The chief executive of the Health and Safety Authority has said it is in the interests of employers and business to fully adopt all measures under the new Return to Work Safely Protocol ahead of re-opening to avoid any risks to workers.
Dr Sharon McGuinness said the HSA has new powers that allow it to close workplaces where there is very poor management of health and safety, but this is a final resort.
The new protocol combines health and safety risk and occupational risk with public health guidance to deal with the current Covid-19 emergency.
In the first instance, the HSA will offer employers on-site guidance, advice and direction. It can then move to enforce improvement and prohibition notices where workplaces do not meet the safety and