asked the Minister for Labour the number of factory accidents involving injury to employees in each of the last two years for which figures are available; and whether any further action to improve the position is being considered.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Factory Accidents.
59.
The number of accidents reported under the Factories Act, 1955, in the last two years ended 30th September was as follows:—
|
1967 |
2,737 |
|
1968 |
2,711 |
Among the measures being taken to deal with the industrial accident situation are:—
(a) a substantial increase in the strength of the factory inspectorate to enable it to operate more effectively as a safety advisory and accident prevention service;
(b) a general review of the law relating to safety, health and welfare of workers;
(c) a campaign to have more safety committees set up in factories and other workplaces;
(d) a review of the arrangements for financial support for the National Industrial Safety Organisation—the voluntary representative body which looks after publicity and organisation of training courses in industrial safety.
Would I be correct in saying that recently the Minister stated that he had discovered there had been a very poor response to his appeal in regard to this safety factor in industry and that, if the position did not improve, he would have to introduce legislation to compel factories to set up safety committees?
I told the Dáil on one occasion that I might have to ask the Dáil for legal powers. In the meantime I am trying to encourage workers to set up these safety committees, but the response has been disappointing.
The obligation is shared by both management and workers?
No.
It should be.
The initiative was given to the workers at the specific request of the workers. That initiative has not been used far a variety of reasons. I think workers believe that, if they take the initiative in this particular area, they may suffer victimisation in other areas of activity. I have been trying to encourage the trade unions to promote these committees but, in the end, it may be necessary to put the onus on management as well.
The Minister must be aware that he has had repeated representations made to him to have the onus put on management. Having regard to what he has just said about the fear that exists in some workers' minds, it is a shame that the present situation should be allowed to continue.
It was the Labour Deputies in this House who sought this amendment in the 1955 Act and who asked that the initiative should be given to the workers. I thought we should do our best to make these committees function without making them absolutely compulsory but, if compulsion becomes necessary, then I shall have to seek powers from the House.
The statutory obligation is on the employer?
It will probably be necessary to put the obligation on the employer.