The “Return To Work Safety Protocol”, a collaborative effort by the Government, unions and employers is in now place to underpin workers’ safety as staff migrate back to workplaces.

The Protocol sets out very clear terms for employers and explains the State’s guidance on essential measures to contain the virus as the economy begins to reopen and continues to operate.

Here’s a brief intro on what you need to know;

1. Lead worker representatives

Each workplace must nominate at least one (or more depending on the company size) “lead worker representative” to work with the company’s Covid-19 response management team in ensuring safety measures are being followed. This Representative must receive necessary training to carry out the role.

2. Company Covid-19 response plans

The lead worker representative will help roll out your companies Covid-19 response plan. Companies that already have a plan in place will be required to revise and update it where necessary before employees can return to site.

3. Responding to suspected Covid-19 cases

Protocols for dealing with suspected Covid-19 cases among staff must be prepared for all companies.

4. Sick leave and flexibility

Sick-leave policies, will need to be reviewed and amended by the employer as appropriate before returning to the workplace.

5. Prioritising at-risk employees

• If at all possible, at-risk workers should be told to work from home.
• A strict “no-handshake policy” must be implemented.
• Physical distancing of two metres is recommended between all people on site at all times.
• Companies must provide hygiene facilities, and advice and training on correct hygiene procedures such as hand washing and respiratory hygiene.

Want me information on these points? Our experienced Health & Safety Team are here and happy to help! 

You can call us at 1850 315 415, Email us at [email protected] or chat to us via the button in the bottom corner of the screen.

Similar Topics:

• The Free, 30 minute “Return to Work” Webinar can be booked Here
• The 2-3 hour, In-depth COVID-19 Return to Work Webinar can be booked Here

• Company Return to Work Inductions

We provide FREE general inductions. We also provide company-specific courses and facilitate detailed training records Learn More

• More “Return to Work” Services

We provide “Return to Work” Staffing, consultancy support, administration support Learn More

Putting the COVID-19 pandemic to one side, there are many reasons why a company or organisation may decide to host video interviews. Perhaps it’s more convenient due to the geographical location of the team or it’s just more cost effective. Whatever the reason may be, virtual/video interviews are here to stay. Let us go through some tips and tricks to ensure that you do outshine the competition!

For Video Interviews, we have separated our tips into four sections;

1. What to Wear

Whilst it may seem weird to get dressed up for an interview taking place in your home, first impressions are crucial and the last thing you want is to accidentally flash the interviewer a glance at your Pyjama pants.  Wearing the same clothes as if you were attending an in person interview will help you keep focused. No matter what you believe the culture of the company appears to be, you should always present yourself at an Interview in a polished and put together manner.

Keep in mind that busy patterns can be distracting, and bright white clothing can wash you out!

2. The location

There are a number of things to consider when choosing the location where best to conduct your video interview.

Backgrounds are so important. Be mindful of what is being shown to the interviewer at the other end of your camera. Ensure that you’re not showing yourself to be a messy or unorganised individual. If for any reason a clean & clear background is not possible, you can use the “Blur” function on many platforms which will allow the interviewer focus on you.

You must ensure that you won’t be disturbed for the duration of the interview. Close windows to prevent traffic noise and ask Family or housemates to let you have the house to yourself for the duration.

3. Technology

You may not even consider lighting, but it makes a huge difference. Try to have lighting facing towards you to allow your features to be seen easily i.e. face a window, not a wall. Lighting coming from behind you will silhouette you, making it hard for the interviewer to engage.

Test your audio and camera settings in advance of the interview day. (A slight downward angle is better than an upward angle – no one wants to be looking up your nostrils)

Find out what software will be used to host the video. Ensure that you download, log in and test it. It could take longer than you expect, and you don’t want to keep the interviewer waiting.

4. Miscellaneous

• Recruit a friend or family member to do a practice video interview before the big day, to ensure you’re comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
• Try not to fidget – Do you talk with your hands? Try to control this.
• Look into the eye of your webcam and not into your screen.
• Remember to always prepare some questions to ask at the end of the interview. This is your time to find out if it’s a match for you. The question could be as simple as “What sort of training is involved?”
• Don’t forget to send a thank you note to each interviewer the same day!

