Éamon Ó Cuív Questions Enforcement of Social Distancing in Factories

Éamon Ó Cuív pressed the minister on whether HSE and Health and Safety Authority guidance amounted to enforceable rules and whether inspectors can require social distancing in workplaces. He asked whether transmission of infection occurred inside factories or via social contact outside and urged a review of workplace guidance if transmission was workplace-based.

Workplace enforcement questions

He asked whether there were more than guidelines issued by the HSE and the Health and Safety Authority and whether inspectors can enforce a regime that requires people to work at a social distance where physically possible, or otherwise take strong steps to reduce infection risk.

Focus on factories and other enterprises

He noted that the immediate issue concerns factories today, but emphasised the same questions could apply to other types of enterprise tomorrow as workplaces reopen.

Transmission analysis requested

He asked whether any analysis had been done to determine whether the main transmission of infection occurred within the factories themselves or through social contact outside the factory premises.

Call for broader review of workplace guidelines

He argued that if transmission was occurring within factory premises, workplace guidelines should be reviewed not only for meat factories but for all factories to ensure people are safe at work.