Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020

Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Questions (612)

Paul Murphy

Question:

612. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation if she will call for the closure of a construction site (details supplied) until a full Covid-19 risk assessment has been carried out and safety procedures are agreed for the site by the HSA, the workplace and safety reps, the Covid-19 safety rep and trade union safety reps in accordance with the Return to Work Protocol and the HSE Covid-19 guidelines; and if the HSA will be instructed to inspect this site for breaches of the Return to Work Protocol and HSE Covid-19 safety guidelines and issue enforcement proceedings to ensure full compliance. [6439/20]

Written answers

Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation

The inspection of workplaces and any actions arising from inspections are, in the first instance, an operational matter for the Health and Safety Authority. In deciding to carry out a workplace inspection, the Health and Safety Authority consider a number of factors, including receipt of complaints in relation to practices at a place of work. 

I launched the Return to Work Safely on the 9th of May, prior to this the Construction Industry Federation produced an on-line induction course and a guidance document for the construction sector. This guidance was quickly amended to ensure it reflected the  Return to Work Safely Protocol. I would expect the construction sector to abide by the rules set out in the Protocol. 

Any concerns about potential breaches of occupational safety and health legislation at a specific place of work and/or in regard to adherence with the provisions of the national Return to Work Safely Protocol should be brought to the attention of the Health and Safety Authority by contacting its Workplace Contact Unit.