sanitisedtopreventcrosscontamination.

Arrangementsforoneindividualtousethe sametool,equipmentandplantasmuchas possible.Makeavailablecleaningmaterialforall toolstobewipeddownwithdisinfectantbetween eachuser.Organiseworkpracticeseliminateor reduce transmission points and coach site personnelonthesame.

Cabsandtouchpointsofsitevehiclesandplant (MEWPS,Excavators,Cranes,etc.)tobethoroughly cleanedandacleaningregimebyplantoperatives shouldbemaintaineddailythereafter.

Considerprovisionofstickersfortools,equipment andmobileplanttoencouragedisinfection.

CONTACT POINTS WITHIN A MINI DIGGER

EXAMPLES OF STICKERS TO PROMOTE CONTROLLED USE OF MOBILE PLANT/EQUIPMENT



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10 Social Distancing

What is social distancing?Socialdistancing,orphysicaldistancing,isasetofinterventions or measures taken to prevent the spread ofaCOVID-19bymaintainingaphysicaldistancebetweenpeopleandreducingthenumberoftimespeoplecomeintoclosecontactwitheachother.

InordertoslowthetransmissionrateofCOVID-19,asocialdistancingofminimum2misrecommendedbytheHSE.

Social Distancing Transmission Considerations Plan of Action

Note:Socialdistancingshouldbeconsideredintheverticalaswellashorizontalwhenplanningworkse.g.:whenworkingonscaffold.

The flow chart below is provided to assist in the review of work processes with social distancing in mind.



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11 C-19ComplianceOfficerThissectionisintendedtooutlinetheroleanddutiesofaCOVID-19ComplianceOfficer(‘C-19ComplianceOfficer’)forsitesofallsizesinlinewiththeGovernment’srecommendationstomonitorSocialDistancing.

ProjectsshouldalsofacilitatetheselectionofatleastoneSiteSafetyRepresentative/LeadWorkerRepresentativeto assist with ensuring that Covid-19 measures are strictlyadheredto.

Note:RoleoftheLeadWorkersRepresentativeisasoutlinedintheGovernment’sWorkSafetyProtocol.

Note2:Free,onlinetrainingfortheLeadWorkerRepresentativeisavailableathttps://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/covid-19/hsa_return_to_work_safely_online_courses/hsa_return_to_work_safely_online_courses.html

Itisimportantthattherightcandidateisappointed/selectedasaC-19ComplianceOfficer.

ProjectsmustassesshowmanyC-19ComplianceOfficersarerequireddependingonsize,environment,numberofpersonnelandtheworkactivitytobemonitored.C-19ComplianceOfficer’sdutiesshouldbesharedamongallcontractingcompaniesonaproject.

Social distancing compliance is the responsibility of everyone.

AbackupmustbeavailableintheeventofaC-19ComplianceOfficergoingontraining,annualleaveorbeingoffsick.

DetailsoftheassignedC-19ComplianceOfficerandSiteSafetyRepresentative(s)tobecommunicatedonsitesafetynoticeboards.

Role of a C-19 Compliance Officer TheroleofaC-19ComplianceOfficeristomonitor daytothesiteactivitiestoensuresocialdistancing andhygienerulesarebeingmaintainedtoprotect healthandreducethespreadoftheC-19virus.This individualmayhaveotherresponsibilities.

Thesekeypersonnelshouldbeclearlyidentifiable onsitewithahighvizvestnotingC-19Compliance Officerwrittenonthem.Theclassofhiviz providedshouldbeappropriatetothelocationthat theworkerwillbeworking-readersshould consultISO20471:2013+A1:2016

ThepersonsundertakingtheroleofC-19 ComplianceofficerandtheSiteSafety Representative(s)mustreceivetraining(inhouse/ CIFwebinar)inwhattherolesentail.

Ensuringcompliancetothe2msocialdistancing ruleandgoodhygieneisnotthesoleresponsibility oftheC-19ComplianceOfficer.Theirroleis supportedbyallsitemanagement,SiteSafety Representative(s)andworkers.

SiteManagementmustcommunicatetoallonsite detailsoftheappointedC-19ComplianceOfficer(s).

AC-19ComplianceOfficermustnotput themselvesatriskwhilecarryingouttheirduties.

C-19ComplianceOfficersmusthaveastructure orframeworktofollowwithintheorganisation totobeeffectiveinpreventingthespread ofCOVID-19.Thisstructuremustberegularly audited and managed to ensure it works and protectsallonsite.Failuretotakeitseriouslycould resultinanoutbreakofCOVID-19onsite.

Note:TheC-19ComplianceOfficershouldbesuitablyknowledgeableintermsofCovid-19preventionmeasures;noformaltrainingisrequired,andin-housetrainingwouldbeacceptable.TheCIFhasprovidedfreeaccesstoarecordedwebinar,accessiblehere:https://ciftraining.ie/cpd-courses/c-19-compliance-officer/

EXAMPLE OF HIGH VISIBILITY VESTS TO IDENTIFY C-19 COMPLIANCE OFFICER / SITE SAFETY REPRESENTATIVE(S)



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Responsibilities of a C-19 Compliance OfficerC-19ComplianceOfficer’sresponsibilitiesanddutiesfallbroadlyinto2categories:

1. Proactive day to day duties2. Reactiveemergencyduties

Proactive day to day duties of a C-19 Compliance Officer

Ensurepersonnelonsitecompleterelevant COVID-19Questionnaires/Declarations.

Beingaconstantonsitepresencetomonitor compliancewithsocialdistancingof2metres betweenallpersonnelonsite(withtheexceptionof plannedcloseworking).Ininstanceswherethere isnon-conformancewithsocialdistancingtheC-19 ComplianceOfficeristointervene.

MaintainalogofregularmonitoringofCOVID-19 controlsonsite.

Ensurethereissufficientuptodatesignage erectedonsitetoeducateallpersonnelaboutthe COVID-19controlsonsite.

Atalltimespromoteandcoachgoodhygiene practicestoallpersonnelonsite.

Ensureregularcleaningofwelfarefacilities, handrails,doorhandles,etc.isundertaken.

Ensurehandwashliquid/soapandhandsanitisers arereplenishedasrequired.

Checkhotwaterandhanddryingfacilitiesare availableonsite.

Make representations to site management withregardsanyCOVID-19concernsraisedbysite personneltotheC-19ComplianceOfficer.

Ensuresitepersonnelareadheringtostaggered breaktimeschedulesandlimitingnumbersin canteens,dryingroomsandsmokingareas cognisantofthe2-metresocialdistancingguideline.

