Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he will initiate an investigation into the health and welfare of workers who are compelled to stay on their feet for most of the working day and the occupational health risks associated with prolonged standing at work. [18341/06]

Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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Regulation 4 of the Safety Health at Welfare at Work (Miscellaneous Welfare Provisions) Regulations 1995 (S.I. No. 358 of 1995) states:

"It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure that where any employed persons have in the course of their employment reasonable opportunities for sitting without detriment to their work or where a substantial proportion of any work done by employed persons can properly be done sitting, there shall be provided and maintained for their use suitable facilities for sitting."

If work can be carried out whilst seated, then seating should be provided in all cases. However, if a risk assessment identifies a risk of injury to a worker because of the nature of the work, then remedial action must be taken to minimize the risk.

If the employer does not appropriately deal with the matter, the employee may refer it to the Health and Safety Authority, which will, if warranted, investigate the matter and if necessary, take appropriate enforcement action.

An indicative list of occupational health risks associated with standing at work cannot be provided as risks, if arising and identified in a risk assessment, would depend on the specific job, the individual employee, hours of work, nature of the task etc.