Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of deaths and injuries arising from workplace accidents generally, and specifically in regard to the construction industry for 2006; the way these figures compare with 2003, 2004 and 2005; the additional steps he will take to reduce such accidents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31145/07]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Figures published by the Health and Safety Authority show that in 2006 there were 50 recorded fatalities in Ireland as a result of work related accidents, compared to 74 work-related deaths in 2005, 50 in 2004 and 68 in 2003.

As regards construction, there were 12 fatalities in 2006 and 23, 16, and 20 for the years 2005, 2004 and 2003 respectively. Of the 12 fatalities in 2006, 11 were workers and 1 was a member of the public. Last year saw the introduction of significant legislative change in the construction sector with the introduction of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 504 of 2006) from 1 November.

The Construction Regulations 2006 build on design and management requirements introduced in earlier Regulations and also on the duties related to construction work set out in section 17 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

To improve health and safety standards on construction sites, the Health and Safety Authority has to date in 2007:

carried out a focused programme of 6,024 construction site inspections covering appointment of competent designers, project supervisors and contractors, safety and health plans and safety statements, work at heights, traffic management and vehicle-reversing safety, welfare arrangements, and slips, trips and falls on a level,

carried out 91 inspections of designers concentrating on design risk assessments for work at a height and the provision of slip resistant floor surfaces,

held 2 Construction Campaigns focusing on work at heights, safe use of ladders, working platforms, vehicle safety, traffic management, health surveillance and Safe System of Work Plans awareness,

produced information notes and guidance on Work at Height Regulations and in particular the Safe use of Ladders and Working Platforms,

developed a Code of Practice on Safety Statements for employers of three or less in construction,

developed a Code of Practice for Scaffolding,

developed a Code of Practice for Overhead Power Lines,

updated Guidance to reflect the 2006 Construction Regulations,

developed in conjunction with the Local Authorities a Safe System of Work Plan (SSWP) for Road Maintenance.

In addition, there is a considerable emphasis on safety in the high risk sectors, including construction, in the Health and Safety Authority's Work Programme for 2008.