Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 64: 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; her proposals to ensure a reduction in the number of such accidents and deaths; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [41073/09]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

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 35 workplace deaths reported to the Authority to date in 2009 (as at 09.11.09). 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 an absence of more than three days from normal work following the accident are required to be reported to the Authority.

There have been 5,446 non-fatal work related accidents reported to the Authority to date in 2009 (as at 09.11.09). 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.

The Health and Safety Authority's 2009 Programme of Work, which was launched in February last, sets out a comprehensive range of activities to make workplaces safer and it contains a good balance between prevention, advice and enforcement. It is planned to continue in this vein in 2010 with a focus on high-risk sectors.

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. Even in these challenging economic times, it is important to maintain the focus on workplace safety.

The Health and Safety 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.