asked the Minister for Labour whether he accepts that employees are more exposed to air pollution, smell and noise at work than in their private lives; and if he intends to take any action in the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Workers' Environment.
74.
Depending on the nature of the employment and also depending on the environment in which they spend their private lives, workers could, in particular instances, be more exposed to air pollution, smell and noise at work than in their private lives.
Under the factories legislation it is the primary responsibility of the employer to take all practical measures to protect the workers against dust or fumes or other impurity likely to be injurious or offensive to the workers. This responsibility is supplemented by statutory regulations related to various specific hazards in this area.
I intend in the near future to promulgate a code of regulations dealing with noise. The Minister for Local Government has made regulations controlling the pollution of the atmosphere.
I am very happy to hear the Minister say it is the intention to take certain measures in the near future, but will he not agree that the measures taken not only by the previous Government but so far by this Government have been inadequate in dealing with the problem?
I am not responsible for the previous Government and what that Government did. In reply to a question by the Deputy some time back I mentioned we had a survey proceeding and the results of that survey are now to hand and regulations will issue shortly.