The Farm Tractor and Machinery Trade Association (FTMTA) has issued a message to its members on how to properly comply with the Government’s ‘Return to Work Safely’ Protocol.

“Even though our sector has remained operational as an essential service during the lockdown of recent weeks and therefore could not be said to have returned to work as such, we, and all businesses, will be required to implement this protocol,” the FTMTA stressed to its members.

The protocol, which was recently announced by Heather Humphreys, the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Development, “sets the standard set of measures required in every workplace”, the FTMTA said.

Among the key points of the protocol highlighted by the FTMTA to its members is the need to appoint at least one lead worker representative, who will work with the employer to ensure that Covid-19 measures are strictly adhered to in the workplace.

There must be Covid-19 induction training for all workers to make sure that they are up to speed on the public health advice and guidance.

Employers should issue a pre-return to work form for workers to complete at least three days in advance of the return to work. The FTMTA suggests that all employees, whether they have been at work or not, complete such a form so that they have “a clear starting position”.

The other main points the FTMTA drew attention to are:

• Employers are required to update their safety plans before reopening, in consultation with, and with the agreement of, workers;
• The plan should include measures relevant to Covid-19, including: social distancing; the provision of hand sanitisers, tissues and clinical waste bags; clear procedures around hand-washing and respiratory etiquette; and ensuring proper ventilation on site;
• Employers will keep a log of any group work in order to facilitate contact tracing. Teams working together should be kept as small as possible;
• Employers are required to put a response plan in place, outlining details of how they will deal with a suspected case of Covid-19 in the workplace, including having a designated manager in charge.

If a worker displays any symptoms of the virus during work hours, the designated manager must direct that person to a designated isolation area, along a designated route, all the time maintaining a 2m distance, the FTMTA stressed.

The employer will then arrange for that person to remain in isolation, before arranging for them to be transported home or to a medical facility, avoiding public transport. The employer must also carry out a full risk assessment of the incident to see what – if any – further action needs to be taken.

Breaks and rest periods should be organised so as to facilitate social distancing, and in settings where 2m separation is not possible, alternative protective measures such as installation of physical barriers or plastic sneeze guards should be put in place.