Page 82 - ITM Employee Handbook September 2020

7.4 RESPONDING AND ADAPTING TO CHALLENGES

As with any emergency we will do our utmost to adapt and learn from the reality of PUBLIC HEALTH
EMERGENCIES. ITM TECH will work with our employees as we seek to ensure their ongoing health
and safety in work, in line with Public Health guidance. Therefore, protocols may be supplemented by
further guidance in line with changes advised by the HSE.

7.5 WORKPLACE ENGAGEMENT

In line with the guidelines from the HSE, it may be necessary to implement controls required to comply
with prevention measures in this plan. We will communicate and explain all measures introduced in
our company to all our employees and visitors to our company. We will appoint an employee (or
additional appointments) representative as required, who will assist with the implementation of
measures and monitor adherence to the measures in order to prevent escalation of the crisis. The
appointment of these representatives will be communicated to all employees and training needs will
be provided by the company to these representatives.

7.6 SYMPTOMS OF VIRUSES (eg: COVID 19)
Infection from a virus that causes an illness can be identified by symptoms ranging from mild to severe,
and in some cases, may be fatal. It may take anything from 2 days up to 14 days for symptoms of a
virus to appear. They can be similar to the symptoms of colds and flu.
Common symptoms of a virus include:

• A fever (high temperature – 38 degree Celsius or above).

• A cough – this can be any kind of cough, not just a dry cough.

• Shortness of breath or breathing difficulties.
(For the complete list of symptoms, please refer to the HSE Website)

It is important to remember some people infected with viruses experience no symptoms at all and
are called asymptomatic cases. (It is extremely important that social distance is maintained at all
times and this will be outlined later in the plan)

7.7 INFORMATION ON HOW A VIRUS CAN BE TRANSMITTED IN OUR
WORKPLACE
The virus that causes a PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY is spread by infected people through fluid and
droplets dispersed from the nose or mouth when the person with the Virus coughs, sneezes or speaks.
The fluid or droplets land on objects and surfaces around the infected person. Colleagues will
contaminate their hands by touching these objects or surfaces and then bring the virus into contact
with their eyes, nose, or mouth by touching them with their contaminated hands. Viruses can also
spread if droplets from an infected person lands directly on the mucous membranes of the eye, nose
or mouth of a person standing close to them.

It is still not known how long a virus may survive on surfaces in different conditions. The period of
survival may vary under different conditions (e.g. type of surface, temperature, or humidity of the
environment). Studies indicate that a virus can persist on surfaces for hours and up to several days in
the absence of effective cleaning. Thorough and regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces is
essential. If disinfection is required it must be performed in addition to cleaning, never as a substitute
for cleaning.

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