ON FRONTLINE Coronavirus in Ireland – It’s not only healthcare workers risking health, shop workers are frontline heroes too

This article first appeared in The Irish Sun on 20 April 2020.

But is your employer currently doing enough to help protect you during these uncertain times? Sean Fitzgerald is a Solicitor at HOMS Assist ­specialising in personal injury with particular emphasis on industrial accidents and diseases.

Sean Fitzgerald is a Solicitor at HOMS Assist.  Here, he outlines how you can help yourself at this difficult period.

It is boom time for the grocery sector — who are struggling to meet increased demand.

Many of the larger chains have announced that staff will receive a ten per cent bonus for hours worked during the Covid-19 health crisis.


‘RISKING THEIR HEALTH’

However, this is cold ­comfort to those workers ­risking their health.

This is especially true when one considers that many of them would actually be earning more money if they were in receipt of the Government’s Covid-19 pandemic unemployment payment.

Employers have a legal and a moral duty to protect their employees.

Grocery stores and pharmacies have recently become a lifeline for many — not just for key ­supplies but also for a break from the cabin fever caused by social distancing.


EXPOSED

At a time when the general public are largely confined to their homes to keep the highly ­contagious Covid-19 from spreading, cashiers, baggers, shelf stockers and security guards are exposed on a daily basis to a steady stream of customers — with varying degrees of protection.

The grocery sector does not have a good track record of protecting their employees.

Many stores do not pay sick leave. This is, of course, ­completely counterproductive in stopping the spread of the Coronavirus.

All employees are entitled to be in a safe and healthy place of work.

Where there is a high level of risk for infection, an employer must provide ­adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) — such as a face mask and gloves — in the workplace.


EMPLOYEE PROTECTION

There are increased ­obligations placed on an employer to protect an employee when there is a potential exposure to an infectious disease.

Section 43 of the Health Act 1947, requires employers to take appropriate or timely steps to prevent the spread of any infection.

Common sense measures that you should discuss with your employer, include:

  • Provision of gloves and face masks and training on how to wear, remove and dispose of them safely.
  • Redesigning the layout of workstations to ensure that the work activity maintains at a two-metre distance.
  • Making alcohol-based hand sanitising dispensers available in prominent places around the workstation.
  • Providing access to facilities where you can wash your hands with soap and water while maintaining social ­distancing.
  • Providing access to disinfecting products that you can clean your workstation with.
  • Providing access to a closed bin for hygienic disposal of used tissues, gloves and face masks.
  • Designating an area where employees can take breaks and meals while maintaining social distancing.

When all is said and done, an employee who contracts Covid-19 in the workplace can take little comfort from a ten per cent bonus.

Sadly, no expression seems more accurate for a grocery store worker now than “your health is your wealth”.

Get in touch

Nationwide services with dedicated offices in

Dublin

2-4 Ely Place, Dublin 2, D02 FR58

Limerick

Bishopsgate, Henry Street, Limerick, V94 K5R6

Cork

1A South Mall, Cork, T12 PV44

Share this page

OTHER SERVICES

service

Wills, Probate and Trusts

HOMS Assist provide swift case resolution and a personalised service. Contact us for all private wealth cases such as Wills and Powers of Attorney.

service

Property Law Solicitors

HOMS Assist provide swift case resolution and personalised service in Dublin and Limerick. Contact us today to discuss property law matters.

service

Family Law Solicitors

We have 50+ years experience in family law cases including child custody, guardianship, divorce and domestic violence. Contact us for swift case progression.

RELATED ARTICLES

News Article

Admitting Fault in Car Accident: What Happens Next?

News Article

HOMS Assist Proudly Supports the Michal Rejmer Memorial 10-Mile Road Race for the Third Consecutive Year

News Article

Success Stories: HOMS Assist Secures Substantial Personal Injury Settlement for Delivery Driver

News Article

Rights of Cohabiting Couples: Common Myths and Misconceptions

Zombie Will

News Article

From the Headlines: Understanding Undue Influence

News Article

Buyer Beware: Buying a House From a Receiver

What we offer

We are an award winning, client-oriented law firm in Dublin, Limerick and Cork. Our solicitors provide comprehensive legal advice in an approachable and caring manner. Most of us will require a solicitor at some time in our lives. When the time comes that you do require legal support you will want to be sure that you are dealing with professionals who will work quickly and efficiently to help you. So whether you need help writing a Will, you have been in an accident, suffered an injury or illness that was not your fault, or you are looking at divorce options, we can offer clear guidance and representation to assist you in obtaining the optimum result.

Request a callback

Fill out the form below, and we will contact you shortly. Required fields are marked *

Sign up to our newsletter today

Scroll to Top