Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 20 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 3

Written Answers. - Construction Industry.

Willie Penrose

Question:

116 Mr. Penrose asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of deaths and injuries reported during 2000 as a result of accidents in the construction industry; the number of deaths and injuries reported to date in 2001; the progress made to date in ensuring improved safety standards in the sector; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28652/01]

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

Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health, known as the Health and Safety Authority, is the State body charged with overall responsibility for the administration, enforcement and promotion of workplace safety and health. Matters arising from this responsibility are, therefore, a day-to-day function of the authority.

Statistical information concerning the number of fatalities and injuries in any work sector is collected by, and obtainable directly from, the authority. I have, however, been informed by the authority that there were 19 construction related fatalities in 2000 while 20 construction related fatal accidents have been reported to date in 2001. The number of accidents in the construction sector, resulting in more than three days absence from work, reported to date to the authority for 2000 is 734. The number of accidents in the construction sector, resulting in more than three days absence from work, reported to date to the Authority for 2001 is 805.

The management of health and safety standards in the construction sector, as in all sectors of employment, requires the fulfilment of their respective responsibilities and duties by all parties concerned. There is already in existence a strong occupational health and safety legislative code which is enforced in a proactive manner by the Health and Safety Authority. In this regard, the additional financial and staffing resources, which I have secured for the authority in recent years, are put to particular effect in the construction sector through targeted inspection, enforcement and awareness raising activities. However, both I and the authority are of the firm belief that for greater health and safety improvements to be brought about in that sector, a continuance of a partnership approach to safety, as embodied by the construction safety partnership, CSP, is crucial. The CSP is composed of representatives of the CIF, ICTU and SIPTU as well as the HSA and other relevant Departments-agencies.

In November 2000, the CSP produced a detailed three year plan to improve safety, health and welfare standards in the construction industry. The plan includes measures to improve safety consultation and safety representation, safety training and the introduction of safety management systems.

Since its establishment the CSP has overseen significant progress in a number of areas including the initiation of a safety representatives pilot project which is a highly commendable joint ICTU-CIF project. Other areas of progress include the undertaking of a major training programme for safety officers and safety managers, increased inspection by the Health and Safety Authority, the establishment of a Joint ICTU-CIF safety council to collaborate on information, promotion and research activities and, most recently, the development of amendments to the construction regulations.

These legislative amendments, which I have now signed into law, will take effect from 1 January next year. They are extremely significant in that they will introduce, for the first time, the concepts of "mandatory safety training" and "mandatory safety representation" while also providing for better on-site welfare facilities. Further amendments to regulations are also being explored under the auspices of the CSP. In addition, legislative proposals to amend the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, are currently being developed at departmental level. Pertinent issues of offences and penalties will be addressed in this context, with a view to strengthening those provisions. A strengthened and updated Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, will of course be of benefit to all sectors of employment, including the construction sector.

With the introduction of the revised construction regulations, the State continues to play its role in the effort to improve health and safety standards in the construction sector, through the provision of a strong legislative base and the provision of the associated training, advisory, inspection and enforcement services. I am confident that both sides of industry will also continue to respond in a positive manner in fulfilling their particular responsibilities and duties.

Question No. 117 answered with Question No. 99.

Question No. 118 answered with Question No. 111.