Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 13 Dec 2001

Vol. 546 No. 5

Written Answers. - Health and Safety Regulations.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

67 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures which are in place to ensure that health and safety measures are specifically provided for bills of quantities prepared for building contracts; her views on whether there is need for separate identification and for cost provision in all contracts of health and safety measures; and if she will provide accordingly by regulation or otherwise. [32229/01]

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

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations, 2001, do not contain any provisions requiring that health and safety measures be specifically provided for in bills of quantities prepared for building contracts and I have no immediate plans to introduce such measures. The regulations do, however, impose a broad range of other duties and obligations in relation to health and safety on clients, designers, contractors, employers and employees. In addition to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, and the General Application Regulations, 1993 and 2001, these regulations provide a strong legislative base by which safety standards in the construction sector can be managed. Also, in view of the fact that the construc tion sector is a recognized high risk area of activity, it is the focus of ongoing targeted attention in terms of inspection and enforcement actions and promotional and partnership activities by the Health and Safety Authority.

A partnership approach to safety is essential and it is best embodied by the construction safety partnership, CSP. The CSP is composed of representatives of the CIF, ICTU and SIPTU as well as the HSA and other relevant Departments-agencies and is working to a detailed three year plan to improve safety, health and welfare standards in the construction industry. Progress has been made in a number of areas including the initiation of a safety representatives pilot project, a joint ICTU-CIF project, 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 the recent development of amendments to the construction regulations.

Indeed, the construction regulations 2001 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. These provisions will take effect from 1 January 2002. In addition, the legislative proposals to amend the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, which are at present being developed at departmental level, will strengthen and update the 1989 Act in relation to a number of areas such as offences and penalties. This will, of course, be of benefit to all sectors of employment, including the construction sector.

The State, through the provision of a strong legislative base and the provision of associated training, advisory, inspection and enforcement services, plays a full role in the effort to improve health and safety standards in the construction sector. With the continued support and involvement of both sides of industry, and an adherence to their statutory obligations, further improvements can be brought about.