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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 25 Oct 2001

Vol. 543 No. 1

Written Answers. - Health and Safety Regulations.

Liam Burke

Ceist:

87 Mr. L. Burke asked the Minister for Health and Children if he is satisfied that adequate health and safety at work safeguards are in place. [25515/01]

The issue of health and safety in the workplace is one which I consider to be of the highest importance. As the Deputy is aware, responsibility for health and safety in the workplace lies with my colleague, the Tánaiste and Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, through the Health and Safety Authority. I fully support the work of the HSA both in its advisory role on health and safety issues and in the enforcement of health and safety legislation.

As far as health and safety in the health service is concerned, as set out in the HSA's annual report for 2000 there were no fatalities in the health and social work sector. Notwithstanding this, I am continuing to take measures to reduce risks to health and safety and create a safer environment for all those working in the health service.

In February 2001 I met the HSA to discuss health and safety issues in the health service and welcomed its plans to step up its ongoing programme of review of health and safety in the health sector. Subsequently, I wrote to the chief executive officer of each health board, reminding it of its obligation to minimise and effectively manage all risks to the health and safety of its employees.
In May 2001 the Report of the Advisory Committee on Health Services was launched. This is a detailed and comprehensive report encompassing all aspects of health and safety in the health sector, including the critical issue of occupational health and safety. The advisory committee's report which highlights the importance of creating a safety culture within health service organisations will provide the primary basis for my plans to continue to seek to protect and enhance the health and safety of all those working in the health service.
A further health and safety issue is the threat of violence against health service workers. I consider this a very serious matter. Consequently, last year each health board was asked to submit details of a review of their security arrangements in their accident and emergency units, and to identify deficiencies. Following that review I was able to allocate £1 million to improve security in accident and emergency departments. This money was allocated to address issues such as additional security personnel, installation of CCTV and training of staff in how to handle aggressive patients.
I have also requested the HSEA to convene an expert working group to develop guidelines on what constitutes an optimum occupational health and safety and welfare service for health care staff. The terms of reference for this group is to develop guidelines which will support health service employers in the development, organisation and operation of a specialist led multidisciplinary occupational health and safety and welfare service for health care staff, and to make recommendations in regard to the setting up, monitoring and evaluation of a pilot site(s). The membership of the group which I expect to report by year end includes representatives of management, unions and the Health and Safety Authority.
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