Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Jun 1999

Vol. 506 No. 5

Written Answers. - Construction Industry.

Michael Ferris

Question:

75 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons killed and injured in accidents on building sites during 1998 and the first three months of 1999; 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. [15825/99]

Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Mr. T. Kitt)

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. I am informed by the authority that there were 22 fatalities in the construction sector in 1998, in addition to seven fatalities in other sectors from construction-related activities. Some 579 non-fatal construction-related accidents were reported to the authority in 1998. For the first three months of this year three fatal accidents and 117 non-fatal accidents in the construction sector were reported to the authority.

There is a high level of both trade union and employer representation and participation in all the activities of the authority, particularly in relation to the construction sector. The authority has a tripartite board with equal representation from trade union and employer sides, while the authority's construction safety advisory committee is also composed of representatives of both sides of industry. The construction action programme, which is designed to address the specific issues surrounding health and safety in the construction sector, was drawn up by the Health and Safety Authority after consultation with both sides of industry. In addition, the authority continues to meet regularly with both trade union and employer groups as part of the drive to improve the safety culture of the construction sector at all levels. There are, therefore, many opportunities for both the trade unions and the employer organisations to express their concerns and their views, both formally and informally, to the authority.

Recent developments to improve safety standards in the construction sector include the launch of a code of practice on scaffolding. This code of practice provides recommendations and practical guidance on all aspects of working with scaffolds. The code of practice was the result of a joint initiative involving the Authority, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and the Construction Industry Federation. A safety training video focusing on scaffolding was also launched at the same time. This video was produced in conjunction with FÁS. Other work which is continuing under the construction action programme includes targeted inspections of construction sites, safety in working with fragile roofs, training of workers, safety representation and the role of clients.

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.