Written Answers. - Construction Industry.
Brian O'Shea
Question:
29
Mr. O'Shea
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
the number of persons killed and injured in accidents on building sites during 1998; if her attention has been drawn to the serious concern expressed by trade unions regarding inadequate health and safety standards; the steps, if any, she is taking to ensure improved safety standards in the construction industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[12214/99]
The Health and Safety Authority is the State body charged with responsibility for the administration, enforcement and promotion of all workplace health and safety legislation.
A total of 25 fatalities were reported to the authority in the construction and construction maintenance sector in 1998. There were 579 non-fatal accidents in the sector reported to the authority and these are estimated to be about a quarter of all reportable injuries sustained in the sector.
The management of health and safety in all sectors of employment is based on the principles of legislation, enforcement, information and part nership. The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, the 1993 general application regulations and the 1995 Construction Regulations all provide a strong legislative base by which safety standards in the construction sector can be managed.
This legislation is enforced in a targeted and proactive manner by the Health and Safety Authority. However, both I and the authority are of the firm belief that for greater health and safety improvements to be brought about in the construction sector there must be a stronger partnership approach – by all the parties at all levels in the sector – to the issue of safety.
During 1998 I launched the construction action programme – this action programme was drawn up by the Health and Safety Authority after consultation with both sides of industry. The programme is designed to address the specific issues surrounding health and safety in the construction sector. Apart from targeted inspections of construction sites, other areas being addressed under this action programme include: scaffolding safety, safety in working with fragile roofs, training of workers, safety representation and role of clients. The authority's programme of work for 1999 plans for 4,300 proactive inspections in the construction sector in 1999.
The construction action programme is a wide-ranging exercise which seeks to involve all the players, from client to employers and workers, and to highlight their respective roles in improving site safety. In addition, the authority continues to meet regularly with both sides of industry as part of the drive to improve the safety culture of the construction sector at all levels.
Our health and safety legislation is fundamentally sound legislation which provides effective mechanisms for the proper management of workplace health and safety. It is enforced in a targeted manner by the Health and Safety Authority and is complemented by the commitment and activities of the social partners. It is through this continued commitment from all sides that we can bring about real improvement in safety standards.