The CMSE Recruitment team are always delighted to chat with Candidates and Clients. For confidential, professional advice call us at 1850 315 415 or email [email protected] .

Similar Topics

• Why and How to Research the Company ahead of an Interview Read More
• LinkedIn Profile Top Tips for Contractors! Read More
• Interview Tips & Techniques Read More

We’ve had a lot of questions and quiries about how Government’s public health restrictions are affecting Recruitment and Placement services at CMSE Recruitment.

CMSE Recruitment specialist Ciara O’Dwyer answers some of our questions about the current EHS Recruitment market.

If you’re interested in a confidential chat, call Ciara at 0214978100 or book a meeting HERE – Stay Safe!

If you have any questions that we’ren’t answered above regarding EHS Recruitment, please do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced Consultants by starting a chat on the bottom right hand side of the screen.

Published last year, the government’s Climate Action Plan aims to reduce emissions by 35% by 2030 (3.5% average per annum).

According to a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 2019 saw emissions from Irish power generation and industrial companies fall by 1.3 million tonnes – 8.7%. Across Europe a decrease of approximately 8.9 % was noted.

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton credits the reduction largely to the country’s investment in renewable energy capacity, which stands at around 33% of all electricity generation. 

Ireland now has a strong presence of renewable energy, mainly wind generation and reduced use of fossil fuels. 2019 saw industrial emissions collectively decreased by 3%.

• Cement industries = 2% decrease
• Dairy industry = 3% decrease
• Emissions from pharmachem industries = 4% decrease

Dr Maria Martin, EPA senior manager today said “Aside from power generation, the reductions have been more modest in other sectors and  attributable to a small number of players, with an increase recorded from aviation,”.

The EPA reports that aviation emissions from flights within the European Economic Area to Ireland increased in 2019 by 2.8%, to 12.77 million tonnes.

Carbon Action, Part of Chris Mee Group are Ireland and the UK’s leading provider of Carbon Emission Measurement Training & Consultancy services. If you have any questions regarding Carbon dioxide emissions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced Consultants by starting a chat on the bottom right hand side of the screen.

Click Here for Answers to common Climate Change FAQs  

Source: https://www.thejournal.ie/greenhouse-gas-emissions-ireland-2-5080981-Apr2020/?utm_source=shortlink

Scientists claim that 2020 could see the largest drop in global Carbon dioxide emissions since World War II.

With commuters being urged to stay at home and economies in a virtual standstill, the air quality in cities has also improved.

Dr Clare Noone, climate scientist at NUI Galway notes how the air we breathe has a significant impact on our health and how the and how the importance has been highlighted through the current crisis.

“Satellite data from NASA and the European Space Agency during this pandemic has detected significant decreases in nitrogen dioxide, a gas emitted by vehicles, power plants and industrial emissions across the globe,” Noone said.

Rob Jackson, the Global Carbon Project Chair at Stanford University says that “If the economy stays slow, if transport stays down, we could see a drop in carbon dioxide emissions this year of five percent or more,”

Irish scientist Roisin Commane is an Assistant Professor in Earth and Environmental Sciences at Columbia University has been measuring CO2 in New York since the start of the year and has noted how surprising it has been to see how much of a reduction in CO2 has occurred.

Commane notes “..by all accounts, it’s the cleanest CO that they’ve got on their records available online.” but goes on to say that unless a decision is made to do something different when things get back to normal, the respite may only be temporary.

Chris Mee Group are Ireland and the UK’s leading provider of environmental related Training & Consultancy services. If you have any questions regarding Carbon dioxide emissions please do not hesitate to contact one of our experienced Consultants by starting a chat on the bottom right hand side of the screen.

Click Here for Answers to common Climate Change FAQs

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Source: https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2020/0415/1130647-coronavirus-emissions-environment/