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COVID-19 and its impact on Irish workplaces – OSH professionals experience and observations of preparation and adaptation
Safety and Health at Work ; 13:S115-S116, 2022.
Article in English | EMBASE | ID: covidwho-1677003
ABSTRACT

Introduction:

An investigation of Irish workplace adaptation to COVID-19 was conducted to assess impact to workers, their organisations and to develop new OSH adaptation mechanisms for future health emergencies. Materials and

Methods:

As part of the study, OSH professionals (n=60), each representing their workplace, took part in a series of semi-structured online focus groups. Each focus group incorporated twenty quantitative questions (covering four themes organisational preparedness;organisational impacts;worker impacts;and the future of OSH) that were answered anonymously via a poll function.

Results:

59 participants completed the questions. 58% of workplaces began pandemic preparations prior to COVID-19 emerging in Ireland. 66% of workplaces remained open while 27% were partially closed. 34% of workplaces had more than half their workforce working from home (5% pre-pandemic). 37% of workplaces had a working from home policy with 54% of workplaces having risk assessments for infectious diseases in place prior to the pandemic. 41% of workplaces had identified a viral pandemic scenario as part of its emergency planning prior to COVID-19. OSH professionals indicated that the majority (63%) of their colleagues understood the control measures instigated as a response to COVID-19 with a greater majority (90%) more willing to accept future workplace changes if they know it is to keep them safe and healthy.

Conclusion:

Irish workplaces adapted well to the changing OSH landscape that emerged in response to COVID-19. Irish workplaces are now more likely to be able to adapt and respond well to future public health emergencies.
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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study Language: English Journal: Safety and Health at Work Year: 2022 Document Type: Article

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Full text: Available Collection: Databases of international organizations Database: EMBASE Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study Language: English Journal: Safety and Health at Work Year: 2022 Document Type: Article