asked the Minister for Labour the measures, if any, he intends to take to ensure that workers are afforded full protection from asbestos; if he is satisfied that the provisions of the Factories (Asbestos Processes) Regulations, 1975, are being complied with; if he intends to extend the operation of the industrial inspectorate to cover places of employment where asbestos is dumped or stored; if he will consider making it a requirement that all firms involved in the use, storage or transportation of asbestos should be required to insure their employees against asbestos related medical conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers - Protection from Asbestos.
21.
Workers engaged in the manufacture of asbestos goods are currently covered by the provisions of the Safety in Industry Acts, 1955 and 1980, and the Factories (Asbestos Processes) Regulations, 1975. These provisions also apply to workplaces such as construction sites where asbestos cement pipes and asbestos cement sheets are used and premises under the Acts where asbestos lagging or insulation is applied or removed. These workplaces are subject to inspection by my Department's industrial inspectors, who sample the atmosphere to ascertain exposure to asbestos fibres. While compliance with the required provisions is found to be generally good in the manufacturing sector there is room for improvement in some other operations, particularly those involving the removal of asbestos products, such as asbestos cement and asbestos insulations, from buildings and plant. The inspectorate advise employers and workers in relation to safe working methods and practices where such advice is seen to be necessary or is sought. The inspectorate always respond promptly to complaints from workers or others relating to exposure to asbestos at work.
My Department are currently drafting regulations to give effect to the provisions of EC Council Directive 83/477/EEC of 19 September 1983 on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to asbestos at work. As opposed to the somewhat limited scope of our existing domestic statutory provisions the directive will apply to all activities, other than sea and air transport, in which workers are or may be exposed in the course of their work to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos. The directive is due for implementation by member states by 1 January 1987.
The Commission of Inquiry on Safety, Health and Welfare at Work, as well as making a substantial number of recommendations in the occupational accident and disease preventive area — based on which I am currently developing proposals for legislative change — also examined a number of other matters including compensation arrangements and how they affect accident prevention. The commission pointed to the many complex issues relating to compulsory employers' liability insurance which is not a general subject falling within my area of responsibility. Those issues would need to be examined comprehensively by all the interests involved.