Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 27 Feb 1991

Vol. 405 No. 7

Written Answers. - Accidents at Work.

Michael Bell

Question:

27 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Labour if his Department, in conjunction with NAOSH, intend to carry out an investigation into industry and services in relation to the high level of accidents and death in those sectors in this country; the way in which any such investigation will be carried out; the consultations which will take place with the ICTU and other trade union representatives at local level; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Labour (Mr. B. Ahern)

The overall objective of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, which provided for the establishment of the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health, is to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for all Irish workers, the self-employed and persons who may be at risk from work activities. The authority have responsibility for the implementation and enforcement of the Act including the investigation of accidents at work which they carry out on an ongoing basis.

The board of the authority, which are representative of both sides of industry, have just completed their first year in office during which the authority concentrated their efforts on increasing awareness among the entire workforce of the new occupational safety and health system and its application to work sectors which were not previously covered by legislation. In their approach to improving standards of occupational safety and health, the authority have the power to utilise broadly based advisory committees, to which the trade unions, employer bodies and various organisations involved in the particular area of activity are invited to nominate representatives.

I am confident that, with the co-operation of the trade unions and employers' organisations, the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health can assist those directly involved at the workplace — management and workers — to achieve a significant reduction in the current level of accidents.