Mr. Tom Kitt T.D., Minister for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs today (Wednesday 13th January, 1999) launched a Health and Safety Publication Are You Ready For The Millennium Bug at the Nifast Liberty Risk Services Seminar on the safety implications of the year 2000 bug in Clontarf Castle.

Speaking at the launch Minister Kitt said "This publication has been produced by the Health and Safety Authority and adds to their excellent existing array of literature and information available to the public. I am aware that NIFAST has worked closely with the Authority on the production of this booklet and I welcome this as a good example of a successful partnership approach working towards a common goal."

In common with all business functions, workplace health and safety has benefited enormously from the computer age as more and more systems are controlled and monitored by accurate and reliable programmable electronic systems. Workplace health and safety systems range from process control systems to fire detection and suppression systems to lift controls and air conditioning systems. Because many of these systems are controlled or monitored by built-in systems it can be difficult to identify or test them. Most businesses are assessing and testing their computer systems, but comparatively few are looking at non-IT systems and equipment. This is a matter of concern because any malfunction of these systems could lead to their failing to respond correctly in certain circumstances including emergency situations. Business must ask themselves "What if ..... ?" and take the appropriate step now rather than wait to see what will happen.

Health and safety legislation requires that all employers, and the self-employed, must ensure that their employees, and others affected by their work activity, are not exposed to risks to their health and safety. This can be taken to include the risks posed by the "Y2K" problem. In addition, designers, manufacturers, suppliers, and others have a legal duty to provide information, both initially when equipment is being purchased and subsequently if it becomes known that anything relating to the operation of the equipment could endanger health and safety.

Minister Kitt said "Essentially the message that I would like to go out from here to-day is that when you are thinking about the "Y2K" problem, give specific consideration to any possible effect it will have on the health and safety of your workers. I know that throughout 1999, the Health and Safety Authority will be involved in a campaign to raise awareness in relation to Year 2000 and workplace health and safety. This will include publications, articles and talks as well as material on their web pages. This seminar and launch here today marks the successful start of this campaign, but ultimately its success depends on the response of employers and workers."

The Minister concluded "If I was to highlight one simple message from this Health and Safety Authority booklet it would be that No Action Is Simply Not An Option. I would urge all business-people to take control of the "Y2K" issue, and let us approach the Year 2000 in a state of preparedness and with anticipation rather than trepidation."