COVID-19 is a new hazard that transport operators need to risk assess and manage, just like other risks, it effects each operation in a different way. The Health & Safety Authority (HSA) is constantly updating information (as listed below) with some contact details. Also there are some guidelines for truck cleaning.
The HSA continues to support business with Occupational Safety & Health policy (OSH) guidance and resources, adapted to COVID-19 crisis, in the best way possible, in an evolving situation.
BESMART. FREE Safety statement and risk assessment online tool. www.besmart.ie
Look at COVID-19 update guidance:
https://www.besmart.ie/news/item/152/updating-risk-assessments-covid-19/
For OSH queries to HSA, details can be found at https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Contact_Us/
Some new information for those using lifts and scissors lifts in particular
https://www.hsa.ie/eng/safety_alerts/2020/vehicle_scissor_lifts/vehicle_scissor_lifts.html
Guidelines for cleaning HGVs
COVID-19 can be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces; therefore, maintaining good hygiene and cleaning practices are essential, particularly in common working areas. Regular cleaning will reduce the risk of passing the infection on to other people; cleaning common work areas is important to limit the spread. This document contains some useful guidelines for cleaning HGVs – https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed29dc-irelands-response-to-covid-19-transport-measures/
Contacting the HSA during the COVID-19 crisis
In line with the updated public health measures announced by the Government to delay the spread of COVID-19, all offices of the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) are currently closed, and its staff are working remotely.
It has implemented business continuity measures to maintain operations and ensure minimal disruption to services. Its focus is to continue to operate business as usual, where possible, while protecting the health of its staff and stakeholders.
During this period, interested parties can continue to use the contact us by email as normal, by telephone, through its online contact form, or by email using existing staff’s email contacts. As there is limited access to physical mail sent to its offices, where possible, do not correspond by post and instead us the web based contact us communication system. Refer to the Freedom of Information page for details of how the HSA is handling requests during the COVID-19 crisis.
For further information in relation to COVID-19, please see HSA.ie/COVID19
Contact Details
LoCall: 1890 289 389 (between 9:00am and 3:00pm, Monday to Friday)
| Due to the high call volumes currently experienced, there may be a delay in answering calls. There is much information and guidance on its website (www.hsa.ie) or alternatively please email wcu@hsa.ie to avoid unnecessary delays. |
Note: The phone service operator may charge additional costs when calling the 1890 number from a mobile phone. Please use our (01) 6147000 number as an alternative.
Email: wcu@hsa.ie
Overseas callers should call +353 1 614 7000
An emergency service outside of standard office hours is operated. In case of a serious injury/fatality outside of standard business hours (9:00am to 3:00pm), please phone 1890 289 389 where a transfer to the Gardai will be offered which will in turn notify a HSA senior inspector.
Please write to the Authority at its Head Office or one of its Field Offices at the following details:
| Head Office: The Metropolitan Building James Joyce Street Dublin 1D01 K0Y8Map |
Chemical Policy & Services Head Office and Kilkenny Field Office: 3rd Floor Hebron House Hebron Road KilkennyR95 T91YMap |
| Waterford Field Office: 5th Floor Government Buildings The Glen WaterfordX91 P04EMap |
Cork Field Office: 3rd Floor 1A South Mall CorkT12 R7WCMap |
| Limerick Field Office: Block A Loughmore Centre Raheen Business Park LimerickV94 DH59Map |
Galway Field Office: 2nd Floor The Plaza Offices Headford Road GalwayH91 KC6VMap |
| Sligo Field Office: Unit 1 Beulah Building Finisklin Road SligoMap |
Athlone Field Office: Block A, 2nd Floor Monksland Retail Business Park AthloneN37 X8N1Map |
