Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 May 2014
131. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Social Protection the health and safety risk assessments that are conducted on sites used by her Department to conduct sessions in outsourced sites for members of the public to sign on the live register; the risk indicators that have been identified; the way these are mitigated; the frequency with which risk assessments are reassessed or reviewed; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20613/14]
View answerMy Department provides services from a network of external Branch Offices, which are independently owned and staffed. In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005, there is an obligation on all employers, including Branch Managers, to have a Safety Statement & Risk Assessment completed for their offices and available for inspection.
From time to time, there are cases where the Department arranges for staff of the Department to deliver services from an externally owned premises. Any premises from which staff of the Department operate on an on-going basis needs to be risk assessed, in line with the Department’s obligations to provide for the health, safety and welfare of its staff, visitors, members of the public and contractors. Typical risk indicators include regard for the physical working environment (including hazards); fire safety; emergency preparedness, safe means of access and egress; hygiene; management and organisation of work activities; and prevention (in so far is reasonably practicable) of improper conduct or behaviour likely to put an employees’ safety and health at risk.
Mitigation measures will differ depending on the specific building, but may include the provision of information, instruction, training and supervision necessary; provision, where necessary, of the services of a competent person; ensuring facilities are adequately designed and maintained; measures to be taken in the case of an emergency or serious or imminent danger. Risk assessments are reviewed at least annually, or on the introduction of any new work activity or in the event of any accident or dangerous occurrence, in order to review effectiveness of control measures.
