Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 October 2023
227. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality, in accordance with section 60 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 (No. 10 of 2005) introduced in May 2023, applies to the offices/workplaces of the civil and public services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46265/23]
View answer228. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment how many civil and public sector employers for which the Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality is relevant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46273/23]
View answer229. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will consider it appropriate that employees of public and civil service organisations are working in locations where the Code of Practice on Indoor Air Quality has not been implemented due to lack of awareness or direction by management; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46276/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 227 to 229, inclusive, together.
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, sets out the responsibilities of employers, the self-employed, employees and various other parties in relation to safety and health at work. The Act applies to all employers and employees in all places of work.
Under Section 8 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, all employers have the primary and specific duty of care to their employees to ensure that their health and safety is not adversely affected by work activities. This includes conducting a risk assessment and preparing a safety statement which identifies all hazards and risks and sets out appropriate control and mitigation measures.
The Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), which applies to all places of work, provides guidance on improving and managing indoor air quality in the workplace. It sets out a practical risk assessment approach to be taken to assist employers with making a reasonable determination of IAQ in their workplace. It also provides detailed information on ventilation, air filtration, carbon dioxide monitors and promotes designing out IAQ issues and green procurement and highlights appropriate control measures along with practical checklists and tools for employers.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has overall responsibility for the enforcement of occupational safety and health legislation in Ireland. It monitors compliance with the legislation and can take enforcement action (up to and including prosecutions).
While, to date, no formal assessment has been conducted regarding the awareness levels of employers and employees in the public and private sectors about the Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality, it has been promoted via the HSA’s website and social media channels since its publication in late May 2023. Further promotional initiatives are planned over coming months including more newsletter and social media promotion as well as presentations by the HSA at various conferences and promotion of the Code with relevant key stakeholders.
HSA Inspectors are also raising awareness of the Code of Practice with employers during routine workplace inspections, where appropriate, and inspections addressing IAQ will be included the HSA’s 2024 Programme of Work (currently being finalised) with a specific question set developed to enable the collection of data to determine awareness, and implementation of, the Code of Practice.
Furthermore, an IAQ risk assessment is currently being included in the HSA’s BeSmart online tool and will be launched shortly which will further increase awareness levels amongst small businesses.
If employers or employees have any questions regarding the Code of Practice for Indoor Air Quality, they can contact the HSA directly at contactus@hsa.ie or visit Contact Us - Health and Safety Authority (hsa.ie).
