Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North-West, Fianna Fail)
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65. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the measures HSA are taking in targeting the sea fishing sector to reduce high fatality rates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33220/25]

Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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While much progress has been made over recent decades in improving workplace health and safety, the fact remains that people continue to be killed and badly hurt in work-related incidents.

Last year, 34 people lost their lives due to work activity in Ireland. Since 2005, 24 workers have died as a result of work-related activity in the fishing and aquaculture sector. Although there has been a welcome reduction in the number of fatalities in this sector over the past 5 years, it is important to remember that these are not just statistics; they represent individuals, families, friends, and communities who have been left devastated.

The foundation of workplace health and safety is clear: every worker is entitled to a safe place of work, and every employer has a duty to provide it. There is a strong legislative regime in Ireland to underpin that obligation and to protect all workers in terms of work-related health and safety.

Through targeted inspections, industry partnerships, education and the development of expanded digital resources, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) aims to support workers and employers in fostering safe, compliant and productive work environments. To this end the HSA recently targeted the Sea Fishing Sector in an inspection campaign that commenced on Tuesday 3 June for a two-week period.

During the campaign, inspectors from the HSA inspected vessels docked at key sea fishing ports around the coast including Dingle, Killybegs, Castletownbere, Rossaveal, Dunmore East and Kilmore Quay with the aim of raising awareness of the hazards faced in the industry and the importance of managing safety and health before leaving port and while at sea.

Key hazards were addressed such as working in confined spaces, exposure to biological and chemical agents, risk of electrical shock, falling overboard or capsizing, manual handling, and extreme fatigue due to long hours at sea. Inspectors sought risk assessments and safety statements for each of the vessels inspected.

The HSA provides a range of guidance for the fishing sector including a Health and Safety Authority Fishing Vessel Safety Statement template which identifies frequently encountered hazards on fishing vessels and outlines other requirements vital for keeping everyone safe onboard.

The HSA participate in the National Emergency Co-ordination Group who distribute messaging on extreme weather events. However, a workplace risk assessment is one of the key tools for protecting the safety and health of workers who may be exposed to risks due to their work, including the risks arising or increasing due to weather events such as excessive heat or storms.

In addition, the Health and Safety Authority Managing Health and Safety in Fishing guidance document aims to provide practical guidance and to help improve standards of safety and health in the commercial sea/marine fishing sector.