Vol. 429 No. 4
144 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Education the code, if any, which exists for setting out minimum health and safety standards in primary schools; if this code is legally binding; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
The most recent legislation in regard to health and safety standards is the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989. The fundamental aim of this Act is the prevention of accidents and ill health at the place of work.
Employers are required to identify the hazards and assess the risks in the place of work and to draw up a written safety statement setting out the arrangements in place to safeguard safety and health in the work place.
The management authorities of schools with the co-operation of their staff have responsibility for implementation of the provisions of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989.
In order to increase awareness of the provisions of the 1989 Act and in order to standardise safety statements, as far as possible, my Department is presently engaged in drafting a circular for issue to school authorities to assist them in preparing such statements.
The Health and Safety Authority have prepared explanatory leaflets to assist employers with regard to the provisions of the Act and to help in drafting safety statements.
