No exemptions or relaxation of the legislative requirements in respect of the statutory requirements under the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work Act 2005 or it’s associated Regulations are in place at this current time
The Authority recognises that employers, as a result of national measures to prevent the spread of COVID 19, may find it challenging to source training courses or competent persons to provide the required training in the current circumstances. Notwithstanding any such difficulties, employers are reminded of their general duty to ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, the safety health and welfare at work of their employees and also others who may be present at the place of work. Employers are reminded of the need to take all measures, so far as reasonably practicable, to that end.
Employers need to take appropriate organisational measures or use the appropriate means to avoid the need for manual handling which involves risk. Where manual handling involves risk that cannot be avoided, employers need to take appropriate organisational measures, use appropriate means or provide employees with such means to reduce the risk involved.
Every effort should be made so far as reasonably practicable to continue to provide manual handling training for employees as necessary with particular consideration to be given to prioritising the delivery of training for those staff who are most at risk. Up to date public health advice on preventing the spread of COVID-19 will need to be taken account of when providing training. Detailed public health advice and information is available on the Department of Health, HSE and Health Protection Surveillance Centre websites.
The following guidance is available on the Health and Safety Authority Website:
Ergonomic Risk Assessment Tools (e.g. Mac Tool)
New Guide on Managing Ergonomic Risk