From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister of State for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Mr Pat Breen TD, has today welcomed Construction Safety Week 2018.
Safety Week is an initiative of the Construction Safety Partnership Advisory Committee (CSPAC) whose members represent all involved in the construction sector including employer and worker representatives, State Agencies and professional Bodies.
Minister Breen said, “While every week must of course be regarded as a “safety week”, having a dedicated week such as this is an ideal opportunity for everyone working in the construction sector to remind themselves of the importance of safe work practices from the inception of a project through to delivery. Apart from the obvious responsibility to protect the lives and health of workers the proper management of health and safety reduces the risk of absenteeism, project delays, potential claims, potential prosecution etc. and the associated economic costs to business and to the State.
The Minister also said, “It is clear that the construction sector is booming once again. There are now approximately 145,0000 people employed in the sector with up to 1000 new jobs being created every month. Many of these workers are new entrants. It is, therefore, absolutely vital that health and safety practices be well managed and that all workers have been made well aware of risks and dangers. While there have been significant improvements in work practices throughout the construction sector in recent years accidents still happen. There have been 5 fatalities so far this year - that is a harsh reality for the family, friends and work colleagues of these 5 people”.
Minister Breen pointed out that both large scale construction projects and smaller projects carry the same inherent risks and there can be no complacency in this regard.
The minister commended the Construction Safety Partnership Advisory Committee, which reports to the Board of the Health and Safety Authority, for its ongoing work and commitment to improving safety in the construction sector.
ENDS
The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation (DBEI) plays a key role in implementing the Government’s policies of stimulating the productive capacity of the economy and creating an environment which supports job creation and maintenance. The Department also has a remit to promote fair competition in the marketplace, protect consumers and safeguard workers.
For further information please contact Press Office, D/Business, Enterprise and Innovation, press.office@dbei.gov.ie or (01) 631-2200