Vol. 541 No. 5
97 Deputy Boylan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the plans she has to improve workplace safety with particular reference to building site construction; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23229/01]
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health – known as the Health and Safety Authority – is the State body charged with overall responsibility for the administration, enforcement and promotion of workplace safety and health. Matters arising from this responsibility are, therefore, a day to day function of the authority.
The management of health and safety standards in the construction sector, as in all sectors of employment, requires the fulfilment of their respective responsibilities and duties by all parties concerned. There is already in existence a strong occupational health and safety legislative code which is enforced in a proactive manner by the Health and Safety Authority.
The Health and Safety Authority continues to regard the construction sector as a priority area of activity and, in this regard, the additional financial and staffing resources which I have secured for the authority, are being put to particular effect in the construction sector through targeted inspection, enforcement and awareness raising activities. However, both I and the authority are of the firm belief that for greater health and safety improvements to be brought about in that sector, a continuance of a partnership approach to health and safety, as embodied by the construction safety partnership, is crucial.
The CSP is composed of representatives of the CIF, ICTU and SIPTU as well as the HSA and other relevant Departments and agencies. In November 2000 it produced a detailed three year plan to improve safety, health and welfare standards in the construction industry. The plan includes measures to improve safety consultation and safety representation, safety training and the introduction of safety management systems.
Since its establishment the CSP has overseen significant progress in a number of areas including the initiation of a safety representatives pilot project. This project has resulted so far in the provision of training for 160 safety representatives and is a highly commendable joint ICTU/CIF project. Other areas of progress include the undertaking of a major training programme for safety officers and safety managers, increased inspection by the Health and Safety Authority and the establishment of a joint ICTU/CIF safety council to collaborate on information, promotion and research activities.
I thank the Minister for his detailed reply on the responsibility of the Health and Safety Authority. Nevertheless, this question was prompted by the regrettable number of fatalities on building sites over the summer months, which was exceptionally high. Will the Minister accept that he has a responsibility to see that workers are protected? In relation to summer student workers, will the Minister insist that these workers be given a proper safety training course? Generally, these workers clean up on building sites and they need protection. Will the Minister also accept that time constraints on contracts lead to corners being cut? With competition again increasing in the construction industry, does the Minister accept that this will also lead to corners being cut to reduce costs? In the best interests of workers, for whom this House has a responsibility, will the Minister ensure for the workforce – skilled and unskilled – that building sites in Ireland are safe?
I accept that this sector requires particular attention. In my role as Minister of State with responsibility for labour, I have given this more attention than other sectors. Farming is another sector that needs particular attention because of the number of accidents and fatalities. The Deputy may be aware that I have decided to change the regulations in relation to training. We now have the concept of mandatory training, and mandatory safety representation will be part of new regulations which I hope to sign shortly. I will raise the issue of students working with the CIF because their protection during summer work is an important consideration.
The construction safety partnership plan, in bringing together CIF and ICTU, is the way forward in relation to the cutting of corners. Many of these issues have been brought to the fore through this plan and there is now a greater awareness of how to deal with these issues in a partnership way. Companies and unions working together is the best way to ensure proper management structures are in place, and that workers on sites wear the proper protection. Much work has been done but I accept that the figures are very worrying. The authority has told me that there were 19 construction fatalities in 2000 and 15 fatal accidents reported to date this year. One death is one death too many.
Does the Minister or his Department have plans to meet the farm organisations in relation to this matter?
Does the Deputy mean in relation to construction accidents?
No. There have been a number of fatal accidents in the agriculture industry. This does not just apply to building sites. The workplace is mentioned. Are there plans to meet the farm organisations?
I put it to the Minister that this is an area that requires a sense of urgency on his part. Enforcement and detection play a crucial role in ensuring a reduction in accidents at work. Perhaps consideration might be given by his Department, in the context of revised legislation, to on-the-spot fines. The wearing of safety clothing and equipment are matters of fact. If an inspector enters a site and sees that workers do not have the appropriate equipment, that is a matter of fact. It can be dealt with by means of on-the-spot fine and not by the procrastination which appears to be the order of the day from the Minister.
On the last question, I asked the HSA to review the legislation which is over ten years old. The issue of on-the-spot fines is central. It is one with which I want to deal as soon as possible. The review is now back from the HSA and I will deal with it as soon as I can.
On the question of consulting with farm organisations, I have and will continue to consult with them in relation to farm accidents. There have been far too many accidents, particularly involving young children. We have worked closely with all the farming organisations and will continue to do so. In fact, many construction accidents take place on isolated sites related to farms, with people carrying out works on farms or renovating buildings. It is interesting to see from the figures that on the larger, well organised construction sites, the number of accidents and fatalities is thankfully low. We will continue to consult with farming organisations.
