Menu
25/08/2006
Time To End Death In The Workplace
Mr Tony Killeen, Irish Minister for Labour Affairs speaking at the IOSH Interconstruct Conference “Success built on failure” said “the time had arrived when all those engaged in the construction sector took responsibility and played their part in ending death and injury in their workplaces”.
The two day international conference is being attended by representatives from the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), Safety Institute of Australia (SIA) and Canadian Society of Safety Engineers (CSSE), along with speakers from other areas of construction. The Minister said “last year 23 people lost their lives on Irish construction sites; so far this year 9 have died. While this is an improvement on figures for this time last year it is still 9 deaths too many. I am committed to ensuring rigorous enforcement to bring about change in the health and safety record of our workplaces. It is also crucial that one of our economy’s most important sectors maintains a healthy, safe and vibrant workforce. Minister Killeen pointed out that Occupational safety and health legislation is being modernised to support the task of greater enforcement. “The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 which commenced almost a year ago sets the scene for achieving further improvements in the national record on safety and health over the next few decades”, he said.
“The primary focus of this Act is to encourage a responsible attitude on the part of both employers and employees to cultivate a culture of prevention of accidents and illnesses in the workplace. The Act also provides for significantly increased fines and penalties aimed at deterring the minority who continue to flout safety and health laws.
“Shortly I will introduce new Regulations specifically for the Construction Sector. These will build on requirements in existing regulations and clarify roles in relation to design and management of construction projects. The regulations have been the subject of extensive consultation both by public forum and through the tripartite structure of the Health & Safety Authority. I’d like to commend the Authority, the social partners and the professional bodies in particular for their participation in development of these regulations. I firmly believe that consultation is invaluable in developing and fostering acceptance of good legislation”, Minister Killeen added. (CD)
The two day international conference is being attended by representatives from the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), Safety Institute of Australia (SIA) and Canadian Society of Safety Engineers (CSSE), along with speakers from other areas of construction. The Minister said “last year 23 people lost their lives on Irish construction sites; so far this year 9 have died. While this is an improvement on figures for this time last year it is still 9 deaths too many. I am committed to ensuring rigorous enforcement to bring about change in the health and safety record of our workplaces. It is also crucial that one of our economy’s most important sectors maintains a healthy, safe and vibrant workforce. Minister Killeen pointed out that Occupational safety and health legislation is being modernised to support the task of greater enforcement. “The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 which commenced almost a year ago sets the scene for achieving further improvements in the national record on safety and health over the next few decades”, he said.
“The primary focus of this Act is to encourage a responsible attitude on the part of both employers and employees to cultivate a culture of prevention of accidents and illnesses in the workplace. The Act also provides for significantly increased fines and penalties aimed at deterring the minority who continue to flout safety and health laws.
“Shortly I will introduce new Regulations specifically for the Construction Sector. These will build on requirements in existing regulations and clarify roles in relation to design and management of construction projects. The regulations have been the subject of extensive consultation both by public forum and through the tripartite structure of the Health & Safety Authority. I’d like to commend the Authority, the social partners and the professional bodies in particular for their participation in development of these regulations. I firmly believe that consultation is invaluable in developing and fostering acceptance of good legislation”, Minister Killeen added. (CD)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 May 2006
Committment Reviewed To Reduce Workplace Deaths
Mr Tony Killeen, the Minister for Labour Affairs, delivering the opening address at the Construction Safety Summit has stressed the need to reduce workplace deaths and injuries.
Committment Reviewed To Reduce Workplace Deaths
Mr Tony Killeen, the Minister for Labour Affairs, delivering the opening address at the Construction Safety Summit has stressed the need to reduce workplace deaths and injuries.
01 June 2010
Small Contractors' Safety In Focus
The safety of workers on building sites was in focus this week with news of a new initiative to promote safer workplaces. The Irish Minister for Labour Affairs and Public Service Transformation, Dara Calleary has launched the new SMP20 (Safety Management Pack) for small construction contractors.
Small Contractors' Safety In Focus
The safety of workers on building sites was in focus this week with news of a new initiative to promote safer workplaces. The Irish Minister for Labour Affairs and Public Service Transformation, Dara Calleary has launched the new SMP20 (Safety Management Pack) for small construction contractors.
03 March 2010
HSE Workers Fight Pay Cuts
A campaign against pay cuts by civil and public service workers has increased in intensity today as Health Service Executive workers announce a plan to extend industrial action this week. From 9am this morning until 1pm, HSE workers in the Dublin and northeast region will stop answering telephones.
HSE Workers Fight Pay Cuts
A campaign against pay cuts by civil and public service workers has increased in intensity today as Health Service Executive workers announce a plan to extend industrial action this week. From 9am this morning until 1pm, HSE workers in the Dublin and northeast region will stop answering telephones.
24 November 2010
NHS 'Domestic Dispute' On Way
An urgent call for 200 more domestic staff in the local health service to safeguard and enhance patient safety will be made today by the trade union UNISON.
NHS 'Domestic Dispute' On Way
An urgent call for 200 more domestic staff in the local health service to safeguard and enhance patient safety will be made today by the trade union UNISON.
13 October 2003
National Construction College Scotland Launches New Apprenticeship
The Scottish construction industry's need for a dramatic improvement in its health and safety record has led to the development of a new training course. The Occupational Health and Safety SVQ Level 3 has been developed by the National Construction College Scotland – the training division of the CITB Construction Skills.
National Construction College Scotland Launches New Apprenticeship
The Scottish construction industry's need for a dramatic improvement in its health and safety record has led to the development of a new training course. The Occupational Health and Safety SVQ Level 3 has been developed by the National Construction College Scotland – the training division of the CITB Construction Skills.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