Ensuresitepersonnelleavingsiteatdesignated breaksremovetheirsitePPEandcontinueto adheretosocialdistancingguidelines.

Reportanyareasofnon-compliancetosite managementandensuretheseareaddressed.

Considerprovisionofadditionalcontrolsfor exceptionalcircumstances

KeepuptodateonHSEguidelines. Reactive C-19 Compliance Officer dutiesWhilethemainroleoftheC-19ComplianceOfficeristopreventthespreadofCOVID-19onsite,thereisthepotentialwhereanindividualonsitemayexperienceCOVID-19symptomsandwheretheC-19ComplianceOfficerneedstoreact.

Inareactiveposition,theirresponsibilitiesinclude:

Informingsitemanagementifthereisaconfirmed caseoriftheyhavebeenmadeawareofan individualwithCOVID-19symptoms.

Isolatinganindividualwithsymptomsinanisolation room/segregatedareaawayfromotherpersonnel.

Followingsiteprotocolforindividualswith COVID-19symptoms.(i.e.sendhome,informthem tocontactGP).

Assistingincontacttracingshouldtherebea confirmedcaseofCOVID-19.



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12 Communal and Welfare Areas Office arrangements Allnon-essentialsitepersonnelshouldbe encouragedtoworkfromhomewherepossible– usualsupportsrequired.

Personnelworkinginsiteofficesshouldbe dispersedsothereisalwaysasocialdistanceof2m.

Eliminatenon-essentialvisitorsattendingoffices.

UseI.Tsoftwaretosupportonlinemeetingsbothin andoutoftheoffice.

Keepworkstationsurfacesclearandwipewith disinfectantregularly.

Handsanitizersshouldbemadeavailableatmain entryandexitpoints.

Keepmaindoorsopenwherepossibletoreduce personstouchingdoorhandlesetc.

Increasethecleaningregimesincludingawipe downwithdisinfectantondoorhandles,stairrails etc.atregularintervalsthroughouttheday.

Wearfacecoveringwhenmovingaboutofficesand notatworkstation.

Toilet Facilities Restrictthenumberofpeopleusingtoiletfacilities atanyonetime.Ensurethereisasocialdistanceof 2mmaintainedwhileusingthetoiletfacility.

ImplementappropriateCOVID-19hygieneregime.

Ensuresoapandhandwashingpictorialguides providedforwashinghandsareclearlyvisualandin aformmannerandlanguageunderstandforall.

Enhancethecleaningregimesfortoiletfacilities particularlydoorhandles,locksandthetoiletflush handle.

Providesuitableandsufficientrubbishbinsforhand towelswithregularremovalanddisposal.

OFFICE SPACE



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Canteens and Eating Arrangements Thefollowingissuggestedtoensureasocialdistancingof2m.

Whilst there is a requirement for construction sites to provide a means of heating food and making hot drinks, a pandemic is an exceptional circumstance and workers attending site canteens should be advised where possible to bring a packed lunch and flask to help eliminate transmission points on microwaves and water pour points etc.

Breaktimesshouldalwaysbestaggeredtoreduce congestionandcontact.

Facecoveringsshouldbeworn,exceptwhenseated atatabletoeatordrink.

Sitepersonnelmustbeencouragedtowashtheir handsbeforeeating.

Handcleaningfacilitiesorhandsanitisershould beavailableattheentranceandexitofanyroom wherepeopleeatandshouldbeusedbyall personnelwhenenteringandleavingthearea.

Ensureaseatingarrangementwhereworkerssit2 metresapartfromeachotherwhilsteatingand avoidallphysicalcontactwithco-workers.

Wherecateringisprovidedonsite,considerthe provisionpre-preparedandwrappedfoodonly.

Paymentsshouldbetakenbycontactlesscard whereverpossible.

Tablesshouldbecleanedbetween eachuseandsittingbasedonrota.

Allrubbishshouldbedisposedinasuitablebin.

Tablesshouldbeclearwhenfinishedeating.

Allareasusedforeatingmustbethoroughly cleanedaftereachuse,includingchairs,door handles,vendingmachinesandpaymentdevices etc.

Provideillustrationsof2metrespacingtoclearly demonstratesocialdistancing.

Drying RoomsThefollowingissuggestedtoensureasocialdistancingof2m.

Introducestaggeredstartandfinishtimesto reducecongestionandcontactatalltimes.

Facecoveringshouldbeworn.

Introduceenhancedcleaningofallfacilities throughoutthedayandattheendofeachday.

Considerincreasingthenumberorsizeoffacilities availableonsiteifpossible

Basedonthesizeofeachfacility,determinehow manypeoplecanuseitatanyonetimetomaintain adistanceof2metres.

Providesuitableandsufficientrubbishbinsinthese areaswithregularremovalanddisposal.

Identify2-metresocialdistancingareas.

Removeallunnecessaryitems.



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13 Site Walkways and General AccessToassistwithsocialdistancing,implementthefollowing:

A one-way system on access routes throughout the sitewherepossible.Increasingaccesspointscan helpestablishaone-waysystem.(e.g.Anadditional HAKIstairtoallowforone-waytrafficupanddown).

SOCIAL DISTANCING ONSITE

Whereaone-waysystemisnotpossibleconsider wideningpedestrianroutessosocialdistancingcan bemaintainedonmainsitewalkways.

Markedupwalkwayscanhelpgiveanindicationof what2-metrespacinglookslike.



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14 First Aid Responder Guidance

Thereisalsoasignificantriskofdirecttransfer ofthevirusontomucousmembranesbydroplet transmission,thatis,bydirectimpactoflarger infectiousvirusdropletsgeneratedfromthe person’srespiratorytractlandingdirectlyinyour eyes,noseormouth.This risk is managed by use of appropriate PPE (mask and eye protection) and by providing the ill person with a mask to cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing (respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette).

If,asaFirstAidResponder,youcanavoidclose contactwithapersonwhomayrequiresomelevel offirstaid,doso.This,ofcourse,willnotbe possibleintheeventofhavingtoprovide emergencylifesavingmeasuressuchasanincident ofcardiacarrest,heartattack,choking,stroke.

FirstAidRespondersshouldbefamiliarwiththe symptomsofCOVID-19,aspergraphicbelow.You willneedtoperforma“dynamicriskassessment” basedonthescenarioyouarepresentedwith.

