Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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The programme was developed some time ago by the HSA. As the world becomes digitalised and people use smartphones, iPads computers, etc., it is much easier for someone to go online to for information regarding health and safety. A site and an app were developed to look at the risks in industry and it is reaching more than 38,000 business. That is a phenomenal number. This can be replicated in other industries, particularly farming. The success of the HSA in the construction sector is borne out by the figures in recent times. The greatest number of workplace accidents in recent years has been on farms. The HSA ran an awareness campaign in conjunction with the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Dún Laoghaire which, in particular, broadcast graphic videos of the injuries that can occur in construction accidents. They can happen in a moment. Two or three construction workers volunteered for these videos and they are being promoted by the hospital in Dún Laoghaire. This has been effective. We have to target the videos at smaller construction contractors because the bigger contractors have their own health and safety officers. The Be Smart programme online has been an example of what can be done. It has been chosen by the Commission as a basis of mutual learning exercises as part of the modernisation of health and safety legislation in today's world.

The construction sector is back. There is a great deal of work going on. One can see the many towering cranes all over Dublin city at the moment. The Be Smart app allows companies to do an assessment online, which is extremely important. It is easy to use and it takes away the mystery of health and safety legislation for companies. It has been successful, the HSA is proud of it and it is looking at this as a template for other sectors.