Ivor Callely
Question:271 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of foreign workers who have suffered accidents during the course of their work on building sites. [18029/06]
View answerTuesday, 16 May 2006
Questions (217, 218, 219)
Ivor Callely
Question:272 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the health and safety measures which have been put in place on building sites to specifically target foreign workers who do not have English as a first language. [18030/06]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 271 and 272 together.
A lack of clear communication and of understanding in any workplace could potentially pose a risk to the health and safety of the workers therein. It is clear that in the construction sector there are many workers who do not have English as a first language and, accordingly, it is appropriate that employers and those who are in control of workplaces in this country put in place clear systems of communication to ensure that all safety critical information is conveyed clearly to all workers in the workplace.
Section 9 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 specifies that the information provided to workers must be in a form, manner and language that can be understood. It must include information on hazards, risks and measures taken as regards safety, health and welfare and the names of emergency staff and safety representatives. Furthermore, under section 20 of the 2005 Act, an employer is obliged to prepare a written safety statement, based on the identification of hazards and an assessment of risks. This statement, which sets out how the safety, health and welfare of the employees will be secured and managed, also must be in a form, manner and, as appropriate, language that can be understood.
In addition to the statutory obligations set out above, the Health and Safety Authority recognises the new challenges that the growth of non-English speaking people within the workforce brings. This is evidenced by the launch last year of a new Authority initiative, Safe System of Work Plan (SSWP), aimed at reducing injuries and deaths on construction sites. The initiative relies heavily on pictograms to explain and clarify hazards and controls, thereby creating a wordless document where safety can be communicated to all workers regardless of literacy or language skills. The Safe System of Work Plan aims to focus on those in the construction industry who are most at risk, allowing them to ensure that all necessary safety controls are in place prior to the commencement of planned work.
The number of foreign workers who have suffered accidents during the course of their work on building sites, as reported to the Health and Safety Authority, is contained in the following table.
|
Year |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 (to 12 May) |
|
Reported injuries to foreign workers |
73 |
143 |
140 |
166 |
263 |
490 |
191 |
Ruairí Quinn
Question:273 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has received new draft regulations from the health and safety authority to provide for improved safety conditions in the construction sector; if these new regulations have been approved by Government; when he expects same to come into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18065/06]
View answerThe Health and Safety Authority began a consultation process with the Social Partners and key players in the construction industry on proposed new Construction Regulations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work legislation in 2003. The Authority undertook public consultation during a 6-week period towards the end of last year. A total of 46 submissions were received during this latter period.
The proposed new Regulations are designed to replace previous Regulations which are in force since 2001 and 2003, to fully implement European Directives relating to the construction sector and to give regulatory effect to the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005. The regulations have also been examined as part of government commitments to introduce simplification in legislation. It is intended that the new regulations will be more easily readable to those working in the sector to ensure that there is a clear understanding of the intent and responsibilities laid out in the regulations.
The Regulations were passed to the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel last month having been approved by the Board of the Health & Safety Authority. I expect that the Statutory Instrument will be ready for signing into law within a few months.