COVID-19infectspeoplethroughcontactwiththe mucousmembranes.FirstAidRespondersmust thinkoftheseasbeingthemouth,noseandeyes. It does not infect through the skin.

ThegreatestelementofriskforaFirstAid Responderistransferofthevirustothemucous membranesbycontactofcontaminatedhands (includingcontaminatedglovedhands)withthe eyes,noseormouth.

The key interventions to manage this risk are to minimisehandcontamination,avoidtouchingyour faceandcleanyourhandsfrequentlywithsoap andwateroralcohol-basedhandgel.

Symptoms CORONAVIRUSSymptoms range from mild to severe

FLUAbrupt onset of symptoms

COLDGradual onset of symptoms

Fever or chills Common Common Rare

Cough Common (usually dry) Common (usually dry) Mild

Shortness of breath Common No No

Lost or changed sense of smell or taste

Common Rare Rare

Fatigue Common Common Sometimes

Aches and pains Common Common Common

Sore throat Sometimes Sometimes Common

Headaches Sometimes Common Rare

Runny or Stuffy Nose Sometimes Sometimes Common

Feeling sick or vomiting Rare Sometimes No

Diarrhoea Rare Sometimes in children No

Sneezing No No Common



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Key Control Measures

Standardinfectioncontrolprecautionstobe appliedwhenrespondingtoanyfirstaidincident intheworkplace.Handwashingwithwarmwater andsoaporanalcohol-basedhandgelmustbe performedbeforeandafterprovidinganyfirstaid treatment.

Any person presenting with symptoms consistent withCOVID-19shouldbetreatedasasuspected case.

Insuchcases,moveindividualtoafirstaid room/isolatedroomtominimiseriskofinfection toothers.

OnlyoneFirstAidRespondertoprovidesupport/ treatment,wherepractical.

AdditionalPPE(enclosedeyeprotectionand FFP3maskifavailable)shouldbewornbyFirstAid Responderswhenrespondingtoallfirstaid incidentswhereclosecontactcannotbeavoided. Pleasealsohaveamaskavailabletogiveto personiftheyaredisplayingsymptomsconsistent withCOVID-19tolimitdropletdispersion.

Ifyoususpectapersonhasexperiencedacardiac arrest,donotlistenorfeelforbreathingbyplacing yourearandcheekclosetotheperson’smouth.If youareinanydoubtaboutconfirmingcardiac arrest,thedefaultpositionistostartchest compressionsonlyuntilhelparrives.Toiterate thepoint,apersonincardiacarrestshouldhave compression only CPRapplied.

Personswithminorinjuries(cuts,abrasions,minor burns)-wherepractical,aFirstAidResponder shouldavoidclosecontactandadvisetheinjured partywhatstepstotakeintreatingtheirinjury.

Noreusableequipmentshouldbereturnedto servicewithoutbeingcleaned/disinfected appropriately.

PPE Requirements

ThefollowingPPEmustbeavailableforrespondingtofirstaidincidents:

1. Disposable gloves (nitrile/latex)

2. FFP3 or FFP2 or other face coverings providing suitable protection

3. Disposable plastic aprons

4. Enclosed eye protection

FirstAidRespondermustensurethatthemaskcoversboththemouthandnoseandisfittedcorrectlytocreateanadequatesealtotheface.

Followingfirstaidtreatment,disposablePPEandanywasteshouldbedisposedofappropriatelyandreusablePPEcleaned/disinfectedthoroughly.

WashhandsthoroughlywithwarmwaterandsoapbeforeputtingonandaftertakingoffPPE.

ReplenishPPEstockasappropriate.LiaisewithyourProjectLeadordesignatedpersontoensureanyissueswithfirstaidPPEareresolvedinastimelyamanneraspossible.



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15 Management of MeetingsAllmeetings,wherepossible,mustbeconductedvirtuallyusingon-linesystemsforremotemeetingsunlessitisabsolutely necessarytomeetface-to-face.Inthesecircumstances,keepthenumbersattendingassmallaspossibleensuringthemandatory2mdistanceapart.Themeetingtimeshouldbekeptasbriefaspossible.

AccordingtotheHSA,thereisnotimerestrictiononhowlongworkerscanbeinthesameroomobservingphysicaldistancingadvice,howeverHPSCGuidelinesintheidentificationofcontactsforcontacttracingpurposesstatesthat“Forthosecontactswhohavesharedaclosedspacewithacaseforlongerthantwohours,ariskassessmentshouldbeundertakentakingintoconsiderationthesizeoftheroom,ventilationandthedistancefromthecase.Thismayincludeofficeandschoolsettingsandanysortoflargeconveyance.

Site Meetings

Only ‘absolutely necessary’ meeting participants shouldattend.

Attendeesshouldbe2mapartfromeachother.

Roomsshouldbewellventilated/windowsopento allowfreshaircirculation.

Considerationtobegiventoholdmeetingsinopen areaswherepossible.

ExperiencehasshownthatsharingofITequipment etc.atmeetingscontributestotransmissionofthe virus.Eliminatewherepossible-ifnot,sanitisethe equipmentbetweenusers.

16 Management of DeliveriesSite Management should:

ensurethatalldeliverytransactionsenforce physicaldistancing.

agreeadeliveryprotocolwithsuppliersand hauliers.

alldeliveriesmustbeplannedwithallocatedtimes forcollections/appointments/deliveries.

makearrangementsforpaperlessdelivery acceptanceandacknowledgementswithsuppliers toensurematerialsmanagementandmaterial reconciliationsareaccurate.

ensurethathandwashingfacilitiesareavailable convenienttosetdownandgoodsinwardlocations.

ensure there are appropriate sanitising arrangementsatpointsofsiteaccess,egressand setdownareasforrawmaterialsandstock.

DRIVERS

Stay in your vehicle

Follow instructions to set down area




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17 Close Working ThissectionoutlinesguidancerelatingtoCOVID-19ParticularRisksforshort-termworkthatmustbecompletedwhereworkersarelessthan2metresapart(<2m).

Elimination of Close Working:

Eliminationofcloseworkingispreferableandshouldbeinvestigatedandprioritised.

For all companies and management putting personnel to work, it is critical that you explore every available option possible before putting personnel to work in < 2m close contact tasks.

Stagesoftheconstructionprocesswhere<2mtaskscanbeeliminated/mitigated:(includinganon-exhaustivelistofexamples)

Design–sectionsofmaterialsare:

• A)2.5mlongorlongerOR

• B)Materialscanbeinstalledbyanindividual (lightweight/fixingsaresimplified

• C)Mechanicalmeansforliftingandaccesscan beusedwhilekeepingconstructionpersonnel >2m apart

Planningforwork:RAMS/Planning/Sequencing /Coordination/Communication–Alltasks plannedviaapre-plannedsafesystemofwork shallconsidereliminating<2mwork.

