Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 February 2008
39 Deputy Joanna Tuffy asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the 34% increase in the number of deaths recorded in workplace accidents during 2007; the proposals he has to ensure a reduction in the number of workplace accidents and deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8328/08]
View answer58 Deputy Emmet Stagg asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the significant increase in the number of deaths recorded in workplace accidents in the construction sector during 2007; the proposals he has to ensure a reduction in the number of construction accidents and deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8329/08]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 39 and 58 together.
The number of deaths recorded in workplace accidents during 2007 was 67 compared to 51 fatalities in 2006. Of these 18 were in construction in 2007, an increase of 5 on 2006.
In terms of injuries, there were over 7,000 non-fatal work injuries overall reported to the Authority in 2007. The most common non-fatal accident triggers for all sectors were handling, lifting and carrying (34%), and slips, trips and falls (18%). These triggers have been repeatedly the two most common every year since 2000.
Construction is one of the sectors which is repeatedly in the top three sectors which have the most accidents. I have stated on a number of occasions that I am concerned at the increase in fatalities in the construction sector. The Health and Safety Authority shares this concern and continues to focus its inspection and awareness campaigns in this and other high-risk sectors as it has been doing. Also it will continue to work with employer and employee organisations to make workplace safety, health and welfare an integral part of doing business in every workplace.
The Authority's programme of work for 2008 sets out its key priorities and activities and targets a 10% increase in the number of workplace inspections this year to 17,500. In relation to the construction sector the Authority will carry out 7,000 construction site inspections in 2008. Also, the Authority will continue to implement the 2006 Construction Regulations and the Safe System of Work Plan (SSWP).
The Safe System of Work Plan is a system that was designed in Ireland and was first introduced in 2005 by the Health and Safety Authority, which is 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.
Together with the above, the Authority, in consultation with its stakeholders, is finalising a comprehensive Code of Practice for small employers in the construction sector, which is a further tool in advocating safe practice in the workplace.
In addition to this in 2008 the Authority will also develop, consult on and publish codes of practice on construction anchors, precast concrete and roofwork.
