The following bullet points are non-exhaustive and have been tailored for artists.
Since the pandemic began, we have witnessed the Arts sector come to a complete stand-still, on multiple occasions. As artists, we understand the frustration and the desire to return to a state of ‘normality’, however, we must demand a return to safe working environments for our own wellbeing and that of our loved ones. As workplace situations change, how can we all continue to create and share art in a way that prioritises our health and safety?
Workplace Responsibilities
- You should receive clear, consistent, up-to-date guidance from your employer with regard to c-19 safety guidelines. If there is any confusion, demand that they make that information clear – this information contains risk assessments of workplaces and communal areas.
- You should be informed by your employers of their COVID-19 Response Plan, this plan should effectively mitigate the incidence of an outbreak.
- You should receive induction training after the reopening of the workplace following a closure – these plans should be developed in consultation with members of a workforce
- There should be adequate ventilation in your workplace.
- You should not have to work in close quarters with other co-workers if it is not absolutely necessary to. In the event that it is unavoidable, then other safety guidelines should be adhered to. For example, if you are acting in a show or on a film set, then antigen testing should be made available to all on-site workers.
- CO2 monitors should be installed in rooms where risk assessments advise that they should be placed, in order to identify areas with poor ventilation.
- You should be informed of the cleaning and waste disposal procedures of a workplace
- You should be able to work from home if it’s A) your desire to or B) possible to.
- There should be hand sanitizing stations readily available in your workplace.
- If your first language is not English, then specific communication measures should be implemented.
- You should be provided information on how to receive illness benefits or other Government COVID-19 supports
Individual Responsibilities
- If you are feeling unwell, do not enter your workspace
- Wear a mask inside buildings to protect others.
- Sanitise hands frequently.
- Maintain a distance of two metres apart where possible.
- Let your employer know if you fall into the higher risk category.
- If possible, make yourself aware of other people around you who may be higher risk.
- Let your employer know if you feel uncomfortable about any safety measures that are not being implemented.
- Let your union know if your health & wellbeing is being put at risk in your workplace.
- Avail of the vaccination programme if possible – the latest studies show that being vaccinated reduces your risk of becoming seriously ill and reduces your capacity to spread the virus to others.
We must continue to be aware of and follow the latest safety guidelines in order to protect the most vulnerable around us.
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Please refer to Gov.ie https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/22829a-return-to-work-safely-protocol/
& Theatre Forum, Safe Creation & Staging of Work https://theatreforum.ie/assets/uploads/Creation_Document_D5_Links.pdf for further reading, and please don’t hesitate to contact us at education@praxisunion.ie if you have any concerns about your workplace.