RAMSmustconsidereliminationofworkwithin 2masthefirstpriority.Wherethisisnotpossible theRAMSmustdetailthecontrolmeasuresfor personsworking<2monthetask.

Why tasks where personnel are <2m apart require additional focus and daily oversight?

InIreland,theHealthServiceExecutive(HSE)hasrecommenda2metresafedistancebetweenindividualstoavoidtransmissionhazards.Whereariskassessmentidentifiesworkwhere2mseparationcannotbemaintained,additionalsafetyprecautionsarerequiredtomanagetherisk.

Requirementsforpersonnelworkingwithin2mofeachother:

NoworkerhassymptomsofCOVID-19.

Theclosecontactworkcannotbeavoided.

PPEispresentinlinewiththeRAMS/Risk Assessment(fullfaceshieldetc).

Anexclusionzonefor<2mworkwillbesetuppre taskcommencement.

Priortodonningappropriategloves,personnel shallwash/sanitisetheirhandsthoroughly.



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Thereare2typesofworkinthe<2mtransmission zone,

• A)nophysicalcontactbetweencolleagues

• B)physicalcontactwilloccur(manual handling/pushing–pullingsideby side,sharedtoolsandequipment).

ScenarioBisofhigherriskthanscenarioA.

Ataskspecificriskassessmentisrequiredto identifytheappropriatePPE/combinationofPPE- e.g.faceshield/mask(surgicaltype/FFP3/FFP2 /other),eyeprotection/disposablesuit/gloves*.

*notepreviouscommentsregardingdisposable gloves(p.10).

Ifitispossibletoerectaphysicalbarrier/safety signagethatdoesnotimpedetheworkbetween colleaguesanddoesnotincreaseworksafety hazards(lackofcommunication/visibility),please consideryouroptions.(e.g.hangingclearplastic/ mobileframewithplexiglass).

Note:Thefull-facevisorreplacesplexiglassasa physicalairbornebarrierbetweencolleagues providedthereisadequateaircirculation.

Attheendofthetask,alltoolsandequipmentfor scenarioA&Bworkmustbesanitizedproperly-as shouldanysurfacessafetowipedown.

Forcedventilationinternallycouldbeconsidered forrestrictedconfinedspaces.

Oversight:

Followingassessmentthatthetaskhastobecompletedwithinthe2mzone,andreviewofcontrols,thecontractor’ssupervisormayissueapermit,whichcouldbeintheformofachecklistorotheragreedformat.

Risk assessment / other documentation for close working should be retained for contact tracing purposes.



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18 COVID-19Suspect/ConfirmedCasesSuspect COVID-19 Case at WorkWhattodoifanemployeebecomesunwellandyoubelievetheyhavebeenexposedtoCOVID-19:

Ifsomeonebecomesunwellintheworkplacewith symptomssuchascough,fever,difficultybreathing, theunwellpersonshouldberemovedtoanarea whichisatleast2metresawayfromotherpeople. Ifpossible,findaroomorareawheretheycanbe isolatedbehindacloseddoor,suchasastaffoffice. Ifitispossibletoopenawindow,dosofor ventilation.Requestindividualtowearfacemask to preventcontaminationofareaandcloseby personnel.

Theindividualwhoisunwellshouldcalltheirdoctor andshouldoutlinetheircurrentsymptoms.They shouldreturnhomeandawaitpublichealth guidance-detailsareavailablehere:https://www2. hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/testing/how-to-get- tested.html

Themanagementteamoftheofficeorworkplace willbecontactedbytheHSEtodiscussthecase, identifypeoplewhohavebeenincontactwiththem and advise on any actions or precautions that shouldbetaken.Experiencetodatehasshownthat thiscantakesomedays.Inanindividualcase,theHSE willnotcontacttheemployer.Itisadvisabletocarry outcontacttracingrelatingtothisindividualand intheevent,theyprovepositive,adviseallclose contacts.

Ariskassessmentofeachsettingwillbeundertaken byHSEwiththeleadresponsibleperson.Advice onthemanagementofstaffandmembersofthe publicwillbebasedonthisassessment.TheHSE willalsobeincontactwiththecasedirectlyto adviseonisolationandidentifyingothercontacts andwillbeintouchwithanycontactsofthecaseto providethemwithappropriateadvice.

Adviceoncleaningofcommunalareassuchas officesortoiletsisoutlinedlaterinthisdocument.

SeeSection24for“SampleSiteResponsetoa Covid19suspect/confirmedCase”.

Contact Tracing LogTheWorkSafetyProtocoladvisesemployerstokeepalogofcontact/groupworktofacilitatecontacttracing.

Aclosecontactisanyonewhohasspentmorethan15minutes,face-to-face,withintwometersofapersonwithCOVID-19inanysetting,includingaworkplace,orsomeonewhohassharedaclosedspacewithaconfirmedcaseformorethantwohours.Anyincidencesthatmeetthesecriteriashouldbeloggedbyemployers.

ShouldanemployeebecomeCOVID-19positive,publichealthofficialsmayrequestthelogaspartofthecontacttracingprocess.AccordingtotheHSA,thelogshouldincludedetailssuchasdate/namesofparticipants/durationofcontacttohelpcontacttracingteamsdeterminewhomightqualifyasaclosecontact.Logsshouldbeheldfor28days,afterwhichtimetheycanbediscarded.

To ensure rapid response to a situation where workers areclosecontacts,sitemanagementshoulddoonsitecontacttracingandadvise“closecontacts”tofollowHSEguidance:https://www2.hse.ie/conditions//coronavirus/testing/if-you-are-a-close-contact.html



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What to do if an employee informs you that they have tested positive for COVID-19: Ifalinemanagerisinformedbytheiremployee thattheyhavetestedpositiveforCOVID-19,theline managershouldproceedasfollows:

• Reassureworkersthatallclosecontactswillbe contactedbyPublicHealthandappropriate followuparranged. • Ifanyworkersatthesitearedisplaying symptomsofCOVID-19theyshouldbeadvised toself-isolateandtocontacttheirGPto arrangetesting,howevertestingof asymptomaticco-workersisnotrequired unlesstheyhavebeenidentifiedas closecontactsbyPublicHealth. • Itisnotnecessarytocloseasiteorpartof asiteinresponsetoanisolatedcaseof COVID-19,unlessitisnotpossibletocontinue operating-forexampleinasituationwhere anentireteamhavebeendeemedtobeclose contactsandthereforewillneedtorestrict theirmovements,thusnecessitatingclosure duetoinsufficientstaffinglevels.

