asked the Minister for Health whether he is aware of the threat to the health of thousands of workers who are engaged in river drainage, land reclamation and forestry extension work by reason of the wet nature of their duties; and that such working conditions will accelerate the rate of tuberculosis; and, further, whether he will prescribe regulations for the guidance of local authorities, State Departments and other employers for the purpose of safeguarding the health of these workers, such regulations to cover in particular the provision of (i) shelters for protection from wet weather, (ii) protective clothing, (iii) a minimum of one pair of rubber boots for each worker, and (iv) storage facilities which will ensure that protective clothing will be dry when the men commence work in the morning.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Protection of Outdoor Workers.
The provision of the safeguards referred to is the responsibility of the State Department, local authority or other employer concerned. These matters could not be made the subject of regulations under the Health Act, 1947.
I understand, however, that in general Government Departments carrying out schemes of the kind indicated do provide the workers with rubber boots, and that clothing and shelters are also provided in certain cases. The Department of Local Government has recommended local authorities to supply their outdoor workers with suitable protective clothing and rubber boots, and also shelters for men working in pits and quarries.
Local authorities are, of course, at liberty to consult their city or county medical officers who, by reason of their close contacts with local conditions, will be in a position to give advice and guidance in the light of the circumstances obtaining in each area.
Arising out of the Minister's reply, will the Minister agree that, where men are employed on river drainage work, the local authority should supply all the men with protective clothing and rubber boots? Is it fair that on a scheme where 30 men are employed only two pairs of boots are supplied? Will the Minister not agree that the lack of such boots constitutes a serious menace to the health of these men, particularly in winter?
If the principle of supplying rubber boots is accepted, it should be accepted in relation to all men employed on such work. I assume that the principle would be accepted because of the dangerous consequences to health which might ensure from lack of such boots. In the circumstances presented to me, I agree that all these men should be supplied with boots.