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Health and Safety Regulations.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 3 April 2007

Tuesday, 3 April 2007

Questions (399)

Liz McManus

Question:

429 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the Health and Safety Authority report that found inadequate health and safety procedures in most of the hospitals visited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13024/07]

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Written answers

The Health and Safety Authority in 2006, as part of its ongoing day-to-day operations, promoted the occupational safety, health and welfare management system and the audit tool for the health sector, which was developed in partnership with that sector. During 2006 the Authority carried out inspections concentrating on health and safety management in the health services sector, following up on the 2005 campaign in accident and emergency departments of large hospitals. This programme also involved the review of procedures for ensuring better infection control in hospitals so that the health and safety of employees is protected.

The inspections highlighted problems and inadequacy of procedures in most of the hospitals in the following areas: risk assessments for manual handling and for ergonomics; procedures for dealing with violence and aggression in overcrowded departments; handling of chemical and biological agents; prevention of slips, trips and falls; overcrowding and congestion; and infection control.

I understand that the Authority has followed up on these inspections, where appropriate, with the Health Services Executive (HSE).

The Health and Safety Authority's 2007 programme of work commits it to again targeting existing health and safety management systems and practices in the sector, through a programme of 200 inspections. These inspections will focus on worker protection in general hospitals, nursing homes and psychiatric institutions and will include risk assessments for work activities, maintenance/cleaning procedures, security/ violence procedures, manual handling and control of biological agents.

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