Vol. 570 No. 2
126 Mr. Morgan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the Government will be taking measures to tackle the unacceptably high number of work-related deaths and accidents especially in the construction industry; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18587/03]
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 in existence a strong occupational health and safety legislative code, including detailed regulations, dealing specifically with the construction sector, that place legal obligations on a wide range of people including clients, designers, contractors and employers.
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 1989 and the 2001 construction regulations provide a solid legislative guide by which effective health and safety procedures can be managed in all forms of employment in the construction sector. All construction sites are subject to the provisions of occupational health and safety legislation. However, the high level of deaths and serious accidents in the construction sector remains a matter of serious concern. Progress to improve standards in the sector has been made in recent years through the Construction Safety Partnership, CSP. The CSP is a tripartite forum made up of all the main players including the social partners and the Health and Safety Authority. There has been good progress to date in the implementation and advancement of the recommendations contained in the construction safety plan, especially in relation to the development of the legislative amendments, the introduction of mandatory safety training and mandatory safety representation as well as other measures on safety consultation and safety management systems.
While progress has been made in recent years, the challenge remains to maintain and improve upon this progress. The construction-related fatalities in 2002 are testament to the fact that health and safety in the construction sector can still be literally a life and death issue. There is an ongoing need for action at all levels whether this is action by the State, the social partners or by individuals at site level. In this regard, ways in which to continue and to build upon the work of the partnership are being further explored and a new partnership plan for the years 2003 to 2005 is currently being finalised. In addition, proposals for enhanced construction safety regulations are currently being developed by the Health and Safety Authority.
