Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 82: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of workplace accidents and workplace deaths recorded in each year from 2002 to date in 2009; the proposals she has to ensure a reduction in the number of such accidents and deaths; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13361/09]

Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Health and Safety Authority is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and associated statutory provisions. There have been 8 workplace deaths reported to the Authority to date in 2009 (as at 30.03.09). The numbers of workplace deaths reported to the Authority for the years 2002-2008 are as follows – 57 in 2008; 67 in 2007; 51 in 2006; 74 in 2005; 50 in 2004; 68 in 2003 and 61 in 2002.

Non-fatal accidents, resulting in absence of more than three days from normal work following the accident, are required to be reported to the Authority. There have been 1,886 non-fatal work related accidents reported to the Authority to date in 2009 (as at 30.03.09). There were 6,998 in 2008, 7,816 in 2007, 7,844 in 2006, 8,104 in 2005, 8,453 in 2004, 6,622 in 2003, and 7,746 in 2002. While it is not possible to be satisfied that all accidents at workplaces are reported, I am not aware that the Authority has come across evidence that suggests under reporting of workplace accidents resulting in fatalities.

The Health and Safety Authority's 2009 Programme of Work, which I launched last month sets out a comprehensive range of activities to make workplaces safer and it contains a good balance between prevention, advice and enforcement. The Authority in 2009 intends to continue to focus on the high-risk sectors of agriculture and construction, which have seen the highest proportions of fatalities in the last four years. Of the 57 workplace fatalities reported to the Authority last year, the highest number (21) was in the agriculture sector, the second highest was in construction (15).

Day to day responsibility for workplace safety rests with those in the workplace — employers and employees and safe workplaces can ultimately only be delivered by those who control and work in them. The Health and Safety Authority is proactive in encouraging safety in all workplaces and when carrying out its inspection function, the Authority devotes a lot of its time advising as to safety at work and safe systems of work. In general, this advice is well received and it is only where there is a failure to comply with advice or a real and immediate threat to health and safety does the Authority commence enforcement procedures.

The Authority publishes guidelines, codes of practice and other advice on safety on a regular basis as well as organising sectoral seminars or conferences to promote the occupational safety and health message, as part of its advocacy role. These activities, together with the information on the Authority's website, are of critical importance to all those in the workplace if Ireland's safety record is to be improved.