Michael Ring
Ceist:61 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if the Health and Safety Authority has unlimited access to all post-primary schools in order to carry out inspections. [11124/02]
Written Answers. - Health and Safety Regulations.
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, is the principal legislation dealing with occupational health and safety. The 1989 Act applies to all places of work and to all employers, employees and the self-employed. The Health and Safety Authority has access to all places of employment, including post-primary schools, in order to carry out inspections.
Michael Ring
Ceist:62 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the schools in County Mayo and nationwide that have been inspected by the Health and Safety Authority in view of the fact that it is in compliance with the Health and Safety Act that supervisors are employed. [11125/02]
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989 is the principal piece of legislation dealing with occupational health and safety. This Act applies to all places of work and to all employers, employees and the self-employed.
The employment of supervisors, or otherwise, in schools is not a specific requirement under the 1989 Act. However, the Act provides that it is the primary duty of every employer to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of all employees, and that persons not in his employment, who may be affected thereby, are not exposed to risks to their safety and health.
The Health and Safety Authority is responsible for the promotion, administration and enforcement of the relevant statutory provisions in the area of occupational health and safety and the carrying out of inspections is a day-to-day matter for the authority in which I have no function.
I have been informed by the authority that while it has not prioritised inspections of schools in County Mayo or nationwide, where a serious risk or hazard or dangerous practice is brought to its attention, as with all other places of employment, it will be investigated in accordance with the provisions of the 1989 Act.