Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 1

Written Answers. - Health and Safety in the Workplace.

Robert Molloy

Question:

13 Mr. Molloy asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the new measures, if any, being taken to promote health and safety in the workplace in view of a survey carried out by the Small Firms Association which showed that over two thirds of companies had no consultation arrangements with staff about health and safety. [6211/97]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

I am aware that the results of research undertaken by the Small Firms Association were published recently under the title "Health and Safety Standards in Small Firms". This research was based on the replies of 342 companies all with fewer than 50 employees and formed the basis for an address to the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health (HSA) annual conference which was held in Dublin Castle last week.

I welcome this contribution by the Small Firms Association to the debate on how best to raise awareness of occupational health and safety among small firms. The research shows that 81 per cent of companies surveyed have safety statements and 73 per cent have formal consultation arrangements with their staff. More than half of the companies believed that proper management of health and safety issues actually helped control or reduce costs in their enterprises. The promotion of workplace health and safety among small and medium-sized enterprises is a particular concern for the HSA. The HSA recognises the important role the SME sector plays in the Irish economy and also the fact that this sector constitutes 95 per cent of workplaces. It is also aware of the special needs of small businesses. The HSA has had over the years a number of joint programmes and initiatives with various bodies representing small businesses.

In 1997, the HSA will be working more intensively than heretofore with a variety of business support programmes. The overall objective is to raise awareness among these bodies so that they routinely alert their members and clients to requirements in the area of health and safety management. Similarly the HSA will continue to work with union groups to improve the level of their members' awareness so as to create more informed consultation in the workplace.

Among the initiatives being undertaken, the HSA is now working with my Department's county enterprise boards to help existing clients, especially at start-up stage. Other initiatives the HSA has been involved with recently include assisting IBEC with the production of information packs for the hotel and catering industries and also for the retail and distribution sectors. The HSA is currently working with the Small Firms Association in providing information for the franchise sector. In liaison with FÁS, the Insurance Federation (IIF) and small firms' representatives, the HSA will be investigating the establishment of safety management courses for SMEs.

Experience has shown that good safety management is one of the features which distinguishes successful companies and enhances their quality image, while reducing operating costs. To help develop awareness in this area, the HSA will be conducting safety audits of 25 companies in various sectors. It will look at their safety statement, safety consultation and representation procedures and safety management systems. Involving the workforce in these management systems through appropriate consultation arrangements is essential if the employees are to take ownership of the issue.

I can assure the Deputy that the concerns of the small and medium enterprise sector will continue to be a priority for me in respect of all the services and regulatory systems operating from my Department.