Following representations made by ASTI, we have received the following clarification regarding procedures for those teachers who may have underlying illnesses from the Department of Education and Skills.
“Clarification has been sought regarding the review process for staff returning to the workplace in terms of the Covid-19 risk assessment carried out by Medmark. In relation to the process underway a detailed questionnaire is submitted and received along with detailed medical evidence to provide further clarity with respect to the medical complaints in question. All of this information is reviewed by a specialist occupational health physician, with care and detailed consideration. This includes an assessment of the combined and cumulative risk that can arise when an individual suffers from more than one health condition.
The risk assessment is comprehensive and follows the same process that is being applied across other sectors. There is nothing happening in Education that is new or different from other places of employment.
The outcome of the risk categorisation is in large measure governed by the HSE guidance. However, Medmark retains the discretion to place someone into the higher risk group if they feel they have more than one complaint and that their combination of risks warrants a higher categorisation. No individual is placed at a lower level of risk than that set out by the HSE standards.
In terms of the employer, there is an obligation on them to go through the Covid response plan in the school and ensure that all appropriate risk mitigation measures are in place.
Where an individual feels that they have been placed in an incorrect risk category a review process has been put in place by Medmark.
Individuals should email Medmark to request a review as follows:
The employee sends an email to [email protected]
In the Subject box they type in “Risk Assessment Review”.
They may attach additional medical evidence should they wish to do so and should include their name and date of birth.
The review will be undertaken by a team of four specialist occupational physicians who re-evaluate the medical evidence and deliver a consensus opinion on the risk categorisation.
If someone is considered borderline Medmark indicates that it is highly likely they will be given higher categorisation.”
At its meeting on Friday 21st August, ASTI Standing Committee discussed the matter of school reopening at length. The following motion was adopted.
“That the ASTI demand that its members who are deemed to be in the high-risk category be fully accommodated by the DES and school management to provide distance learning to their students from their own homes.”
The ASTI is vigorously pursuing this matter.
