Written Answers. - Workplace Accidents.
Brian O'Shea
Ceist:
118
Mr. O'Shea
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment
the number of deaths and injuries reported during 2001 as a result of accidents in the construction industry; the numbers reported to date in 2002; the figures for the equivalent period in 2001; when it is intended to introduce legislation to increase fines for employers who breach safety rules in the construction industry and elsewhere; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[13639/02]
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, the National Authority for Occupational Safety and Health, also 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 a day-to-day function of the authority.
Statistical information concerning the number of fatalities and injuries in any work sector is collected by and obtainable from the authority.
I have been informed by the authority that there were 22 construction related fatalities in 2001, of which 14 were workers in the construction sector, four were workers in other sectors involved in construction activities and four were members of the public. The number of accidents in the construction sector, resulting in more than three days absence from work, reported to the authority for 2001 is 1,272.
The number of construction related fatalities reported to date for the period January to mid-June is 11 of which nine were workers in the construction sector, one was a worker in another sector involved in construction activities and one was a member of the public. The number of accidents, resulting in more than three days absence from work, reported to date for the period January to mid-June is 318. In this context it should be noted that there is often a time-lag in the reporting of such accidents.
The number of reported construction related fatalities for the period January to mid-June 2001 was seven. All of these fatalities were workers in the construction sector. The number of reported accidents resulting in more than three days absence from work for the same period was 618.
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, including detailed regulations dealing specifically with the construction sector.
The partnership approach to safety, as embodied by the Construction Safety Partnership, is crucial in underpinning ongoing improvements in safety standards in the construction sector. The CSP is working to a detailed three year plan to improve safety, health and welfare standards in the construction industry. The plan contains a range of 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, most recently, the development of amendments to the construction regulations.
These legislative amendments took effect on a phased basis from 1 January. They are extremely significant in that they introduce, for the first time, the concepts of mandatory safety training and mandatory safety representation, while also providing for better on-site welfare facilities. A further full review of the construction regulations is taking place under the auspices of the CSP.
In addition, legislative proposals to amend the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, with particular reference to the issues of offences, penalties, safety representation, safety training and safety management, have been developed at departmental level.
These proposals have recently received Government approval and, following legal draft ing, it is expected that a safety, health and welfare at work Bill will be published later this year. A strengthened and updated Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 1989, will of course be of benefit to all sectors of employment, including the construction sector.
