108 Preparation for and adaptation to COVID-19 in Irish Workplaces – experiences of Irish personnel with responsibilities for occupational hygiene and health

Introduction An investigation of Irish workplace adaptation to COVID-19 was conducted to assess impact to workers, their organisations and to develop new occupational hygiene and health adaptation mechanisms for future pandemic emergencies. Materials and Methods As part of the study, occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals (n=60) that held responsibilities for occupational hygiene and occupational health risk management, took part in a series of semi-structured mixed-method online focus groups. Each focus group incorporated twenty quantitative questions that were answered anonymously via a poll function. Results 58% of workplaces began pandemic occupational hygiene and health risk management preparations prior to COVID-19s emergence in Ireland. 66% of workplaces remained open while 27% were partially closed. 34% of workplaces had over half their workforce working from home (as opposed to 5% pre-pandemic). 54% of workplaces had existing occupational hygiene and health risk assessments that incorporated infectious disease considerations prior to the pandemic. 41% of workplaces had identified a viral pandemic scenario as part of its emergency planning prior to COVID-19. The majority (63%) of workers understood the occupational hygiene and health 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 similar public health emergencies.