The administration, enforcement and promotion of occupational health and safety legislation is a day-to-day matter for the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health, known as the Health and Safety Authority.
Statistical information concerning the number of workplace fatalities and injuries is collected by the Health and Safety Authority. According to the authority's 1998 annual report, there were 22 fatalities in the construction sector in 1998, with seven other fatalities occurring as a result of construction related activities. Information on the number of persons killed or injured in workplace accidents to date is obtainable directly from the authority at 10 Hogan Place, Dublin 2.
The Health and Safety Authority is, at my request, currently undertaking a review of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, and associated legislation, and I expect to receive proposals from the authority before the end of the year on any improvements in the legislation that may be considered necessary, including the provisions relating to safety consultation, safety representation, enforcement and penalty provisions.
The proper management of workplace health and safety in all sectors of employment is based on the principles of legislation, enforcement, information and partnership. The resourcing of the Health and Safety Authority is not the only determining factor in ensuring proper compliance with occupational health and safety legislation. Inspection is but one element in the drive to improve safety standards in all sectors of employment. While the primary statutory duty of care to ensure a safe place of work rests with the employer, joint responsibility, commitment and participation from all sides is necessary to foster safe work practices at ground level. I am, however, continuing to work on behalf of the authority in order to make available the necessary resources to enable it to properly carry out its statutory functions.
Many times, and particularly during 1998, I have urged the parties involved to strengthen their commitment to partnership. Recent discussions between the authority, ICTU, and CIF have culminated in the construction safety partnership agreement which I launched in October 1999. This agreement represents the true spirit of partnership in that it has been negotiated, and will be implemented by, those most directly concerned. The construction safety partnership is to produce a construction industry safety plan within three months, which will incorporate the recommendations of both the Forum for the Construction Industry and the authority's construction advisory committee and will include proposals related to consultation and safety representation. I look forward to receiving this plan in due course.
In addition to the construction safety partnership, a construction site safety representatives pilot programme was also announced. This pilot programme will benefit directly the participating projects and will also generate an awareness of health and safety among all employers and employees. There is an increased willingness on all sides to make safety work.
I assure the Deputy that genuine efforts are being made on all fronts by the parties to promote improved health and safety standards in the construction sector and I will continue to offer my support and advice in any way I can.