• Thelinemanagerofthecaseshouldexpect toreceiveacallfromthePublicHealth contacttracingteamiftheirworkplaceis deemedtohavebeenexposedtothe caseduringtheirinfectiousperiod.

What to do if you have been informed of multiple cases of COVID-19 amongst your workers: Ifalinemanagerisinformedofmultipleconfirmed casesofCOVID-19ontheirsiteandhasconcerns thattheremaybeaclusterofcaseslinkedtothesite:

• ThelinemanagershouldcontactOccupational HealthortheirlocalPublicHealthDepartment (seeattachedcontacts)inasituationwhere multiplelaboratory-confirmedcasesofCOVID-19 occuronasite.

Note: ClosecontactisdefinedbytheHSEasspendingmorethan15minutesface-to-facecontactwithin2metresofaninfectedperson/livinginthesamehouseorsharedaccommodationasaninfectedperson.

Confirmed COVID-19 Case at WorkExperiencehasshown,thatwhilethebelowistheofficialadvicefromtheHSE,thisprocessisslowandcanleadtodelaysinresponding.Itisadvised,ifapositivecaseisidentifiedandisconnectedtothesite/workplace,managementshouldinstigateacontacttracingprocessandadviseclosecontactsidentifiedtofollowtheHSEadviseasoutlinedin:https://www2.hse.ie/conditions//coronavirus/testing/if-you-are-a-close-contact.html.

Key points for construction industry in responding to a case of COVID-19ResponsetoanisolatedcaseofCOVID-19onasite:

WhenacaseofCOVID-19isidentified,thecasewill becontactedbythePublicHealthContactTracing teamwhowill:

• Informthecaseoftheirdiagnosis. • Identifyandcollectcontactdetailsofallclose contactsfromthecase,includingcommunity contactsandworkplacecontacts. • Collectdetailsofanycongregatesettingsidentified whichmaybecontacts;thiswouldincludeany buildingsitesaconstructionworkermayhave workedonduringthetimeperiodthattheywould beconsideredinfectious.Thecasewillbeaskedto providecontactdetailsfortheirlinemanager.

Thecontacttracingteamwillthencontactallclose contactsandorganisetestingforthemaccordingto guidelines. Inthecaseofaworkplace,thelinemanagerwill receiveacallfromPublicHealth,whowilldiscuss workplacepractices,undertakeariskassessment andprovideadvice.



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Note:FurtherinformationongettingtestedforCOVID-19isavailableontheHSEwebsite:https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/testing/how-to-get-tested.html



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19 Return to Work Process - WorkerToreturntoworkfollowingapositivecasediagnosis,anemployeemustfolowthisprotocolandtheHSEguidance at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/returning-to-work-safely.html.

FitnessforWorkshouldbeconsideredfromtwoperspectives:

1. Doestheirillnessposearisktotheindividual themselvesinperformingtheirworkduties?

2. Doestheirillnessposearisktootherindividualsin theworkplace?

Thefollowingstepsshouldbefollowed,inlinewithcurrentpublichealthadviceinIreland:

Any worker who has displays symptoms consistent with COVID-19 must stay away from work, self-isolate and contact their GP by phone as part of the triage process. Theymustalsonotifytheirlinemanager/employer.Anindividualwillbeclassifiedaseitherasuspectedorconfirmedcase,basedonHSEdecisiontotest/outcomeoftest.

Anindividualmustonlyreturntoworkifdeemedfittodosoanduponapprovaloftheirmedicaladvisorandhavingcoordinatedwiththeirlinemanager/designatedHR/employercontact.

Theemployeeshouldcompletethereturntoworkform:https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/covid-19/return_to_work_safely_templates_checklists_and_posters/return_to_work_form.pdf

Whenanindividualissymptom-freeandaredeemedfittoreturntowork,thekeycriteriaare:

1. 14dayssincetheirlast‘closecontact’withaconfirmed/ suspectedcaseandhavenotdevelopedsymptomsin thattime,or

2. 10dayssincetheonsetoftheirsymptomsand5 dayssincetheirlastfever(hightemperature) (https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/managing- coronavirus-at-home/self-isolation.html),or

3. TheyhavebeenadvisedbyaGP/healthcare providertoreturntowork.

Whereanindividualtestedpositivebecausetheyareaclosecontact,theymayhavenosymptoms.Inthiscase,theycanstopself-isolating10daysfromthedateoftesting.

LineManager/designatedEmployer/HRshouldconfirmtherelevantcriteriaabovewiththeindividualandwritedowntheirresponses.

[1] Individualmustself-declaretheirfitnessfor workintheabsenceofhavingafitnessforwork certificatefromtheirGP/healthcareprovider.This isinacknowledgementthatGP’sdon’tcurrently havecapacitytobeissuingreturntowork certificates.

[2] ClosecontactisdefinedbytheHSEasspending morethan15minutesface-to-facecontact within2metresofaninfectedperson/livinginthe same house or shared accommodation as an infectedperson.[Thisisonlyaguide].



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20 Cleaning Spaces with Suspected/ConfirmedCases Itisrecommendedcleaninganareawithnormal householddisinfectantafterasuspected coronavirus(COVID-19)casehasleftwillreducethe riskofpassingtheinfectionontootherpeople

Ifanareacanbekeptclosedandsecurefor72 hours,waituntilthistimehaspassedforcleaning astheamountofviruslivingonsurfaceswillhave reducedsignificantlyby72hours

Forcleaningpurposes,wearafacemask, disposableorwashingupgloves.Theseshould bedouble-bagged,thenstoredsecurelyfor72 hoursthenthrownawayintheregularrubbishafter cleaningisfinished

Usingadisposablecloth,firstcleanhardsurfaces withwarmsoapywater.Thendisinfectthese surfaceswiththecleaningproductsyounormally use.Payparticularattentiontofrequentlytouched areasandsurfaces,suchasbathrooms,grab-railsin corridorsandstairwellsanddoorhandles

Ifanareahasbeenheavilycontaminated,such aswithvisiblebodilyfluids,fromapersonwith coronavirus(COVID-19),considerusingprotection fortheeyes,mouthandnose,aswellaswearing glovesandanapron

Washhandsregularlywithsoapandwaterfor20 seconds,andafterremovinggloves,apronsand otherprotectionusedwhilecleaning

Principles of cleaning after the case has left the area

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

TheminimumPPEtobewornforcleaningan areawhereapersonwithpossibleorconfirmed coronavirus(COVID-19)isdisposableglovesandan apron.Handsshouldbewashedwithsoapandwater for20secondsafterallPPEhasbeenremoved.

