Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 April 2024
62. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he is aware of health and safety issues in the fishing sector (details supplied); the steps he is taking to ensure that the health and safety of fishers is prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15687/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere is a comprehensive suite of occupational safety and health legislation in place in Ireland designed to protect the health and safety of workers and to mitigate against work related injuries, ill-health and fatalities.
Under the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005 employers have an obligation to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare of employees at work. Employers have a duty to undertake a risk assessment to identify the hazards in the workplace and to put in place appropriate controls to protect employees.
In relation to the regulation of occupational safety and health in the Fishing Sector, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and the Irish Maritime Administration (IMA) enforce the Irish legislation with regard to safety and health on board fishing vessels. In general, the HSA enforce occupational health and safety legislation whilst the IMA enforce maritime safety legislation.
The purpose of occupational health and safety law is to reduce the number of workplace deaths, injury and ill-health at work, the vast majority of which can be prevented by adequate risk assessment, established safety procedures, following published guidance, and taking safety precautions.
The specific occupational health and safety legislation enforced by the HSA and applicable to the fishing sector includes:
- The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
- The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Applications) Regulations 2007 to 2023
- The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Fishing Vessels) Regulations 1999
To help workers in the management of fishing safety, the HSA has a published guidance titled Managing Health and Safety in Fishing which is available free of charge on its website at hsa.ie. This guidance was developed by the HSA in consultation with a wide range of industry stakeholders as listed within the document.
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing unit within the Occupational Health Division at the HSA regulate the sector, enforce compliance with the regulations and provide advice to the sector.
Specific complaints can be made directly to the Health and Safety Authority using the online complaints form on the HSA’s website at www.hsa.ie/eng/customer_service/make_a_complaint/
All complaints about workplace safety, health and welfare issues are important and treated confidentially. Complaints will initially be reviewed to assess the most appropriate course of action.
All relevant Regulations are updated, as necessary, on a regular basis to ensure the highest standards regarding safety at work are maintained and in accordance with EU Directives as appropriate.
Any employer or employee with a query or concern about workplace safety should contact the HSA at contactus@hsa.ie or by LoCall 0818 289 389.
Separately, I would highlight that the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) provides a free information service for anyone seeking to obtain information about their employment rights and how to pursue them at Tel: 0818 808090. Further information is available on the WRC’s website www.workplacerelations.ie.
