Page 86 - ITM Employee Handbook September 2020

7.14 SOCIAL / PHYSICAL DISTANCING
Social and Physical distancing is recommended to reduce the spread of infection. The current
recommended distance to be maintained between people to minimise risk of transmission is 2 metres.

Under HSE guidelines the following must be followed in the workplace so as to reduce the risk of
transmitting Viruses.

Under physical distancing requirements, employees may be asked to refrain from shaking each other’s
hands. This includes customers and suppliers.

• Maintain the required 2 metre distance at work-stations including office desks.
• Maintain the required 2 metre distance when on breaks.
• It may be required to change break times’ during a Public Health Emergency and employees
must follow any changes designed to prevent the spread of a Virus.
• Maintain the required 2 metre distance from customers and suppliers
• Arrange meetings where possible using services such as Video Conferencing for example.
Where face to face meetings are absolutely necessary, the length of the meeting and the
numbers attending should be kept to a minimum and participants must maintain physical
distancing at all times.
• Where one-way systems that ensure physical distance can be maintained while working or
when entering or leaving work, these paths must be followed where practicable.
• Employees must not congregate together in numbers above the HSE guidelines. All
employees must follow this protocol at all times of the day. (eg: break times, clocking in or
out, changing rooms, washrooms, and showers)

7.15 AT RISK / VULNERABLE EMPLOYEES
We would ask all employees who are in the ‘vulnerable’ or ‘at-risk’ categories to work from home
where practical and with agreement of their line manager. Where an employee who is in the vulnerable
or at-risk categories and cannot work from home, they must advise their line manager immediately. All
practical supports will be made available in the workplace and they are to maintain the physical
distance of the 2 metres requirements.

The following HSE website will provide details on vulnerable’ or ‘at-risk’ categories:

https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/people-at-higher-risk.html

7.16 WORKING FROM HOME

Office work should continue to be carried out at home, where practicable along with non-essential
work. Advice on working from home on a temporary basis is available from the Health and Safety
Authority using this (link by way of example) and within the Company Working from Home Policy.
https://www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/covid19/covid19_faqs_for_employers_and_employees_in_relation_
to_homeworking_on_a_temporary_basis/faqs_for_employers_and_employees_in_relation_to_ho
m e-working_on_a_temporary_basis_covid-19_.html

7.17 BUSINESS TRAVEL

The restrictions on movement require employees to plan and schedule business trips in line with HSE
guidelines so therefore:

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