Ifariskassessmentofthesettingindicatesthat ahigherlevelofvirusmaybepresent(for example,whereunwellindividualshavesleptsuch asahotelroomorboardingschooldormitory) orthereisvisiblecontaminationwithbodyfluids, thentheneedforadditionalPPEtoprotectthe cleaner’seyes,mouthandnosemightbenecessary.

Cleaning and Disinfection

Publicareaswhereasymptomaticindividualhaspassedthroughandspentminimaltime,suchascorridors,butwhicharenotvisiblycontaminatedwithbodyfluidscanbecleanedthoroughlyasnormal.

Allsurfacesthatthesymptomaticpersonhascomeintocontactwithmustbecleanedanddisinfected,including:

objectswhicharevisiblycontaminatedwithbody fluids

allpotentiallycontaminatedhigh-contactareassuch asbathrooms,doorhandles,telephones,grab-railsin corridorsandstairwells

Usedisposableclothsorpaperrollanddisposable mopheads,tocleanallhardsurfaces,floors,chairs, doorhandlesandsanitaryfittings,followingoneof theoptionsbelow:



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useeitheracombineddetergentdisinfectant solutionatadilutionof1,000partspermillion availablechlorine

or

ahouseholddetergentfollowedbydisinfection (1000ppmav.cl.).Followmanufacturer’s instructionsfordilution,applicationandcontact timesforalldetergentsanddisinfectants

or

ifanalternativedisinfectantisusedwithinthe organisation,thisshouldbecheckedandensure thatitiseffectiveagainstenvelopedviruses

Additionally:

Avoidcreatingsplashesandspraywhencleaning.

Anyclothsandmopheadsusedmustbedisposed ofandshouldbeputintowastebagsasoutlined below.

Whenitemscannotbecleanedusingdetergents orlaundered,forexample,upholsteredfurniture andmattresses,steamcleaningshouldbeused.

Anyitemsthatareheavilycontaminatedwithbody fluidsandcannotbecleanedbywashingshouldbe disposedof.

Ifpossible,keepanareaclosedoffandsecure for72hours.Afterthistimetheamountofvirus contaminationwillhavedecreasedsubstantially, andyoucancleanasnormalwithyourusual products.

Laundry

Washitemsinaccordancewiththemanufacturer’sinstructions.Usethewarmestwatersettinganddryitemscompletely.Dirtylaundrythathasbeenincontactwithanunwellpersoncanbewashedwithotherpeople’sitems.

Donotshakedirtylaundry,thisminimisesthepossibilityofdispersingvirusthroughtheair.

Cleananddisinfectanythingusedfortransportinglaundrywithyourusualproducts,inlinewiththecleaningguidanceabove.

Waste Management

Wastefrompossiblecasesandcleaningofareaswherepossiblecaseshavebeen(includingdisposableclothsandtissues):

1. Shouldbeputinaplasticrubbishbagandtied whenfull.

2. Theplasticbagshouldthenbeplacedinasecond binbagandtied.

3. Itshouldbeputinasuitableandsecureplaceand markedforstorageuntiltheindividual’stestresults areknown.

Wasteshouldbestoredsafelyandkeptawayfromchildren.Youshouldnotputyourwasteincommunalwasteareasuntilnegativetestresultsareknownorthewastehasbeenstoredforatleast72hours.

iftheindividualtestsnegative,thiscanbeputin withthenormalwaste

iftheindividualtestspositive,thenstoreitforat least72hoursandputinwiththenormalwaste.



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21 Statutory Training UpdatesSafe Pass

Onthe31stofMarch2020,theMinisterPatBreensignedaStatutoryInstrumentthatextendstheexpirydateofSafePasscards,thatexpiredsincethe1stMarch2020forthedurationoftheCOVID-19emergency.

SafePasscoursesrecommencedon15thJune,withparticipantslimitedto8-10(min-max),andextendedhourstofacilitatemorebreaksandsocialdistancing.ForinformationonSafePasscoursesinoperation,email:[email protected]

Under Level 5 of the “National Framework for Living with Covid 19”, Safe Pass and CSCS programme delivery will continue.

Pleasenote,sitepersonnelforwhichthereisamandatoryrequirementforSafePassare–“GeneralConstructionWorkers/Craftworkersandon-sitesecuritypersonnel”.Itisrecommendedthatcompaniesreviewtheirowncompanypoliciesthatmightextendbeyondthisatthistime.

Shoulditbeaclientrequirementthat“everyone”onsitemusthaveSafePass–thisrequirementshouldberevisited. Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card renewal

TheSafety,HealthandWelfareatWork(Construction)Regulations2013stillapplyonconstructionprojectsandtherefore,thecategoriesofworkerscarryingoutoperationslistedonSchedule5oftheRegulations,mustbeinpossessionofcurrentcards–therenewalofthesecardsdoesnotrequiretheattendanceatatraining/renewalprogrammeandcanbeachievedbyfollowingtheinstructionsbelow;

Renewal of CSCS Card TorenewaCSCSExperiencedOperatorRegistrationCard,completetheonlineformat:https://cardrenewals.solas.ie/#/cscs/renew and attach acurrentpassport-qualityphotographtogetherwithanonlinepayment.

Replacement CSCS Card IfaCSCSRegistrationCardhasbeenlost,stolenordamaged,theownercanapplyforareplacement,attachingacurrentpassport-qualityphotographtogetherwithanonlinepayment.See:https://cardrenewals.solas.ie/#/cscs/replace

First Aid Responder Training

ThefollowinginformationwasissuedbythePreHospitalEmergencyCouncil(PHECC).PHECCareveryawareofthe pressures that the current Covid-19 restrictions are placingonRI/ATIswhodeliverPHECCresponderlevelcourses,andonorganisationswhoarelookingtoaccessplacesonthosecoursesfortheirstaff.

PHECCacknowledgedinMarch2020thatifaResponderscertificationhadlapsed,anRI/ATImayallowanextendedgraceperiodbeforeafullcoursewouldberequiredtomaintainFARcertification. PHECCCouncil,attheirmeetingonNovember12th2020,furtheradvisethatifaResponderscertificationhasexpiredbetweenMarch2020andMarch31st2021,aRespondermaycompletethe2dayFARrefreshercoursetomaintainFARcertification.

