Tomás MacGiolla
Question:182 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for Labour if he will outline his plans for promoting the European Year of Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at Work; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - European Year of Safety.
The Commission of the European Community has designated the period March 1992 to March 1993 as the "European Year of Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at Work". The main objectives of the Year are to raise awareness among workers and employers about hazards in the workplace and the appropriate ways of combating them. The National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health, which is responsible for the administration and enforcement of health and safety at work under the aegis of the Department of Labour is co-ordinating events for the Year in this country.
The authority has established a national liaison committee which is representative of a broad range of interests, including the social partners, to co-ordinate the activities for the Year. This committee has decided to highlight specific topics throughout the Year including farming and forestry, chemical safety, construction and manual handling of loads. The activities for the Year were launched in conjunction with a two day seminar on occupational safety and health in Dublin Castle on 20-21 March 1992.
As part of its support for the European Year the European Commission approved an indicative budget for each member state for "co-funded" national activities promoting the objectives of the Year. Ireland's share of this budget amounts to approximately £160,000 in 1992 with a possibility of further funding in 1993.