Category: Health and Safety

  • The Work Safely Protocol-updated May 2021

    The Work Safely Protocol, published by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is an important document for employers and employees. A Return-to-Work Safely Protocol was first published in May 2020. This updated protocol is the second revision of the original protocol. It provides guidance on ventilation and vaccinations, antigen testing in the workplace and…

  • Covid-19 Vaccine-the rollout and the legal issues in the workplace

    An information campaign is commencing today to explain to people the benefits of the Covid-19 vaccine. There is a small but vocal minority who, for a variety of reasons, will not be availing of the vaccine. There are issues which are inevitably going to arise-for example, can an employer force an employee to get the…

  • Employee awarded €7,500 for penalisation under Safety, Health and Welfare Act, 2005

    This case involved an employee-a warehouse operative-who brought a claim to the WRC (Workplace Relations Commission) that he was penalised for having made a complaint about health and safety in the workplace under the Safety, Health and Welfare Act, 2005. The employer is a logistics company providing services to a large retailer in Ireland. Background…

  • New Code of Practice on Workplace Bullying 2021-What You Should Know

    A new code of practice concerning the prevention and resolution of bullying at work has been made by way of a statutory instrument published on 5th January 2021. The Statutory Instrument is No. 674/2020 entitled-Industrial Relations Act 1990 (Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work) Order…

  • The bullying dilemma in Irish law

    There is a massive problem for the employee who feels she is being bullied in the workplace. Yes, there are remedies.  Yes, there are courses of action, including legal, open to any victim. But it is still a difficult situation. Let me explain. If you feel you are being bullied in the workplace you would…