PHECChaveconfirmedthattheyarenotinapositiontoextendtheexpirydateonFARcertificates,whichcertifiesaminimumlevelofcompetenceinFirstAidResponseandneitherarePHECCrecognisedRI/ATIs.

See:https://www.phecit.ie/PHECC/Publications_and_Resources/Newsletters/Newsletter_Items/2020/Update_on_FAR_Responder_recertification.aspx



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On20thNovember2020,theGovernmentlauncheda‘WorkSafetyProtocol’,whichisarevisionofthe‘ReturntoWorkSafelyProtocol’publishedinMay2020.TherevisedProtocolincorporatesthecurrentadviceonthePublicHealthmeasuresneededtoreducethespreadofCOVID-19inthecommunityandworkplacesandisissuedbytheNationalPublicHealthEmergencyTeam(NPHET),theDepartmentofHealthandtheGovernment.Theupdatedadviceincludesinformationonthemanagementandcontrolofoutbreaks,selectionofhandsanitisers,wearingofmasksandventilationofworkplacestoreflectknowledgegainedsincethestartofthepandemic.TheWorkSafetyProtocolmaybefoundat:https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/bb7fd-work-safely-protocol/#work-safely-protocol Some key highlights/changes include:

Page 2 & 3 – Airborne Transmission of COVID-19

“Airbornetransmissionisthespreadofavirusinverytinyrespiratoryparticles.Thiscanhappenoveralongerdistanceandpersistforalongertimethandroplets,suchaswithinaroom.AirbornetransmissiondoesnotappeartoplayamajorroleinthespreadofCOVID19.However,itcanhappeninsomesituations.Tominimisethisrisk,keepindoorspaceswellventilated(airedout)byopeningwindowsanddoorsifpossible.

ResearchhasalsonowidentifiedspecifictypesofworkingenvironmentswherethespreadofCOVID-19ismorelikelytooccur,oftenduetoenvironmentalfactors.Forexample,therehavebeenreportedoutbreaksofCOVID-19insomeclosedspacesettings,suchasmeatprocessingplants,nightclubs,placesofworship,restaurants,andworkplaceswherepeoplemaybeshoutingortalkingloudly.Intheseoutbreaks,airbornetransmission(specificallyinindoorlocationsthataredenselypopulatedandinadequatelyventilated)cannotberuledout.Inthesehigh-riskenvironments,agreaterlevelofadherencebyemployersandworkerstothespecificpublichealthadviceforsuchsettingsisrequired”.

22 Government’s Work Safety ProtocolPage 5 – Provision of COVID-19 Info. in Other Languages

“IncludeintheplananyspecificcommunicationmeasuresthatarerequiredforworkerswhosefirstlanguagemaynotbeEnglish.Insuchworkplaces,employersshouldidentifyleadswhocanactascommunicatorstoparticulargroups.Suchleadsmayalsobenominatedastheleadworkerrepresentative.TheHSEhaveprovidedtranslationsoftheirCOVID-19Resources”.

Page 5 & 6 – Expanded Duties on Employers for Record-Keeping and Information-Sharing

Employerswill:

“maintainup-to-dateinformationonallworkers (full-time,part-time,contractandagency)inthe workplace.Suchinformationshouldincludeata minimumthename,addressandcontactphone numberoftheindividualworker.Thisinformationwill beneededbytheDepartmentofPublicHealthinthe eventthereisacaseoroutbreak”.

“provideinformationonhowtoreceiveillness benefitsorotherGovernmentCOVID-19supports”.

“providepublichealthadviceandinformationin languagesotherthanEnglishasrequired. Considerationshouldalsobegiventoprovidinga varietyofinformationonTVmonitorsinprominent locations(canteens,access/egresspoints)to enhanceuptakeofkeymessages”.

Page 7 – Employer Responsibilities

Employerswill:

“minimiserotationofstaffacrossmultiplesettings andworkplaces,particularlyinrelationtostaff employedunderagencycontracts”.



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Page 13 – Pre-Return to Work Measures - Additional Questions for Self-Declaration Forms

Employersmust:

“includethefollowingquestionsontheform.Ifa workeranswersYestoanyofthem,theyare requiredtofollowthemedicaladvicetheyreceiveor seekmedicaladvicebeforereturningtowork:

• Doyouhavesymptomsofcough,fever/high temperature,difficultybreathing,lossorchange inyoursenseofsmellortastenoworinthepast 14days?Yes/No

• Haveyoubeendiagnosedwithconfirmedor suspectedCOVID-19infectioninthelast14days? Yes/No

• AreyouawaitingtheresultsofaCOVID-19test? Yes/No

• Inthepast14days,haveyoubeenincontact withapersonwhoisaconfirmedorsuspected caseofCOVID-19? Yes/No

• Haveyoubeenadvisedtoself-isolateatthistime? Yes/No

• Haveyoubeenadvisedtorestrictyour movementsatthistime?Yes/No

• Haveyoubeenadvisedtococoonatthistime? Yes/No.

Note:ifyou’reatveryhighrisk(extremelyvulnerable)fromCOVID-19youmaybeadvisedtococoon”.

Page 14 – Expanded Section on Temperature Testing and COVID-19 Testing

Employersmust:

“implementtemperaturetestingasadvisedbyPublic Health.Currentlythereisnopublichealth

requirementtoundertaketemperaturetesting/ screeningintheworkplace.However,incertain sectorsandworkplaces,PublicHealthhaveadvised theemployertoputinplacetemperaturecheck,for exampleonentrytothefacilityorduringshiftwork, andinsuchsectors,theemployerwillimplementthis requirementasitisadvisedbyPublicHealth.

implementanyCOVID-19testingthatmaybe requiredaspartofmassorserialtesting requirementsasadvisedbyPublicHealth”.

Page 34 – Selection of Hand Sanitisers / Grouping of Workers in Pods“EmployersshouldensurethatallsanitisersanddisinfectantstheyhaveintheworkplacecarryaPCS9xxxx,PCS1xxxxx,IE/BPA7xxxxoranEU-000xxx-xxregistrationnumberonthelabel.EachproductregisteredbyDAFMwillcarryauniqueregistrationnumberspecifictothatparticularproduct”.“…workersshouldbeorganisedintopodsorgroups,wherepossible.Podmembersshouldworktogether,taketheirbreakstogether,changetogetherandasfaraspossibleeventraveltoworktogether,etc.”.

