Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 48: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the significant increase in the number of deaths recorded in workplace accidents in the construction sector during 2007; the proposals he has to ensure a reduction in the number of construction accidents and deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16561/08]

Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his views on the 34% increase in the number of deaths recorded in workplace accidents during 2007; the proposals he has to ensure a reduction in the number of workplace accidents and deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16560/08]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 48 and 65 together.

The number of deaths recorded in workplace accidents during 2007 was 67 compared to 51 fatalities in 2006. Of these, 18 occurred in the construction sector in 2007, an increase of 5 on the 2006 figures.

In terms of injuries, there were over 7,000 non-fatal work injuries overall reported to the Health and Safety Authority in 2007. The most common non-fatal accident triggers for all sectors were handling, lifting and carrying (34%), and slips, trips and falls (18%). These have repeatedly been the two most common categories every year since 2000. However, there has been a steady decrease in the number of injuries reported to the Authority each year since 2004. Construction is one of the sectors which is repeatedly in the top three sectors which suffer the most accidents.

I am on record as having voiced the Government's concerns at the increase in fatalities in the construction sector. The Health and Safety Authority shares those concern and continues to focus its inspection and awareness campaigns on this and other high-risk sectors. Also, the Authority continues to work with employer and employee organisations to make workplace safety, health and welfare an integral part of doing business in every workplace.

The Authority's programme of work for 2008 sets out its key priorities and activities and targets a 10% increase in the number of workplace inspections this year to 17,500. In relation to the construction sector the Authority has plans to carry out 7,000 construction site inspections in 2008. Also, the Authority will continue to implement the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Construction) Regulations 2006 and the Safe System of Work Plan (SSWP).

The Safe System of Work Plan is a system that was designed in Ireland and is aimed at reducing injuries and deaths on construction sites. The system was first introduced by the Health and Safety Authority in 2005. The initiative is based on pictograms to explain and clarify hazards and controls, thereby creating a wordless document where safety can be communicated to all workers regardless of literacy or language skills. The Safe System of Work Plan aims to focus on those in the construction industry who are most at risk, allowing them to ensure that all necessary safety controls are in place prior to the commencement of planned work. This system recently received a Taoiseach's Award for Excellence in the Public Service.

Together with the above, the Authority, following consultation with its stakeholders, has launched a comprehensive Construction Safety Code of Practice for Contractors with Three or Less Employees, which is a further tool in advocating safe practice in the workplace. I also understand that a Code of Practice on scaffolding safety is due for publication shortly.

In addition to this in 2008 the Authority plans to develop, consult on and publish codes of practice on construction anchors, pre-cast concrete and roof work.