22 Government’s Work Safety Protocol continued



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23 Additional Reading

NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR LIVING WITH COVID 19 https://www.gov.ie/en/

CIF GUIDANCE ON COVID-19 https://cif.ie/coronavirus/

COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) ADVICE FROM HSA https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/covid-19/

COVID 19 RESOURCES FOR EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS LinktoHealthandSafetyAuthority(HSA)checklistsandtemplates: https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/covid-19/return_to_work_safely_templates_and_checklists/

LATEST INFORMATION FROM HEALTH SERVICES EXECUTIVE: Forthemostuptodateinformation,fromhealthcareprofessionals,membersareadvisedtomonitortheHSEwebsite: https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/

GOVERNMENT’S WORK SAFETY PROTOCOL On20thNovember2020,theDepartmentofEnterprise,TradeandEmploymentpublishedthe‘WorkSafelyProtocol’. https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/bb7fd-work-safely-protocol/#work-safely-protocol

RESILIENCE AND RECOVERY 2020-2021: PLAN FOR LIVING WITH COVID-19 https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/resilience-recovery-2020-2021-plan-for-living-with-covid-19/

NSAI COVID-19 WORKPLACE PROTECTION AND IMPROVEMENT GUIDE https://www.nsai.ie/covid-19workplaceprotection/

POSTERS TheHSEhaspreparedapackageofresourcematerialsthatmaybedisplayedinallworkplacesandsites.See: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/

TRAVEL ADVICE TraveladviseisavailableonthewebsiteoftheDepartmentofForeignAffairsat: www.dfa.ie/travel/travel-advice/coronavirus

HEALTH PROTECTION SURVEILLANCE CENTRE (HPSC) TheHPSCprovideadviceforthegeneralpublicandforspecificgroupsandsettingsincludingemployers,healthcare professionals,educationsettingsandreligioussettingsat: www.hpsc.ie



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23 Additional Reading continued

WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO)www.who.int

CENTRE FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC)www.cdc.gov

WORKPLACE RELATIONS COMMISSION (WRC): https://www.workplacerelations.ie/en/

GUIDE TO MANAGING AN OUTBREAK IN THE WORKPLACE https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/ outbreakmanagementguidance/Guidance%20of%20work%20place%20outbreaks.pdf

Free&Confidential24/7ConstructionIndustryHelpline&App



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24 Reference Documents

SITE AWARENESS POSTER

If you answer yes to one or more of the following, 1. If you have been in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case

2. If you have travelled to Ireland from another country other than northern Ireland.

3. You are showing symptoms of the COVID – 19 virus (in line with the HSE guidelines www.hse.ie)

• Shortness of breath

• Breathing difficulties

• Fever (high temperature)

• A cough,

• Sudden loss of sense of smell or taste

• Flu like symptoms

Please take the following steps:1. Do not enter site

2. Contact the HSE helpline for advice

3. Contact site management and keep them informed on updated on progress.

4. Site Management will take advise from the HSE helpdesk and follow their instructions as necessary.

5. Site Management will issue an update to all site personnel on any additional actions to be taken.

XXX PROJECT NAME HERE XXX

Coronavirus (COVID – 19)

Confirmed POSITIVE Case!Site will follow advice and

instructions of the HSE and advise site of the appropriate action to be

taken.

Confirmed NEGATIVE Case!No further action required with

individual and continue to follow HSE guidelines and precautions..

CLIENT LOGO HERE

Rev 6_03/07/2020

Client Logo Here



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24 Reference Documents continued

SAMPLE - SITE RESPONSE TO SUSPECTED COVID -19 CASE

SAMPLE -‐ Site Response to Suspected COVID-‐19 Case

Pre-‐

Test

ing

Person presents as having been identified as a Close Contact with a confirmed Covid-‐19 case by the HSE

Person presents with symptoms of Covid-‐19

• Notify Company/ Project Management and EHS of the individual.

• Individual is told to go home and isolate. • Check if the individual identified as a Close Contact has

been working closely with others on site. Consider removing these others as well, until the Close Contacts test result has been confirmed.

• Notify Company/Project Management and EHS of the individual.

• Individual is told to go home to isolate and contact their GP.

• Check if the individual with symptoms has been working closely with others on site. Consider removing these others as well, until the individual with symptoms condition has been confirmed.

Post

-‐Tes

ting

Confirmation of Positive Covid-‐19 Test Confirmation of Negative Covid-‐19 Test

Negative test for Close Contact

Negative test for Symptoms

• Notify Company Management and EHS of positive case. • Notify Clients and Project Managers. • Notify all project stakeholders, including

subcontractors, design teams and any other regular visitors to site.

• Arrange additional cleaning resources with cleaning contractor with immediate effect to focus on any suspected contaminated areas.

• Hold a briefing with all site personnel to update them of the communication that was issued to their employers and give them an opportunity to raise concerns or queries.

• If it is a single isolated case, send email to HSE point of contact. HSE may or may not contact the site.

• Where there is more than one Covid-‐19 positive case, engage with the HSE by phone and email for further guidance.

Prepare to discuss the following with HSE during dialogue:

1. Contact tracing 2. Access control to site 3. Control measures following confirmed case 4. Existing cleaning protocol on site 5. Welfare facilities 6. Individuals work activities 7. Travel to work, commuting/walking to site 8. Interaction off site 9. Imminent risk of partial or site closure.

Individual can return to work when they have been: • 5 days without a temperature, and • 10 days since first symptom developed and

individuals’ symptoms are improving.

• Test results for both day 1 and 7 (where a second test is completed) must be sent to Company/Project Management confirming negative result.

• Continue to isolate as per HSE guidelines. Once the 14-‐day isolation period is complete and no symptoms appear during this time the individual can return to work.

• Test results must be sent to Company/Project Management confirming Covid-‐19 negative.

• Individual can return to work when they have no symptoms of illness.

Continue with communications to all site personnel including: 1. Continue to wash hand. 2. Continue to maintain 2 metres. 3. Wear face coverings from the entrance point. 4. Recommend downloading and use of the HSE tracker app.

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CIF HeadquartersConstruction [email protected]

CIF CorkConstruction House4EastgateAvenueLittleIslandCorkPhone0214351410Emailcifcork@cif.ie

CIF GalwayConstruction House8MontpelierTerraceThe [email protected]

www.cif.ie@CIF_Ireland
